2026 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Among family minivans, the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid remains unique for its ability to drive on electric power alone—something neither the hybrid Toyota Sienna nor the Kia Carnival can claim.
It combines a plug-in hybrid system with the practicality of three-row seating and generous cargo capacity, making it a flexible choice for both short commutes and longer trips. First introduced in 2017, the Pacifica Hybrid received a significant refresh in 2021 and sees few changes for 2026.
What’s New
For 2026, Chrysler introduces the Pacifica 100th Anniversary Edition. The last time the Pacifica got a noteworthy update was for 2021, when new design cues, tech features, active safety features, and trim levels were introduced.
What We Think
If you're looking for versatile, efficient family transportation with room for everyone, the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid remains worth a look. Although there are now a fair number of new three-row EVs available, the Pacifica Plug-In is one of the few vehicles that combines seating for up to seven with the ability to drive on electric power—without any range concerns.
With about 32 miles of electric driving range available, families with home charging capability can handle daily errands or school drop-offs without using any gas. When it’s time for a longer trip, the gas engine kicks in—no planning around charging stops required. It’s a practical solution that combines the benefits of old-school and new-school.
The Pacifica Plug-In drives well, with ample acceleration provided by the electric motor and confident, carlike handling. The brakes can have a mushy, inconsistent feel, but otherwise it’s easy and pleasant to drive. Inside, it’s spacious and versatile, with plenty of storage and flexible seating, although the useful Stow ’n Go folding second-row seats are not available.
Although some newer vehicles offer more tech or cushier seats, the Pacifica Plug-In makes up for its increasing age with lower fuel costs and fewer trips to the pump. Just make sure to plug it in often—if you can’t, choose the regular Pacifica.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid continues to use a 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with an electric motor and a 16-kWh battery, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower.
All models are FWD only—unlike the standard Pacifica, AWD isn’t offered. In MotorTrend testing, the Pacifica Plug-In accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.
MPGs and EV Range
When operating in standard hybrid mode, the Pacifica Plug-In is rated at 30 mpg, or 82 mpg-e in combined city/highway driving. Total range on a full tank of gas is 520 miles.
The ability to drive on electric power is the Pacifica Plug-In's main benefit. It can provide up to 32 miles of EV range, enough for many people’s daily driving needs.
Recharging occurs via a J1772 plug, the common interface for most home charging systems. With a home Level 2 charger, filling the battery takes slightly more than two hours. Plugging it into a standard wall outlet requires about 14 hours.
Safety Ratings and Features
The aging Pacifica hasn’t kept up with newer vans in crash safety. Although the Plug-In model was only partially assessed, the standard 2025 Pacifica received mixed results in IIHS testing, slipping from the Top Safety Pick status it achieved in 2023. However, all Pacifica models received the highest five-star overall safety score in 2025 NHTSA testing.
Standard driver assist and active safety features for the Pacifica Plug-In include:
- Front automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Choosing the Safety Sphere package adds:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Semi-autonomous parallel parking system
- 360-degree camera
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Although the standard Pacifica has Stow n’ Go second-row seats that fold flat into the floor, those aren’t available in the Plug-In model. Otherwise, the two versions share the same generous interior measurements.
Technology
Infotainment
The Pacifica Plug-In is equipped with a 7.0-inch driver’s display and 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. That touchscreen runs Chrysler’s user-friendly Uconnect 5 interface and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Depending on trim level, a wireless charging pad and as many as 12 USB ports are available. A six-speaker audio system is standard; a 13-speaker Alpine or 19-speaker Harman Kardon system is equipped in higher-end models. Other premium tech features include entertainment displays for the rear seats and the FamCam passenger monitoring system.
Sound System
A six-speaker audio system is equipped in the Select trim, a 13-speaker Alpine system is equipped in the S Appearance trim, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon setup is exclusive to the Pinnacle trim.
Available Upgrades
Optional tech upgrades for the Pacifica Plug-In include a 360-degree camera, rear-seat entertainment touchscreens, and an interior camera for monitoring back-seat passengers.
Value
Standard Features
In basic Select trim, the 2026 Pacifica Plug-In is equipped with leatherette upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, driver’s seat memory settings, power-operated rear doors and tailgate, and three-zone automatic climate control. The starting price for this model is approximately $53,000 before incentives.
Recommended Trim
Although the S Appearance and Pinnacle trims add upgrades such as leather upholstery, dual-pane sunroofs, and premium speaker systems, we think it’s best to stick with the basic Select trim for the Pacifica Plug-In. The base model has most of the same tech and functionality features as its higher-end counterparts and excels equally in practical family hauling.
New 2026 Pacifica Plug-in 100th Anniversary Edition
In 2026 Chrysler celebrates a century of being in business. Although it’s not the titan of industry and culture it once was, such an occasion is still worth celebrating, and so the automaker is rolling out the Pacifica 100th Anniversary Edition.
For the Pacifica Plug-In, this edition is based on the entry-level Select trim. It adds a dark gray finish to the wheels, grille, and Chrysler wing badges. The mirror caps and window trim are black, providing dark contrast against the available Red Hot, Bright White, or Hydro Blue exterior paint colors. To further distinguish this edition, a new “Est. 1925” Chrysler badge decal is applied to the rear.
The Pacifica Plug-In 100th Anniversary Edition also comes with the Safety Sphere package, which adds front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.
