The Napa leather interior of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is plush and modern.
True story: I was with my family at the Chattanooga FC soccer game last week when an acquaintance tracked me down with a tip.
"You should do an article on the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid," he said.
"Funny you should mention that," I chuckled. "I've got one in my driveway right now."
Bill Copeland, director of business intelligence at EPB, says that the local power company has been studying the economies of certain hybrids and EVs and determined the average Chattanooga customer would save about $70-$90 a month in fuel costs purchasing a Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid compared to a non-hybrid Pacifica. Factor in a lower total cost of ownership - including a $7,500 federal tax credit - and the Pacifica becomes a compelling bargain.
It was the second time in two days someone had approached me about the Pacifica, which I have started to refer to affectionately as the "electric whale." Another acquaintance, a real performance enthusiast, told me that his family was considering a Pacifica hybrid for commuting.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited * Exterior color: Billet Silver Metallic * Interior color: White * Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, hybrid * Transmission: CVT * Local Dealer: Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep * Price (as tested): $49,575
This was after I confided to another friend that the Pacifica Hybrid is easily one of my favorite cars of the year - which surprised me. And my 11-year-old son thinks the Pacifica Hybrid is cooler than cool. It drives like a dream and has one of the most comfortable, family-friendly interiors available at any price.
Rarely - OK never - has one of our test-drive vehicles created such a stir with such a wide range of people. It confirms my suspicion that the Pacifica Hybrid might be a game-changing product that will someday come to represent an inflection point in the march toward more electric-powered vehicles.
WHAT IS IT?
Our Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited test vehicle is a gas/electric hybrid family vehicle with room for up to seven passengers across three rows of seats. The Pacifica Hybrid has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine mated to a 6.6kW onboard battery charger.
Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid Limited provides a luxurious cocoon of comfort, including premium Nappa Leather seating surfaces, seat-back video monitors, and a tri-pane panoramic sunroof ($1,595) that seems to contain about an acre of glass.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Our Billet Silver Metallic tester in Limited trim has an MSRP of $49,575. The Pacifica Hybrid starts at $39,995 for a Touring Plus model, and the Touring L trim starts at $41,995.
COOL FACT
Driving the Pacifica plug-in hybrid results in a 6o percent reduction in the carbon footprint compared to the non-hybrid Pacifica. The Pacifica can travel 33 miles on electric charge alone. Charging takes about two hours on a 240-volt outlet.
WHERE CAN YOU GET ONE?
Locally, Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep on Chapman Road in Chattanooga had about 22 Pacificas in digital inventory this week, including four hybrid models.
FUEL ECONOMY
In gas-only mode the Pacifica Hybrid's MPG rating is 32, the miles-per-gallon-equivalent in electric-gas mode is 84. Annual fuel costs are estimated at $900, although Chattanooga's cheaper-than-the-national-average gas and electricity costs could drive that down some.
IMPORTANT STANDARD FEATURES
If you step up to a Limited version of the Chrysler Pacifica, you'll get such standard features as keyless entry, remote start, hands-free power sliding doors, Apple CarPlay and Google Android, a 7-inch video display and heated/ventilated front seats.
BOTTOM LINE
The Chrysler Pacific Hybrid is one of the most comfortable, family-friendly vehicles on the market. If you regularly need to transport up to seven people and like the idea of a huge vehicle with a small carbon footprint, the Chrysler Pacifica is hard to beat.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.