2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is powered by a modified version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine running on Atkinson cycle. The segment’s first hybrid is derived by coupling a two-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT) to the engine, resulting in more than 80 miles per gasoline equivalent (MPGe) in the city.

Pacifica Hybrid has an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles. The efficiency propels it to the fourth best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) among the 30 PHEVs available in the market. It’s the number 1 seller among the 20 vehicles that offer PHEV as an option.

This eight-passenger vehicle is groomed outside with honeycomb grille patterns, and covered by Velvet Red Pearl-Coat exterior paint. All this beauty rests on 18-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish.

Pacifica’s body structure was redesigned from the ground up on an all-new platform, delivering an exceptional ride while dismissing harshness and quelling any vibrations. Its body structure is light and stiff, making it more responsive with lower levels of body roll and enhanced agility to absorb and distribute “road input.”

Just because this Pacifica is a hybrid, it doesn’t mean mileage is boosted by sacrificing power. You get it all!

The Atkinson cycle engine improves performance without compromising the drive. The hybrid electric motor works in tandem with the engine for increased all-electric drive appeal.

Chrysler Pacifica has a whole host of the latest safety technologies. In fact, there are more than 100 standard and available items in the list, with notable features like a 360-degree Surround View Camera, ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking.

A modern interior has no shortage of displays. There are two 10-inch seatback touchscreens and a 7-inch full color driver information display, then there is the Uconnect 4 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen which provides a good variety of connectivity through standard Apple Play and Android Auto, plus available 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.

The well-appointed Pacifica Hybrid Limited comes standard with an Alpine 13-speaker audio system with active noise canceling. For audiophile quality sound, a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound is available.

Several convenience features are included, which makes day-to-day living with a van like this much easier. There is Stow’n Vac integrated vacuum powered by RIDGID to help you keep the interior clean. Stow’n Go Assist quickly slides the front seat forward while Stow’n Go Seating effortlessly folds the second- or third-row seats flat into the floor. Stow’n Go Storage provides some in-floor storage space when the seats are not folded. Hands-free sliding door and liftgate that opens with the kick of a foot are difficult to live without once you get used to them.

The MSRP for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid starts at $39.995 for the base Touring model. The Limited model is slotted in the middle of the lineup, and carries a price tag of $45,845. The model line tops out at $49.140 with the Red S Edition.

Recently my wife and I took a day-trip to Terrell, Texas. Terrell is about an hour’s drive east from our home in southwest Dallas. Terrell is also home to our nearest Buc-ee’s. Yet Buc was not our destination for the day. We had a quick lunch at Freddy’s Restaurant, which was actually a fast food place. We had lunch inside their spacious dining area, and the large steak burger and fries were delicious. After my meal, accompanied by three Dr Peppers, I was ready for some dessert.

We had driven to Terrell to buy some homemade peach ice cream from Ham Orchard, located a few minutes’ drive from Terrell, just off FM Road 309. Ham Orchard is world famous for their homemade peach ice cream. We bought not only homemade peach ice cream, but peach jelly, fresh peaches, other fruits and vegetables, and a huge peach pie.

My wife JoAnn, in her sweetest and most authoritative voice, suggested we divide our responsibilities for the afternoon drive home. She volunteered to sample the peach ice cream while I drove. Two pints of peach ice cream and an hour later we arrived home. She complimented my tremendous driving skills and the super ride in the Pacifica. After eating only two pints of peach ice cream, she proclaimed Ham’s Peach Ice Cream was the best ice cream she had ever eaten.

Driving home, listening to my wife make happy sounds eating ice cream, I couldn’t help but notice how quiet Pacifica Hybrid was and how wonderfully it handled. And it only sips gas. The back seat appeared roomy and airy, allowing thoughts for a grandchildren’s invitation for church Sunday.

Yep, just driving home listening to great music, in a cool cabin, and occasionally giving JoAnn some more napkins makes for a feeling of grand temperament.

After arriving home JoAnn sweetly suggested I put everything away while she took a nap. Bless her heart! Eating all that peach ice cream just tuckered her out. Once everything was in place and I had hidden the peach pie in my upstairs office closet, I snuck out of the house, jumped in the Pacifica, and headed for Braums.

The drive-through line was long at Braums. I finally got to the window and ordered a triple scoop of peach ice cream. “I am so sorry mister,” said the kind lady, “but we just ran out.”

“Please,” I cried, “I am desperate for some peach ice cream.” She thought a moment, then smiled. “Say Mister, do you know where Terrell, Texas is located?”

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. You may reach at this newspaper or [email protected].