Who says the minivan is dead? Not Stellantis.
The automaker's Chrysler brand has homed in on the trend toward vehicles that serve van-life adventurers with the introduction of the Pacifica Grizzly Peak. Chrysler says the concept redefines its crown jewel of the minivan segment by combining comfort and kid-friendly features with all-wheel drive, flat storage space and other adventure-ready elements.
The Grizzly debuts Aug. 22-24 at Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, CO.
“We’ve been following van life for years, and we know adventurers really value the versatility the Pacifica delivers,” says Chrysler brand CEO Chris Feuell in a statement. “The design studio lifted the suspension, added functional features and tailored the cabin for sleeping to create this concept as a test bed. We’re excited to get feedback from van-life adventurers.”
The automaker says the minivan was specifically designed for people who eschew mass transit travel for on-road adventures and camping. The concept foregoes third-row seats for a flat cargo floor that owners can use for sleeping bags or cargo, a roof-mounted Rhino-Rack, retractable ARB awning and auxiliary TYRI LED lights.
The Grizzly Peak rides higher than a standard Pacifica Limited AWD. It has a 2.75-in. (70-mm) front and 2.5-in. (64-mm) rear suspension lift, paired with 31-in. BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires on Foreshadow 18-in. wheels.
And Stellantis’ design includes protective body wraps, Mopar splash guards and matte-finish paint with contrasting accents to give it an “adventurous edge.” Inside, the Pacifica sports upscale touches including Katzkin leather, orange seat belts, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, and practical gear for outdoor adventures – Chrysler-branded totes, all-weather floor mats and a rear 115V outlet to keep devices charged.
Chrysler Pacifica sales stood at 50,335 in the year’s first half, according to Omdia Automotive data, down from 63,197 (21%) during the first half of 2024. The Pacifica ranks second in Omdia Automotive’s Small Van segment in the first half, behind the segment leader, Toyota Sienna, which hit 52,762 in sales.
The Pacifica, last redesigned in 2016 and refreshed in 2021, is expected to be refreshed again for the 2026 model year, Feuell told CNBC last year, while the Windsor Star reports a next-generation Pacifica, possibly with an all-electric variant, isn’t expected until after 2030. Chrysler parent Stellantis assembles the Pacifica at its Windsor, ON, Canada, plant, home to Stellantis minivans for more than 30 years.
