Pacifica Named Best Minivan for Families in U.S. News & World Report

It is hard to argue against minivans being the best vehicles for families. Spacious, able to carry vast quantities of cargo, full of family-focused features, easy to drive, and even efficient. Barring any special needs like heavy towing, minivans have family needs covered. That makes the question of which minivan is best for families quite relevant. U.S. News & World Report has selected the Chrysler Pacifica as their 2024 Best Minivan for Families as part of its Best Cars for Families award series. Krusen Motors is going to tell you why.

“The 2024 Best Cars for Families winners offer a number of safety features and a comfortable ride for all passengers, making them ideal for daily commutes or family adventures,” said Liz Opsitnik, Executive Editor, U.S. News.

It is worth noting that U.S. News didn’t go out on a limb here. Since its 2017 debut, the Chrysler Pacifica has been the most awarded minivan, with more than 175 honors and industry accolades. 

Family Friendly and Versatility

The Pacifica earned this award primarily based on its family-friendly features, such as the FamCAM, which offers a face-front view of children in reverse-facing child seats.  It also includes the most standard safety features in its segment, as well as available all-wheel drive. The publication specifically noted the Pacifica’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating, which allows it to easily convert from a people carrier to its maximum 140.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity by simply having the 2nd and 3rd-row seats fold into the floor. No seats need to be unconnected and removed, which is the case for the 2nd row of other minivans. 

The cabin is described as “a classy, upscale interior that feels particularly luxurious in the top-of-the-line Pinnacle trim.” The Pacifica has a capacity for seven or eight passengers, depending on whether it is configured with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seating three. U.S. News also points out that “Head- and legroom are ample in all three rows.” 

Notable Efficiency

While the award is for the model line in general, they also reference the Pacifica Hybrid. This plug-in hybrid, when fully charged, will deliver an estimated 32 miles of EV-only operation, which is often enough to cover daily transport duties and thus enable the minivan to be gas and emission-free for much of its operation and notably efficient once the engine is engaged. The model has an EPA-estimated 30 combined MPG and is rated at 82 MPGe. 

The model line is also noted for its high level of safety and driver assistance features, specifically the standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection.

SUVs get much attention as family vehicles. However, looking beyond the rugged imagery and realizing that the combination of space, versatility, safety, family-focused features, and even available AWD and Plug-in Hybrid capability make the Chrysler Pacifica the best ride for families. If you have a family to care for, look at the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica at Krusen Motors.