2019 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica is available in six trims: L, LX, Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited. Except for the base L and LX trims, the rest of the Pacifica trims get a hybrid option as well. For 2019, there’s a new 35th Anniversary Pacifica Edition that is exclusively available with Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited models. 

All 2019 Pacifica models have received a smattering of minor equipment changes. This includes new color choices and more optional extras for lower grades - L and LX models. There’s also an S-Appearance package available to only the top four trims, and its price varies between $595 and $795. Additional features in this package include roof-rack, body-colored mirrors, black badging, daylight opening moldings, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 18-inch Black Noise Wheels.

Which trim should you buy?

Keeping in mind cost-effectiveness and adequate luxury features, the 2019 Pacifica Touring L model is the trim of our choice that you should go for. With a starting MSRP price tag of $36,545, the Pacifica Touring L model is fairly equipped with features like Tri-Zone Automatic Climate control, 17-inch silver-painted wheels, steering mounted audio controls, and remote engine start. The seats are covered in standard leather upholstery, and the front seats get heated options. Also available with this trim is an Advanced SafetyTec package that packs in some of the most advanced safety features in the industry. 

The entire Pacifica lineup gets the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that produces 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the 2019 Pacifica comes equipped with a front-wheel-drive configuration only. And if the optional towing package is purchased, then 2019 Pacifica will have ample horsepower and torque to boast of 3,600 lbs of towing capacity. 

On the other hand, despite weighing more than 4,000 lbs, the 2019 Pacifica can do the 0-60 MPH run in 7.7 seconds and the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds. However, the gearbox doesn’t seem as refined as the rest of the vehicle. This is especially felt when manually shifting paddles. There is a visible delay in downshifting, especially when trying to overtake on a highway. 

Coincidentally, all the minivans in this class get a V6 engine, and the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica has the most powerful V6 in this competition. Followed by the Ford Flex, which falls short with its torque figures. The Honda Odyssey might not have the advantage of extra power, but it manages to channel whatever is available and achieve quicker acceleration figures in this competition. The mechanical twin of Chrysler, Dodge Grand Caravan, shares the same Pentastar engine, but it is tuned to produce 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. 

How well does the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan handle?

Interestingly, for its sheer size, the steering of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica feels remarkably light, and maneuvering out of tight spaces is effortless. Its long wheelbase and supple suspension make for a smooth and planted ride that absorbs all the unevenness on the road. 

This minivan might not be quick in its acceleration, but keep the pedal down, and speed builds up gradually. There’s a depth of composure in the way the Pacifica handles around corners. There is very little body roll and minimal nose-diving when braking. All in all, the Pacifica feels competent as a family vehicle and inspires confidence with its inspiring levels of grip. 

Braking Performance

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica gets the largest brakes in the class, with 13-inches of both front brakes and rear brakes. All 4-wheels get disc brakes with ABS, along with a standard brake assist system, electronic brake distribution, and an electronic parking brake. The minivan weighs 4,330 lbs and takes 119 feet to reach a halt from 60 mph.

Both the Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey are comparatively lighter than the Dodge Caravan and the Ford Flex. And given that the Pacifica takes 119 ft to come to a standstill from a constant speed of 60 MPH, even the Honda Odyssey should take the same distance to come to a standstill. Chrysler has the biggest brake rotors in the competition alongside being the lightest, resulting in better performance than the rivals in the department.

Above everything else, a good family hauler needs to deliver on good mileage, and the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica delivers exactly on that. The whole range delivers 10/28/22 MPG on city/highway/combined cycles since all Pacifica models share the same 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. This same engine comes with updated valve variable timing that helps with efficient fuel consumption.

The fuel economy figures of the 2019 Pacifica are better than its competition. However, the Honda Odyssey with similar efficiency figures and a bigger fuel tank enjoys more range at 429 miles in mixed situations, compared to Pacifica’s 418 miles. The Dodge Caravan also gets a slightly larger fuel tank, but it does not enjoy the range advantage like the Honda. The Ford Flex gets the smallest fuel tank and can hold only 18.6 gallons of fuel. 

It is on the inside where the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica truly shines. There is sufficient space inside to seat seven people comfortably, and the seats in the second row can be upgraded to a bench seat to accommodate eight people. Although marginally smaller than the Honda Odyssey, the Pacifica utilizes space well. The front seat occupants get a generous 40.1 inches of headroom and 41.1 inches of legroom. 

Aside from that, upscale and high-quality materials are abundantly found throughout the cabin that gives a refined and premium feel. There are eleven interior color options available across the Pacifica range. The Base, L, LX, and Touring Plus models get high-quality cloth interior in Black/Ravine cloth with Sepia stitchings or Toffer/Ravine cloth with Toffee stitchings. The Touring L and Touring L Plus get McKinley leather options, whereas the Limited model gets standard Nappa leather cover. 

When it comes to standard cargo space, the Honda Odyssey stands out with 38.6 cubic feet of space compared to Pacifica’s 32.3 cubic feet of space. Space-wise, the Honda Odyssey has marginally more space too, but the Stow ‘N Go seat options with the Pacifica make it more versatile. Ford Flex comes out to be the least practical option with just 20 cubic feet of cargo space. Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Steering Wheel with Tilt and Telescopic function
• Floor tray storage
• Third-row Stow ‘N Go seats
• Keyless entry
• Single rear overhead DVD system

What’s there to keep you entertained? 

Standard across all Pacific models is the UConnect system from Chrysler, which is intuitive and very easy to use. The base four models come with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, USB/Aux, and Bluetooth connectivity. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with Pacifica’s infotainment system. The base models get a standard 6-speaker sound system. The Touring L and Touring L Plus models get an updated 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and an updated 14-speaker Alpine sound system. In the Limited model, you can also opt for a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• UConnect Infotainment system
• AM/FM radio
• USB/AUX connectivity
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 14-speaker Alpine Sound System/14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Apple CarPlay 
• Android Auto
• Navigation system 

The exterior design of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica really stands out with its sleek proportions, starting with the twin-grille nose that presents the Chrysler logo in a classy and elegant manner. The Pacifica sits on standard 17-inch or 18-inch wheels (depending upon the trim), but there’s also the option to upgrade them to 20-inches. A sunroof is available as an option, but the top Limited model gets dual-sunroof as a standard offering. 

Also, Pacifica’s imposing stance is evident in its dimension. Its 203.8 inches of length and 69.9-inches of height make it the longer and taller vehicle in this class. The wheelbase of the Pacifica is also slightly longer than the Dodge Caravan at 121.6-inches compared to the latter’s 121.2 inches of wheelbase. 

As has been stated before, the 2019 Pacifica is the longest and tallest minivan in its class. With 4,637 lbs of curb weight, the Ford Flex, on the other hand, is the heaviest, shortest, and smallest minivan in this lot. When comparing the ground clearance, Ford offers the most whereas the Honda offers the least, measuring 6.0 and 4.5 inches, respectively. Some of the standout exterior features are as follows:

• MOPAR protective clear film
• MOPAR running boards/splash guards
• Tri-Pane panoramic sunroof
• 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica has won the 2019 Top Safety Pick award from IIHS with its general rating of ‘Good’ in all crash tests. It received a ‘Superior’ grade in front crash prevention, however, the headlights did not receive the best ratings for they were trim dependent. The NHTSA has also awarded the 2019 Pacifica with five stars for front and side crash tests. 

Besides federal validation, Chrysler also equips all Pacifica models with a standard SafetyTec Group which comes auto-equipped with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear park assist. There’s also an Advanced SafetyTec Group that adds advanced brake assist, rain-sensing wipers, high-beam headlamps, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and parallel and perpendicular park assist. This package is only available on the top-end trims, and it costs an additional $995. Some of the standard safety features of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica are as follows:

• Electronic stability control
• Headlight control
• Hill hold assist
• Daytime running lights
• Parking Assistance
• Rear ParkSense Rear with backup camera
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear cross-path detection

2019 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan

The mechanical twin of the Chrysler Pacifica, the Dodge Grand Caravan gets all the good qualities of the Chrysler. It can fit 7 people and has enough power to tow a similar 3,600 pounds as well. However, the Dodge Grand Caravan is not as fuel-efficient as the Pacifica, which hampers its range. Also, the Pacifica is any day much better looking than the Grand Caravan. 

2019 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2019 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is the only true formidable competitor to the Pacifica. It gets a similar capacious cabin and equally large cargo space. Both have a similarly intuitive infotainment system, and both get the most efficient V6 engine in this class. But the Chrysler Pacifica wins over the Odyssey with a cheaper price tag. 

2019 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2019 Ford Flex

The Ford Flex is the only wagon in this competition that gets a twin-turbo V6 engine. The Flex has also been in the market for quite some time unchanged, but unlike the Pacifica, is gradually showing signs of aging. Also, the Ford Flex is short on safety gear, unlike the Pacifica, which is filled to the brim with safety features. 

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica is a proper value-for-money vehicle. It is a safe vehicle as it has been awarded the ‘Top Safety Pick’ award from IIHS alongside a host of safety features. Its interior is equally premium, and the ride quality is comfortable too with 7 people on board. The combination of utility, fuel-efficient powertrain, comfort, and an easy-to-use infotainment system make the Pacifica a no-brainer if you’re looking for a perfect family hauler.