The Car Guide’s 2019 Best Buys: Chrysler Pacifica
Every year, the team of journalists at The Car Guide establishes its Best Buys in all categories of cars and trucks, including the minivan segment.
Once again, it’s the Chrysler Pacifica that grabs the Best Buy title in its category. As a family vehicle, the Pacifica shines with room and comfort for seven passengers. And when the time comes to haul a large object, we can easily fold down all rear seats flat into the floor and obtain a maximum cargo volume of 3,979 litres. No other minivan offers second-row seats that can disappear completely into the floor.
- Also: FCA Releases a Sportier Chrysler Pacifica
- Also: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: For the Treehugging Family
The Pacifica is equipped as standard with a 3.6-litre V6 that develops 285 horsepower, with an optional automatic start/stop system, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, a plug-in hybrid powertrain—a segment exclusivity—not only serves up 260 combined horsepower, but allows for fully electric driving at a distance of up to 51 km, with a fuel economy equivalent of 2.9 L/100 km, or at an average of about 8.0 L/100 km when the battery pack reaches its minimal state of charge. And on a 240-volt station, only two hours are required to fully charge said batteries.
With its modern interior design, upscale materials and one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems in the business, the Pacifica is an ideal road-trip vehicle for the family. It retails from $36,995 before freight and delivery charges, while the plug-in hybrid variants start at $51,995.
In second place, we find the Honda Odyssey (MSRP from $35,290). With a fun-to-drive character, a spacious cockpit and a slew of available features, including a technologically advanced infotainment system, the Odyssey is a pleasing family vehicle.
The Toyota Sienna (MSRP from $35,295) ranks third amongst the Best Buys of its segment for its reputation of reliability, its strong resale value and the versatility of its cockpit.
