Chrysler hopes that the new Pacifica Hybrid will appeal to customers who want a very economic family car. So they needed the EPA verdict when it comes to fuel consumption levels.
The verdict is one that should make Chrysler happy. Exceeding initial program targets, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has earned a fuel economy rating of 84 miles-per-gallon-equivalent.
The new benchmark reflects the Pacifica Hybrid’s combined city- and highway-cycle performance in electric-only mode, as tested by the EPA. FCA US had estimated the vehicle would achieve 80 MPGe, which represents the distance a vehicle can travel using a quantity of fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also excelled on two other fronts. EPA testing established a total driving range rating of 566 miles, up from 530, and set the electric-only range rating at 33 miles, up from 30.
In addition, the EPA gave the all-new minivan a rating of 10 in its Green Vehicle Guide. The score relates to a vehicle’s combined performance on fuel economy and greenhouse-gas emissions.
The performance establishes the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient minivan of all time.
The Pacifica Hybrid’s 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located under the second-row floor, preserving the third-row Stow‘n Go seating and storage, plus room for seven passengers. Recharging can take two hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger, available from Mopar through dealers.
With a 120-volt (Level 1) charger, which comes standard with the vehicle, the Pacifica Hybrid can be fully recharged in approximately 14 hours. The vehicle also benefits from regenerative braking.
Power to the wheels is supplied by the electric drive system or supplemented by a specially adapted new version of the gasoline-powered Pentastar 3.6-liter V6.
The EPA estimates the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s annual fuel cost, gas and electricity combined, at $900. The vehicle starts at $34,495.
