Plug-in hybrid vehicles might not grab headlines like full EVs, but they’re quietly becoming a smart middle ground in the push toward carbon neutrality. Even automakers that once promised an all-electric lineup are now shifting focus back to PHEVs, realizing that ditching gas engines entirely is pricier and trickier than expected.

Unlike regular hybrids, PHEVs can run on electricity alone for short trips, helping drivers save on fuel and emissions. They’re especially appealing to families who want eco-friendly options without fully committing to the charging demands of an EV.

One plug-in minivan, while not the newest on the block, continues to stand out as a practical choice. It may be aging, but it still delivers where it counts—space, efficiency, and everyday versatility.

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Meet the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV: The One Vehicle That Does It All

If you’re after a one-and-done family vehicle, the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV makes a seriously compelling case. It’s roomy, efficient, and built to handle just about everything daily life throws your way.

When it comes to interior space, few can touch it—even big SUVs struggle to keep up. Whether you’re driving or riding in the back, there’s comfort to spare across all three rows.

Up front, you get a generous 38.4 inches of headroom and 41.1 inches of legroom. The second row offers 38 inches of headroom and 39 inches of legroom, while the third row still gives passengers a respectable 38.7 inches up top and 36.5 inches to stretch out.

2025 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV: Interior Dimensions

With all three rows up, the Pacifica PHEV still offers a solid 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space—plenty for strollers, groceries, or a weekend’s worth of gear. Drop the second and third rows, and that balloons to a cavernous 140.5 cubic feet.

Passenger space is just as generous, with 165 cubic feet spread throughout the cabin, giving everyone room to breathe. Whether you’re hauling people, stuff, or both, this minivan handles it without breaking a sweat.

As for reliability, there’s no 2025 J.D. Power rating just yet, but the nearly identical 2023 model pulled in a respectable 72 out of 100. That includes solid marks for quality and reliability (71/100), driving experience (69/100), and resale (76/100)—pretty reassuring if you’re planning to hold onto it.

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Power Meets Practicality With 280 Horsepower on Tap

Pop the hood of the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV and you’ll find a trusty 3.6-liter V6 paired with a permanent-magnet electric motor. Together, they send power to the front wheels through an eCVT, blending smooth electric drive with gas-powered punch.

The result? A solid 260 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque is more than enough to move a whole load of passengers and cargo without a sweat.

2025 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV: Performance and Specifications

The Pacifica PHEV sprints from 0 to 60 mph in a solid 7.3 seconds and tops out at 106 mph—not too shabby for a family hauler. That said, Chrysler doesn’t approve it for towing, which is a bit of a letdown if you need serious hauling power.

Luckily, the massive interior space more than makes up for that missing feature, giving you plenty of room for everything else on your family’s to-do list.

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Getting 82 MPGe, the Pacifica PHEV Makes Every Mile Count

One of the biggest perks of owning a Pacifica PHEV is how little it asks of your wallet at the pump. On gas alone, it delivers a respectable 30 MPG and can cruise up to 520 miles on a full 16.5-gallon tank.

Switch to electric mode, and things get even better with an EPA-estimated 82 MPGe. Thanks to its 12.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, you can cover up to 32 miles without using a drop of fuel—perfect for school runs or daily errands.

2025 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV: EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy Figures

According to the EPA, the Pacifica PHEV could save you around $2,750 in fuel costs over five years, with an estimated $1,200 in combined gas and electric expenses annually. Driving 25 miles on electricity costs about $1.54, while switching to gas bumps that up to $2.70.

Charging is pretty flexible, too. With the standard 6.6 kW onboard charger, a full charge takes about 14 hours on a regular outlet, but plug into a Level 2 charger and you’re topped up in just two.

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The Pacifica’s Biggest Competition? America’s SUV Obsession

The 2025 Pacifica PHEV Select starts at a steep $51,055, which makes it a tough pitch when stacked against similarly priced SUVs. Still, it comes well-equipped with dual-zone climate control, rear HVAC settings, heated front seats, smart key access (via subscription), and an auto-dimming rearview mirror—plus a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5.0 touchscreen paired with a six-speaker sound system and Nappa leather upholstery.

Upgrade to the S Appearance for $57,300, and you’re mostly paying for sportier styling, inside and out. At the top of the lineup, the $60,280 Pinnacle trim adds luxe touches like a ventilated passenger seat, powered adjustments, and a booming 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system—though all trims carry an added $1,695 destination fee.

Confidence Comes Standard With the Pacifica PHEV

The Pacifica PHEV may ride on an older platform, but it still holds its own when it comes to safety. Standard features include a full suite of airbags—covering the front, sides, and curtain areas—plus driver assistance tech like blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

It’s earned top marks from safety watchdogs, scoring a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. There is one recall on record, tied to a loose brake caliper bracket that could cause a loss of control—but it only affects eight vehicles, and Chrysler is handling it free of charge.

As for the gas engine under the hood, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 has a reputation for durability. With regular oil changes every 6,000 miles and spark plug replacements around the 100,000-mile mark, many of these engines easily surpass 200,000 miles—just keep an eye on that timing chain by the 150,000-mile mark.

2025 Pacifica PHEV: Warranty Coverage and What Might Go Wrong

One issue some older Pacifica models have faced is rocker arm and lifter failure, usually between 90,000 and 120,000 miles—but so far, that doesn’t seem to be a concern for the 2025 models. If it ever crops up, you’ll likely hear a ticking noise or notice engine misfires.

Cooling system wear is another thing to watch for around the 100,000-mile mark, especially with water pumps and thermostats. Thankfully, these are common wear items and usually give you fair warning before they go.

As for coverage, Chrysler backs the Pacifica PHEV with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and you also get rust protection for five years (no mileage limit) plus roadside assistance for the same length and mileage as the powertrain warranty.