2027 Chrysler Pacifica Limited S Photo by Chrysler

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Did Chrysler do enough to make its 2027 Pacifica stand out from the rest of the crowd (it’s not even a big crowd)? No. And hear me out, because you know I love a minivan and the last thing I want to do is say anything negative about something that is so freakin’ practical, but this made-in-Canada people-mover is just not where it needs to be for 2027. (Granted, neither is the Honda Odyssey, and that will reportedly remain unchanged until 2030.) 

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The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica does get a slight refresh that includes a new face, and while I’ll get back to that a bit further down, those details have already been noted here. Sure, the Pacifica is the only option in the segment with the iconic Stow ‘n’ Go seats, but is that what’s going to get a family into a showroom? As much as I love the seating — and I really do love the convenience of that seating — that alone is not going to sell me.

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I think it’s also important to note that if this was a normal review, then I wouldn’t be as harsh, but as a refreshed model being driven for the first time, I’m reporting on the specific changes for this new model year, and there isn’t all that much to report on. I’m not sure how many minivan owners wanted, cared, or asked for a new design that doesn’t necessarily make it any more of a family car than it was before. And, sure, Canadian pricing has come down, but spoiler alert: as much as I love the Pacifica (and I promise, I do) I’m not dropping any amount of money on a brand new 2027 Chrysler Pacifica. Let me explain.

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The Sienna has an all-hybrid lineup, which means gas savings starting at its FWD base trim ($52,350 for the 2026 model); the base FWD Pacifica starts at $52,995. Even if prices are slightly increased for the 2027 Sienna, the difference in average fuel economy for the FWD base models is 4.0 L/100 km (6.6 L/100 km in the Sienna vs. 10.6 L/100 km in the Pacifica).

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The 2027 Kia Carnival may not offer AWD, but it starts below $45k. If you want the hybrid option, the base trim still comes in cheaper than the Sienna and Pacifica, at just below $50k. You may not be getting the reliability of the other brands, but if you want a brand-new minivan, the Kia is the cheapest option, hybrid or not.

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The Honda Odyssey is in a similar boat as the Pacifica. Back in 2024, I compared my 2014 Honda Odyssey to a then-new 2024 model, and of course, there were noticeable differences and updates, but not enough for me to want to spend over $50k on a brand-new Odyssey. A used one costs much less and gets the job (chauffeuring my messy family) done. There’s a reason we still see so many older Pacificas, Grand Caravans, and Odysseys on the roads today: they’re capable. And quite frankly, the newer models just don’t offer a whole lot more than the old ones do, at least not in the lower, more affordable trims. Meanwhile, the Sienna and Carnival, at the very least, have money-saving options.

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All of which brings us to the next point—

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In 2024, reports claimed Chrysler would debut an upcoming electric minivan, but we have yet to see or hear anything new about that. For 2026, the brand (and the rest of the Stellantis lineup) dumped its PHEV models; and for 2027, we won’t be seeing that hybrid version in this Pacifica lineup, either. Truthfully, I wasn’t a fan of the PHEV anyway. You couldn’t choose when to use the electrons; the van chose for you. The Pacifica PHEV also missed out on the Stow ‘n’ Go seating, and what’s the point of a Pacifica if you’re not getting the cool seating? I digress.

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2027 Chrysler Pacifica engine Photo by Chrysler

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For 2027, every trim is still powered by a 3.6L V6 that makes 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The base model gets FWD, and then you’ll need to add some $5,000 if you want AWD. Whether you choose the base trim or the most expensive Pacifica, you’ll have the same amount of power. However, the base trim will at least save you a couple bucks at the gas station, as it’s rated to get 10.6 L/100 km in combined highway and city driving.

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The AWD models bump that average up to 12.0 L/100 km. That’s not great, especially when compared to the hybrid minivans, but when compared to the FWD Odyssey, average numbers match exactly. That said, an AWD three-row Pilot should return an average of 11.0 L/100 km, but you won’t have the practicality that the minivan offers.

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As there are no changes to the guts of the minivan, driving impressions remain unchanged from previous years. For a deeper dive into the drive, you can check out Sami Haj-Assaad’s recent review of the 2026 Pacifica, where he notes “The ride is pretty comfortable. It’s soft with plenty of body roll to ensure a tired baby will doze off even on the harshest roads.”

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I found it to be rather heavy and jerky. Note well, if this was a cheaper vehicle, I wouldn’t be complaining in the least. But once again, we’re circling back to the idea that as a pricier 2027 model, it’s got to give me a little something more—or maybe a little less in this case, specifically a little less of a heavy feel and a little less jerkiness. (I guess it doesn’t help that I’ve been doing a long-term test of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a three-row that feels much lighter on the pedal, even if it grunts to pick up speed.)

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Safety features include a turn-signal-activated blind-spot view that inconveniently covers the map’s directions, which was a bit frustrating; however, you can ‘X’ out of that camera screen, if preferred. Parking is simple if you’ve got the surround-view camera, but certainly won’t be as simple if you’re in a trim without it.

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In my humble opinion, the Pacifica doesn’t get any specific updates that will have minivan buyers running to Chrysler showrooms, at least not any more than before. For 2027, interior updates include a new Blue Agave upholstery; however, it’s an option that’s only available for the top Pinnacle trim. The iconic Stow ‘n’ Go seats are still available, unless you choose the premium captain’s chairs for the Pinnacle trim; then you lose the Stow ‘n’ Gos, and as mentioned before, what’s even the point?

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You can also opt for the Family Tech Group package that includes a rear entertainment system with individual screens for the rear passengers, as well as options like Amazon Fire TV, FamCam, premium audio, etc. I’m not a fan of built-in rear-seat entertainment, and in my experience, splitting two screens between three kids is not the most fun, but, hey, to each their own. I will note the UConnect system incorporates a couple kid-friendly fun games onto the screens (not a new feature) but I just know that my kids will get bored of those after a while, and then they become pointless, mere party tricks, if you will. 

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You can still connect wirelessly to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and the infotainment screen is, as always, simple to use. Still going strong are the climate control buttons, and we’re so thankful those didn’t get some kind of weird update that moves those buttons onto a screen; it’s just not something I want to be digging around for when I’m also trying to manage children in the back.

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2026 vs 2027 Chrysler Pacifica front end

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Exterior updates include a new Olive Green paint colour, new wheel designs, and a significant facelift. Truth be told, it does look a heck of a lot more modern than before. It now has vertical headlights that connect with a light bar above the grille, as well as a new Chrysler logo. The styling was inspired by the Halcyon concept. If design is important to you, then these updates will be right up your alley. But if you’re just an average parent, like me, just struggling to get by, then the updated design may not be a huge selling point for you, because it’s not a practical update that will help me go about my day-to-day life. Here’s what might get your attention—

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As reported back in April, the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica gets some pretty significant price cuts. I think Chrysler had the right idea by slashing its 2027 prices by a huge chunk! The base FWD trim of the Pacifica now starts at $52,995, which includes freight and PDI fees; it’s $4,200 less than the previous model year. Adding AWD will bump that price up by $5,000. The Pacifica’s most luxe trim, the Pinnacle, now starts at $72,995. Even though it’s $7,200 less than the 2026 model, it’s still a lot of money for a mainstream minivan. (It’s the closest you’ll get to a luxury minivan, at least until 2028 when Mercedes brings its VLE to Canada, and I can guarantee that will cost much more than a Pacifica)!

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When it comes to a refresh, we’re not expecting a new powertrain or new cutting-edge technology. The price cuts are a great start, but consider that there are still cheaper options out there. The exterior updates are not going to get this mom in a showroom, at least not any faster than without those styling updates. In that sense, I think one of the most important updates for 2027 is the adjustable-height power liftgate that’s standard on all trims, but that’s not ground-breaking either as many vehicles have that family-friendly option today. 

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2027 Chrysler Pacifica Limited S Photo by Renita Naraine

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If you’re in the market for a 2027 Chrysler Pacifica, it’s still got all the features that make it a great minivan: tons of cargo space, easy-to-use Stow ‘n’ Go seats and sliding doors for the utmost convenience. But so does a used Chrysler Pacifica.

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✔ Lower starting price
✔ Available AWD
✔ Stow ‘n’ Go seats

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✘ No hybrid option
✘ Heavy drive feel
✘ Annoying blind-spot camera

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