With the Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept, it’s evident that Stellantis is exploring an adventure version for the Pacifica with the facelift, focused on customers in the U.S. and Canada who want the flexibility of the van life, and confidently take on dirt roads.
We recently got to spend some time with the gas variant of the original concept, and we are convinced that it should be offered as a Plug-in Hybrid, at least for the looks, if it ever makes it to production. Here are our thoughts on it.
Design
The Pacifica Grizzly Peak has the same the design as the standard minivan, but carries extensive accessories. At the front, the fascia integrates Baja Designs LP4 LED fog lamp pods for improved visibility. The exterior uses an Arktos matte-finish paint color with Foreshadow accents.
Up top, the concept adds a Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform roof rack for external cargo, roof-mounted TYRI LED auxiliary lighting, and a roof-mounted ARB retractable awning. Moving to the sides, the tires are wrapped around unique 18-inch Foreshadow wheels with protective wrap covering the lower-body panels, and Mopar splash guards completing the exterior equipment package.
Interior
Carrying the adventure van lifestyle theme indoors, we noticed that Chrysler has replaced the standard third-row seating with a cargo floor panel for sleeping setups and gear storage. We observed a mesh-type window insert for an expedition-ready feel.
A second set of tie-downs is added behind the second-row seating for securing larger items with a 115-volt 450-watt power outlet available in the rear to support electrical appliances and campsite gear.
The cabin is finished in a unique Cement Gray color scheme with Liquid Titanium accents on the instrument panel, door bezels, and steering wheel bezels. We observed that Katzkin leather surfaces appear throughout both rows of seating with the orange seat belts providing a contrasting visual element. The overall look reminded us of hiking gear.
Mopar accessories include Chrysler-branded stackable totes and all-weather floor mats throughout the cabin. A Mopar roadside first-aid kit is standard equipment for the concept, with a space-saver spare tire also newly available as part of the package.
Specifications
The Pacifica Grizzly Peak features a suspension lift of 2.75 inches in the front and 2.5 inches in the rear with its off-road capability supported by 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. The transformation from these parts is so profound, that we haven’t seen a more rugged Pacifica before!
The concept is based on the gas-powered model but if the model ever rolls out of the production line, we believe it could also be based on the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, which delivers 82 MPGe, up to 32 miles of all-electric range, and a total range of 520 miles capable of being fully charged in a little over 2 hours with a Level 2 charger on the standard variant.
With the upgraded wheels and tires and additional weight, we expect those figures to drop by a little margin.
TopElectricSUV says
From what we observed, most components in the Grizzy Peak Concept would be available off the shelf in the aftermarket, and realizing a production model as a factory-spec vehicle or a dealer-installed package will not require intensive product development.
That said, Chrysler has not announced any potential pricing or production intent. If it makes it to dealers with the facelifted Pacifica lineup, expect to pay at least a 10% premium over the standard model for the upgrades.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
