Driving Impressions: 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited
By: Mark Moskowitz MD
There's only one way to describe the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - it's an FUV, a family utility vehicle. This car is not all things to all people. For the day racer there are no paddle shifters, there's no hidden sport mode and no one's going to get excited carving exit ramps. And as the hybrid is only offered as a front wheel drive vehicle, off road enthusiasts and mountain dwellers will not be excited.
Prolonged product cycles seem the rule at American Stellantis and this one has been improving since 2017. A finger touch of the fob or door handles opens powered side doors. A tall enough roof line allows easy entrance and middle row captain's chairs make row three accessible. A monstrous recess in the rear enables luggage carry for all seven occupants or a home for seat three creating space for more 'stuff'.
And the electronics are people/ family friendly. The brand's U-Connect system was updated last year with a reported five times faster processor. Five family members can claim their own settings. And they are easy to set up with most everything on a central cluster and an easily visible, dashboard integrated 10.3-inch touch screen. Most widgets are brought rapidly to the fore with a simple swipe. Android auto and Apple CarPlay connect wirelessly. And it's Alexa compatible. The gauge cluster presents as a simulated analogue tach and speedometer, and can be easily changed to one of a multitude of faces monitoring charging and more; all can be accessed by steering wheel mounted controls. Fortunately, Chrysler retains knobs and buttons for climate and radio control.
Though both seem necessary, the presence of the FamCam (interior view) and surround view is applauded.
Road manners were excellent. Steering was light and accurate. Bumps were absorbed with minimal fuss at reasonable speeds. And some electronic noise dampening helped make the soft ride a quiet one. Expect some body lean on tight curves. Electric/ gas transitions at low speeds were for the most part smooth and despite the burdens of regenerative braking, the left pedal had a quite normal feel.
I share that there was a certain joy to cruising the 32-mile range in silent mode. It took 14 hours to achieve max charging on a 110V system. Chrysler reports that a dedicated (220/240) charger gives its full dose in two hours. As presented, the Pacifica can be interpreted as high end and highly functional. Refined and easy to live with are two more, apt descriptors.
As tested, the Limited's cost approaches $60,000. Buyers most likely will qualify for a $7500 tax credit, which can reduce the pain. An added bonus: here in North Carolina plug ins can occupy the HOV lanes without a passenger.
Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD
About Mark Moskowitz MD
Mark Moskowitz MD is a retired surgeon, racer, and car collector. He is director and curator of The Museum of Automobile History (pvt), manages the estate of renowned automotive artist, Carlo Demand, serves on the Board of Directors of Carolina Motorsports Park and is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. He is a frequent contributor to multiple motoring publications. Dr. Moskowitz is a member of International Chief Judge Advisory Group and has been privileged to judge concours events at Boca Raton, La Jolla, Santa Fe, Arizona, Greenwich, Hershey (the Elegance), Radnor Hunt, Cobble Beach, Hilton Head, Dusseldorf, Knokke-Heist, Monticello Raceway and Delhi, India. Dr Moskowitz has served as chief judge for the race car concours at Monticello Raceway, the Trump Charlotte Concours and the Miami Concours.
Mark Moskowitz MD is a retired surgeon, racer, and car collector. He is director and curator of The Museum of Automobile History (pvt), manages the estate of renowned automotive artist, Carlo Demand, serves on the Board of Directors of Carolina Motorsports Park and is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. He is a frequent contributor to multiple motoring publications. Dr. Moskowitz is a member of International Chief Judge Advisory Group and has been privileged to judge concours events at Boca Raton, La Jolla, Santa Fe, Arizona, Greenwich, Hershey (the Elegance), Radnor Hunt, Cobble Beach, Hilton Head, Dusseldorf, Knokke-Heist, Monticello Raceway and Delhi, India. Dr Moskowitz has served as chief judge for the race car concours at Monticello Raceway, the Trump Charlotte Concours and the Miami Concours.
