The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica just spent more than 3,000 miles across 20 states in our hands, and it left a strong impression. Chrysler updated its long-running minivan for the new model year, so we put it to work on a real family road trip. After all those miles, five clear reasons stand out for why you would want to shop this minivan. Here is what won us over, plus one honest gripe.
Fresh Styling Sets the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica Apart
First, and most obvious, is the updated styling. The Select, Limited and Pinnacle trims receive the new front-end styling; the entry-level LX retains the previous look. As a result, you get piano-key running lights, LED headlights, fresh turn signals, and a new illuminated Chrysler logo. That badge marks the brand’s new look, and more models are on the way to wear it.
In addition, the wheels are new. Our Limited tester rolled on optional 20-inch diamond-cut wheels, and they are our favorite of the lineup. They wear 245/50R20 self-sealing all-season tires, so there is no spare in this model. Meanwhile, the profile and rear stay familiar, though the tailgate now wears the new logo.
A V-6 With Available All-Wheel Drive
Second, look under the hood. Our tester uses Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, paired here with all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, sent through a nine-speed TorqueFlite automatic.
Here is what makes it stand out. The Pacifica sends power to the rear axle through a traditional driveshaft. The only other AWD minivan on sale, the Toyota Sienna, instead drives its rear wheels with an electric motor. Meanwhile, the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey do not offer this setup at all. That gives buyers two different approaches to all-wheel drive. The system is smart, too. It engages the rear axle when added traction is needed and can disconnect the rear driveline to reduce drag when it is not.
Family-Friendly Space in Every Row
Third, families will love the cabin. The power sliding doors open with a button, a handle, or the key fob, so loading kids is easy. Inside, the second row offers chair-like seats, dual armrests, and a recline. Ceiling-mounted vents with rear controls keep everyone cool, and they sit right above a rear-facing car seat, so a child still gets good airflow on hot days.
The third row is roomy, too. Your knees do not hit your chin back there, and you get reclining seatbacks, USB power, and built-in window shades. Best of all, the Pacifica keeps its class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go second row. On our Limited, the second-row seats fold into floor wells, which provide storage when the seats are upright. Pinnacle models use removable second-row seats instead.
For cargo, the numbers are strong. Behind the third row, you get 32.3 cubic feet of space. Fold the third row, and that grows to 87.5 cubic feet. Drop everything, and the Pacifica opens up to 140.5 cubic feet.
The Stow ‘n Vac Makes Cleanup Easy
Fourth is a feature parents will appreciate. The built-in Stow ‘n Vac vacuum sits in the driver-side rear wheel well, and its hose reaches every seat in the van. After a long road trip, we cleaned up all the crumbs with ease. When the bin fills up, you simply pour it out, slide it back in, and lock it into place. Built-in vacuums are not unique to the Pacifica, but this one is easy to use and just as easy to empty.
FamCam and Camera Tech, Now More Affordable
Fifth, the technology took a smart step forward. The Pacifica adds ParkSense-activated 360-degree cameras and turn-signal blind-spot views through its Safety Sphere package. FamCam, the ceiling-mounted interior camera, lets you check the rear seats on the center display, and you can zoom in on each one. Because the camera sits behind the second row, you can even see a rear-facing child’s face.
Best of all, FamCam is no longer tied to the rear-entertainment package. As a result, buyers can select the Family Tech Group without also buying rear entertainment screens; availability and pricing depend on trim. So parents who want eyes on the kids, but not more screens in their faces, finally have that choice.
Living With the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica
Over 3,000 miles, the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica rode very well. The optional 20-inch wheels look sharp, yet they stay quiet and comfortable, even on broken pavement. The Pentastar V-6 feels decently powered, and it returned 24.1 mpg over our 3,000-mile trip. Our road-trip result is not directly comparable to a combined city/highway rating. Chrysler lists manufacturer estimates of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the AWD model. Visibility is excellent all around, thanks to large windows and those extra cameras.
There is one honest gripe, though. The 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen does a lot. It runs Apple CarPlay, climate, media, and every camera view, so the layout gets busy. When you turn on a blinker, your shortcuts vanish for the blind-spot camera, and FamCam blocks the other controls entirely. A second screen, like the ones in other Stellantis models, would ease the load. On the bright side, both front doors hide an umbrella holder, which came in handy during a rainy stretch.
Should You Shop the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica?
Overall, the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica nails the family-hauler basics. Our tester blends all-wheel drive, clever Stow ‘n Go seating, handy Stow ‘n Vac cleanup, and reassuring FamCam views into one package. Our Limited AWD tester wore Red Hot Pearl-Coat paint over a black interior, and its as-tested price was $57,360 including destination. The Sienna, Carnival, and Odyssey each do a few things well, so shop them all. If a three-row SUV is also on your list, compare our Palisade and Grand Highlander matchup. Still, if you want the most configurable minivan of the group, the Pacifica makes a strong case.
