The minivan-based Pacifica is not so much a well-rounded vehicle as a competent one that excels in certain ways. For while it is rather underpowered and doesn’t handle well, it has a very roomy and comfortable interior, impeccable safety ratings, and an unusual amount of premium features available within this price range. Its exterior styling attempts to convey a higher-end image than its comfortably mainstream competitors, but succeeds primarily in blocking visibility and third-seat headroom, and the interior look disguises some low quality plastics. In short, it is not as good as it could be as essentially a cross between a minivan and a station wagon, it is hard for such a formula to produce anything but an impressive family car.

The Pacifica delivers a comfortable, if a bit soft, ride not unlike a minivan's (for obvious reasons). Though absorbent and comfortable at low speeds, it can get a bit floaty on the highway. It also handles much like a minivan, but the Pacifica's added weight makes it even less impressive. Body roll is pronounced, and the car doesn't feel agile. It never feels unsafe at least, and it still corners better than most truck-based competitors. The steering is numb and somewhat slow to respond. The 3.5-liter V6 is overworked in such a heavy vehicle, providing poor acceleration in most circumstances. The engine is fairly smooth and refined in routine driving, though it sounds a bit strained under even moderate acceleration. Wind and road noise are at least well suppressed. Fuel economy is good by this group’s standards, but not impressive for a car-based vehicle.

Inside, the Pacifica's front seats are firm, well-shaped, comfortable, and supportive, but would benefit from a longer cushion. The two-seat rear has captain's chairs instead of a bench seat, limiting the Pacifica to six passengers. These seats are at least very well-shaped and comfortable, and have a storage console between them, and offer excellent space. The third row lacks leg and head space, but higher from the floor and better-shaped than most of the others here. The dash's elegant styling distracts from some cheap, ill-fitting plastics on the instrument panel. Most instruments are well-placed, though some buttons could be larger and many would benefit from clearer markings. The gauges are large, but have small, hard-to-read markings. The driver sits comfortably, but has poor rearward visibility thanks to thick pillars and small windows. Entry/exit is easy enough, thanks to the low ride height, high roof, and large footwells, but the doors could open a little wider. The second row seats flip forward for easier third row access, though it's still not easy. There is enough room behind the third row seats for groceries. Considering the Pacifica’s exterior dimensions, its cargo volume is disappointing, limited by the car’s styling. The seats fold easily, if not quite flat.

The Pacifica received excellent scores in crash testing. NHTSA awarded it five stars for both the driver and the front passenger in its frontal crash test, and five stars for both the driver and the rear passenger in the side crash test, tested with the optional side airbags. NHTSA also estimated an impressively low 13% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle accident, good for a rating of four stars. The IIHS gave the Pacifica a rating of Best Pick in its offset crash test as well, but hasn’t rated its head restraints.

The Pacifica reviewed here came in at $30,431, very well equipped with premium features not typically found in this class, including a power rear liftgate, heated front and rear seats, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. That price also includes the premium items found on many competitors here, such as leather, power seats and pedals with memory, automatic headlights, a 6-disc CD changer, head-protecting airbags for all three rows, and a driver knee-protecting airbag. Unavailable are traction and stability control, the only notable omissions. A sunroof and a UConnect hands-free cell phone linkup are available, but not included at this price.

Overall, while one could expect better handling, acceleration, and gas mileage from the car-based Pacifica, it remains a very good vehicle. Its comfortable and fairly quiet ride, notably comfortable interior, excellent safety ratings, and very competitive pricing make it an excellent choice in this class.