Chrysler Pacifica Rated Acceptable in the IIHS Updated Side Crash Test

The first of two videos attached below shows the Pacifica getting slammed by a 4,200-pound barrier at 37 miles per hour, as in 1,905 kilograms and 60 kilometers per hour. The differences between the original and the updated side crash test include the barrier design (now features a honeycomb surface that bends around the B pillar), its weight (previously 3,300 pounds or 1,500 kilograms previously), and speed (previously 31 miles per hour or 50 clicks).

Had it been a real person, the dummy in the rest seat wouldn't have walked away from this crash without injuries. The IIHS noted potential torso and pelvis injuries, with an emphasis on pelvis injuries. In these categories, the 2023 – 2024 Pacifica was rated acceptable and poor, therefore resulting in an overall rating of acceptable in the updated side crash test.

The rivaling Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey were deemed good in this particular scenario. However, all three minivans leave much to be desired in the updated version of the moderate overlap front crash test. The Odyssey performed poorly, whereas the Sienna and segment-leading Pacifica were rated marginal. In the Pacifica's case, the rear dummy readings indicate head, neck, and chest injuries.

That's not all, though. A recurring issue of the Pacifica, one that Chrysler has yet to address, is the acceptable rating of the headlights. The American minivan that Chrysler builds in Canada is equipped with acceptable headlights comprising LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams. According to the Virginia-based nonprofit, the low beams offer inadequate visibility on the gradual left curve.

The bad news continues with a marginal rating for the seat belt reminders, an acceptable rating for the LATCH system's ease of use, and advanced ratings in two front crash prevention tests. More specifically, the daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. The Sienna was rated advanced in both tests as well, whereas the Odyssey received the superior rating in the daytime test.

On October 3, FCA US LLC reported that US sales were down 1 percent for the quarter versus the third quarter of 2022. The Pacifica clocked no fewer than 112,198 deliveries in the United States market in the first three quarters of the year, whereas Toyota and Honda reported 47,745 and 56,369, respectively.

Joined at the hip to the Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline, the Odyssey flaunts a naturally aspirated V6 and a starting price of $37,840 (sans destination charge). The Sienna is hybrid by default, with Toyota charging $37,185 for the most spartan of trim levels. Over at Chrysler, which will soon become a one-model brand due to the 300 sedan going out of production by the end of December 2023, offers the Pacifica with combustion-only and plug-in setups.

The Pentastar-engined Pacifica carries a starting price of $38,020, whereas the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid starts at a rather uncanny $51,095. Rated at 260 horsepower instead of the combustion-only version's 287, the plug-in hybrid is good for up to 32 miles (51 kilometers) of all-electric driving. After the battery is depleted, the naturally aspirated V6 promises up to 30 mpg (7.8 l/100 km) combined versus 22 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) for the ICE-exclusive version.