Why the Chrysler Pacifica Won Me Over

I’ll be honest — I’ve never been a minivan guy. But after spending seven days behind the wheel of the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD, I’ve officially converted. This was my first time driving one, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I had a road trip planned for SPACE CON San Antonio, where I was moderating panels for stars like Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Giancarlo Esposito. Two and a half hours later, I arrived relaxed, impressed, and fully on board with Team Minivan.

Comfort and Practicality on the Road

From the outset, the Pacifica Limited AWD demonstrated that comfort and space are its strongest suits. With only two of us inside, it felt like we were cruising in a private jet. There’s plenty of room for passengers, luggage, and gear — thanks to Chrysler’s Stow ’n Go seating system, which easily folds into the floor for maximum cargo flexibility. The flat shape and low step-in height make entering and exiting the van effortless, especially with key-fob-controlled power sliding doors on both sides.

Inside, the heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, heated steering wheel, and panoramic sunroof made long stretches on I-10 feel like a breeze. Even after hours on the road, I wasn’t ready to get out. The 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer delivers concert-quality audio throughout, and the FamCam — Chrysler’s built-in cabin camera — is a brilliant touch for families, allowing them to keep tabs on kids or pets.

Tech and Interior Features

The Pacifica’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system is sharp and user-friendly, displayed on a 10.1-inch touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. However, I did find the rotary gear selector’s placement right next to the radio knobs to be an odd choice — I kept reaching for the wrong dial when trying to change the volume.

Rear passengers get a full suite of entertainment, including two Blu-ray screens, HDMI ports, and wireless headphones, making this a road-trip dream vehicle for families. Add in multiple cupholders, cubbies, and storage bins, and the cabin feels purpose-built for comfort and practicality.

Power and Performance

Under the hood, the Pacifica Limited packs a 287-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Power delivery is smooth and confident, and the all-wheel drive system adds a real sense of security — especially for a vehicle of this size. Despite being a minivan, it drives more like a sedan, with a surprisingly strong pep for highway passing or merging.

Fuel economy is rated at 20 MPG combined; however, on my trip, I averaged 18.5 MPG, which isn’t far off, though I’ll admit my heavy foot didn’t help. The ride quality is buttery smooth, and the cabin remains impressively quiet even at higher speeds.

Pricing and Verdict

The base price for the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD starts at $52,565, but my fully loaded test model came in at $59,165 after adding the Safety Sphere Package ($1,280) and Theater Family Group ($3,325). That’s a lot of money for a family hauler, but you do get an incredible amount of convenience, technology, and versatility in return.

If I had to nitpick, the fuel economy and bland white exterior didn’t wow me, but the comfort, sound system, and practicality more than made up for it. Plus, those automatic sliding doors and power liftgate? Absolute game-changers.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD completely changed my perception of what a minivan can be. It’s comfortable, tech-packed, and easy to drive — a practical family cruiser that doesn’t feel like a chore. Whether you’re heading to a convention, a road trip, or the grocery store, this Pacifica turns every drive into a calm, comfortable experience.

RATING: 9/10

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