2027 Chrysler Pacifica: A Familiar Face With a Few Fresh Family-Friendly Tricks

Minivans still make the best family haulers, and Chrysler is reminding us why with the updated 2027 Pacifica. The latest version gets a mild overhaul, headlined by a new illuminated Chrysler badge and redesigned headlights with better reach and a wider beam.

The base LX trim starts at $43,490 and keeps the old front-end styling, replacing the previous Voyager model. New wheel designs and a blind-spot camera feed, activated by the turn signal, are also added. That camera is part of a $395 Safety Sphere package on Limited trims.

A family of five took a Limited AWD model, priced at $56,365 as tested, on a summer road trip through Vermont and Maine. The second-row heated seats drew praise from the kids, but they noted cupholders and a USB port only on the passenger side of the third row. A built-in vacuum sits under the other side, handy for quick cleanups.

The Stow 'n Go second-row seats remain a Pacifica exclusive, folding into the floor for extra cargo space. Trade-offs include firmer cushions and no fore-and-aft adjustment. The infotainment system can feel laggy at startup, but wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work well.

Acceleration to 60 mph took 8.2 seconds, putting it behind rivals. The 287-hp V-6 is the only powertrain now, as the plug-in hybrid has been retired. At a 70-mph cruise, the cabin measured a quiet 66 decibels, among the best in its class.

Fuel economy averaged 22 mpg overall, with a 27-mpg result on the highway test, beating its EPA rating by 2 mpg. The fuel gauge proved inconsistent, barely moving for the first 100 miles. The ride quality and braking are solid, even on 20-inch wheels. A question remains: when will an all-new Pacifica arrive?

Chrysler's CEO wouldn't give a clear answer.