Best Family Cars: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

Mid-cycle refresh for 2021

Available all-wheel drive

New Pinnacle luxury trim

Plug-in hybrid option

Stow ‘n Go seating in most models

Pricing starts at $35,195 (plus $1,495 destination)

For families with a taste and a budget for the finer things in life, unfortunately, there are no minivans from luxury brands.  However, few can deny the luxury credentials of the higher-end trims of the upscale Chrysler Pacifica.  The Pacifica, which Chrysler refreshed and improved for 2021, is more luxurious than ever.  With a new range-topping Pinnacle model, newly available all-wheel drive, and an updated aesthetic, the Chrysler Pacifica is a top player in family haulers.

 2021 Updates

 A pretty thorough mid-cycle refresh for 2021 really takes the Chrysler Pacifica to the next level.  It starts with an updated look inside and out.  While the new look makes it a bit more SUV-like, it's all minivan with a space-efficient interior and sliding doors.  The updated infotainment system uses a bigger screen.  There are more standard safety features including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.  The luxurious new Pinnacle trim has features like quilted caramel Nappa leather seats, a suede headliner, and even second-row lumbar support pillows.

Perhaps the biggest story of the 2021 Pacifica is the addition of an all-wheel-drive option.  Previously, the Toyota Sienna was the only minivan available with AWD.  If you're in the market for a minivan with confidence-inspiring all-weather traction, you now have another option.  All-wheel drive is standard on the Limited and Pinnacle models and optional on the Touring and Touring L trims.

 Unique Features

 There are a few features available in the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica that you can't get with any other brand.  The most notable is the available Stow 'n Go seating.  Stow 'n Go allows both the second and third rows of seats to fold flat into the floor with ease.  No tools or clunky seat removal required.  If you're looking for a van that can transform from a family-friendly minivan to a cavernous cargo van in a pinch, then Stow 'n Go is a must.

 Some other neat features in the Pacifica include a Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner, the Uconnect Theater rear entertainment system, and the sporty S Appearance Package.  The S Appearance Package adds cool black wheels, blacked-out badging and accents, and special seats.

 Plug It In

 The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica remains the only plug-in hybrid minivan on the market.  That means it has both a gas engine and an electric motor that work together to make the most efficient minivan money can buy.  It's rated at 82 combined MPGe by the EPA and has an all-electric driving range of up to 32 miles.  After the hybrid battery dies, the van still gets 30 combined mpg, which is efficient for a vehicle this size.  If you're a little unsure about the reliability of a plug-in hybrid, the battery comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty to give you extra peace of mind.  Unfortunately, the Pacifica Hybrid can't be had with Stow 'n Go seating or all-wheel drive.

 Is it Worth the Price?

 The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has a higher starting price than most minivans, but remember, the Chrysler lineup also includes the more budget-friendly Voyager minivan, which starts under $30,000.  Pricing for the Pacifica ranges from around $35,000 for the base Touring trim to a little over $53,000 for the Pinnacle AWD model.  The Pacifica Hybrid starts at about $40,000 and goes up to almost $51,000 before any hybrid tax incentives kick in, which vary depending on where you live.