The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid wraps a number of firsts into one innovative package.
The Pacifica minivan, launched this year, has received positive reviews for its combination of stylish design, comfortable interior, easy-to-use infotainment, and capacious carrying capacity for up to eight adults and their goods.
Despite its name, the Pacifica Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid with a 16-kilowatt-hour battery pack that gives it an estimated EPA-rated electric range of 30 miles. That makes it the world's first plug-in hybrid minivan.
DON'T MISS: Chrysler Pacifica: The Car Connection's 2017 Best Car To Buy
The combination of an seven-seat vehicle with usable electric range will be appealing enough for families and others who like the utility, capacity, and ease of entry that minivans offer.
But the Pacifica Hybrid is also good as an electric vehicle, with strong enough electric power that it doesn't kick on its engine at the merest provocation, as do lower-range plug-in hybrids from luxury makers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
We tried hard to get the vehicle into this year's Green Car Reports Best Car To Buy award competition, but Chrysler's embargo on driving impressions (today) missed our deadline for the award by exactly one day.
