2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.6L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gas and Electricity |
| City / Hwy MPG | 32 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 106 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Body Style | PHEV |
| Base Price | $43,041–$54,767 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.6/10, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid earns a Good rating among the phevs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 5.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional phev — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 5.4/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $43,041–$54,767, 76 MPG, seating 7, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the phev segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and value and performance and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid ranks #40 of 40 phevs in the Carivo database — better than 3% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.9 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $43,041 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $43,041.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full PHEV ranking →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$3,455 ($691/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Recall repairs | $0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers |
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Across the Pacifica Hybrid model years we've scored, the 2018 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.1/10 | $54,064 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.1/10 | $54,064 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.0/10 | $52,490 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.0/10 | $50,915 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 6.8/10 | $49,340 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 6.8/10 | $47,765 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 6.8/10 | $46,191 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.7/10 | $44,616 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 6.6/10 | $43,041 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
| Hybrid propulsion system 19/10/2018 · 18V740000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV). After the vehicle has been operating in PHEV propulsion mode, the gas-fueled engine may not restart properly resulting in unburned fuel… |
|---|---|
| Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower arm 28/02/2019 · 19V143000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle. |
| Electrical system / Wiring / Interior/under dash 09/06/2020 · 20V334000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance. |
| Hybrid propulsion system 11/02/2022 · 22V077000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). A vehicle fire can occur when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
We rate the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's reliability 5.4/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 6.6/10 overall, ranking #40 of 40 phevs in our database (better than 3% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid starts at $43,041 and ranges up to $54,767 across trims (MSRP when new). At 76 MPG, expect roughly $691/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Pacifica Hybrid years we've rated are 2018 (6.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
The documented issues for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Hybrid propulsion system, Suspension, Electrical system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
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Explore the full lineup of Chrysler models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.