22 MPG combined. That’s the EPA’s official fuel economy figure for the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica equipped with its strong 3.6L V6. It’s not a headline-grabbing number, but for families who depend on the Pacifica’s large interior, clever storage, and proven reliability, it’s an acceptable trade-off. This isn’t a vehicle bought for its fuel-sipping abilities, but for its ability to haul kids, cargo, and the occasional hockey team with ease.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the Pacifica’s fuel economy further, showing 19 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. The city number is lower because stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration reduce fuel economy. The 28 MPG highway rating is respectable for a large vehicle. The smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission helps by keeping the engine at an efficient speed, providing decent fuel economy while still delivering enough power for merging and passing. The Pacifica shines on long road trips, offering a comfortable and relatively efficient way to travel long distances.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. It’s a benchmark for comparing the Pacifica’s fuel costs with other vehicles, but your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. The Pacifica’s fuel economy isn’t class-leading, but understanding the annual fuel cost helps families budget and factor it into the overall cost of ownership. You can find all Chrysler fuel economy data on our site.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Pacifica owners say that achieving the EPA’s 28 MPG highway figure is possible on long, flat roads, especially when using cruise control and avoiding quick acceleration. The highway MPG will likely drop in hilly areas or with a heavily loaded vehicle. The city MPG can also change based on the amount of stop-and-go traffic.

In general, drivers can expect to see numbers that are within a few MPG of the EPA estimates. Some drivers report slightly better or worse results depending on their driving style and conditions. Also, check out the PACIFICA MPG across all years.

How it compares

The minivan segment offers a few alternatives to the Pacifica. The Honda Odyssey gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined, like the Pacifica. The Toyota Sienna, with its hybrid powertrain, gets a better 36 MPG combined. While the Sienna might seem like the best choice for maximizing fuel economy, its hybrid system costs more, and the driving experience is different from the V6 in the Pacifica. The Kia Carnival, with its V6 engine, gets around 22 MPG combined, putting it near the Pacifica. For buyers who want the best fuel efficiency and are open to a hybrid powertrain, the Sienna is the clear winner. However, for those who prefer the feel of a traditional V6 and are okay with the Pacifica’s fuel economy, it’s still a good option.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize idling, especially when the engine is cold. The Pacifica’s 3.6L V6 consumes fuel even when it’s not moving. Plan routes to avoid traffic and idling at lights.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips, and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side door.

Avoid aggressive driving. Quick acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel than smooth, controlled driving. Watch the traffic and maintain a constant speed when you can. The Pacifica’s weight and shape aren’t made for quick driving. It’s a family vehicle, drive it like one.

Reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. Remove extra cargo from the vehicle since extra weight decreases fuel economy. Consider removing roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use, because they can increase wind resistance and reduce fuel efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control maintains a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long, flat roads. It also helps to prevent speeding, which can reduce fuel efficiency. The Pacifica’s 9-speed will perform its best when cruise control is used in the right conditions.