Chrysler Pacifica and Jeep® Wagoneer L Bring Home Top Honors From U.S. News & World Report in 2025 Best Cars for Families Awards

March 12, 2025

2025 Chrysler Pacifica earns the Best Minivan for Families crown
2025 Jeep® Wagoneer L wins the Best Large SUV for Families award
U.S. News & World Report evaluated 100 vehicles and named winners across nine categories
More information on U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Cars for Families awards available at cars.usnews.com

AUBURN HILLS, MI. (Highpoint Digest) −

U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Cars for Families awards are issued every spring to honor the cars, SUVs and minivans that offer the best combination of safety, reliability, space, comfort, convenience and connectivity in their class.

For 2025, the Chrysler Pacifica and Jeep® Wagoneer L are recognized as the winners in the car rankings. The U.S. News methodology combines the vehicle’s overall score in the U.S. News best car rankings, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and the availability of family-friendly features. In each class covered by these awards, the vehicle with the highest composite score is named the Best Car for Families in that category. U.S. News & World Report evaluated 100 vehicles and named winners across nine categories.

2025 Chrysler Pacifica Earns Best Minivan for Families Award
The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, the most awarded minivan ever, earned the honor of being named the Best Minivan for Families from U.S. News. This is the second consecutive year that the Chrysler Pacifica has won this prestigious award.

“Minivans can seem samey, but the Pacifica stands out as the best all-arounder in the class, with excellent safety ratings, a versatile, stylish and amenity-packed cabin, and a good driving experience,” said Alex Kwanten, Autos managing editor at U.S. News & World Report.

The Chrysler Pacifica offers versatility, cargo space, easy entry/exit, a host of advanced safety features, excellent fuel economy and unique attributes that make it a smart choice for families looking for a comfortable vehicle to suit their daily, active lifestyles. Chrysler Pacifica has the most standard safety features in its segment, delivers available AWD capability paired with Pacifica’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating, and was first minivan with available Amazon Fire TV integrated into the Uconnect Theater System. This year, Chrysler is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system.

Jeep Wagoneer L Earns Best Large SUV for Families Award
“The Jeep Wagoneer L’s roomy cabin, easy-to-use systems and bevy of tech features make it a good family choice, but its adult-friendly third row, solid fuel economy and top safety scores clinched the award,” said Kwanten.

The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L takes spaciousness to a whole new level. Stretching 12 inches longer than the standard model (226.7 inches total) with a 7-inch increase in wheelbase (130 inches), it offers unmatched comfort for up to eight passengers. This translates to a best-in-class overall passenger volume and generous cargo space behind the third row, providing families with plenty of space for people and items they need daily.

Built to appeal to the heart of the large SUV market, the Jeep Wagoneer L combines heritage, refinement and technology with unparalleled comfort and legendary 4×4 capability. Powered by the standard Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 engine with 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep Wagoneer sets the benchmark for power and efficiency in the large SUV segment. The standard Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 engine is up to 15% more efficient than larger V-8 engines, which helps families on the go save more money at the fuel pump.

Chrysler Brand
Chrysler marks its 100th anniversary in 2025, honoring Walter P. Chrysler’s legacy of innovation, engineering excellence and beautiful, affordable designs. As the brand celebrates this milestone, the future looks bright with exciting new releases: a refreshed Chrysler Pacifica in 2026, a new crossover soon after and a third product inspired by the Halcyon concept.

The Chrysler Pacifica, the most awarded minivan ever, continues to lead the segment it created more than 40 years ago. The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, the first electrified minivan in its class, achieves 82 MPGe, with an all-electric range of 32 miles and a total range of 520 miles. With class-leading safety features and available all-wheel drive, Pacifica is designed for modern families. Chrysler will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of its exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system in 2025, as well as the return of the budget-friendly Chrysler Voyager to the lineup.

Additional Information

2025 Chrysler Pacifica/Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Fact Sheet

For more than 40 years, Chrysler has led the minivan segment, a segment the brand invented. Chrysler continues to deliver class-leading combinations of innovation, luxury, intuitive technology and performance with the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid.

Pacifica delivers available all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability paired with Pacifica’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, as well as the available Stow ‘n Vac system. Pacifica was first with optional Amazon Fire TV integrated into the rear-seat Uconnect Theater System, and an available FamCAM interior feature offers a bird’s-eye view of rear-facing child-seat occupants. The Pacifica lineup includes the premium Pinnacle model, which features the most luxurious interior in its class. Pacifica also provides the most standard safety features of any vehicle in its class, more storage capacity than full-size SUVs and is the best road trip minivan in its class.

Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, the first hybrid minivan, delivers 82 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), an all-electric range of 32 miles and a total range of 520 miles. Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid offers a no-compromise solution for consumers considering battery-electric technology, alleviating range anxiety and delivering peace of mind to customers through a Stellantis-designed, innovative dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT) paired with a specially modified version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine. Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is also the only minivan eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is designed to offer a seamless driving experience, with no need for the driver to select between electric and hybrid modes. The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid can help charge the battery when braking or stopping by using the built-in regenerative braking feature. A Max Regeneration cluster messaging icon is standard for the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid to keep drivers aware of the increased system regeneration.

With more than 180 honors and industry accolades, the Chrysler Pacifica is America’s most awarded minivan eight years running. As the first to introduce the minivan and through six generations of the vehicle, the Chrysler brand has innovated 117 minivan firsts, including nearly 40 minivan-first features on the Pacifica.

New for 2025

Pacifica lineup now features a Select model available for gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains, Limited model available in gas only, and Pinnacle models available in both gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains
Popular S Appearance is now standard on Pacifica Limited and optional on Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Select with Premium Group
Premium Group, optional on Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Select, includes S Appearance, Safety Sphere Group, Uconnect Theater and Sound Group, integrated Premium console with wireless charging and dual-pane sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror, second-row one-touch windows, universal garage door opener and premium carpets added as standard on all Select models

Highlights

Amazon Fire TV is available for the Chrysler Pacifica, giving passengers access to their favorite shows, movies, streaming apps, unique vehicle features and Alexa:
- Amazon Fire TV integrates into the Uconnect 5 and Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, allowing parents to limit and select content
- Passengers can view Amazon Fire TV in high definition from the rear seats and, when the vehicle is in park, the driver also can view Amazon Fire TV on the main first-row Uconnect 5 screen
- An Amazon Fire TV remote provides control of the experience and includes push-to-talk access to Alexa, making it easy to find and quickly play shows
- The remote includes a button that connects Amazon Fire TV with the Uconnect 5 system for control of vehicle features, such as climate, maps and more
AWD is available on Pacifica Select, Limited and Pinnacle gas-powered models:
- Chrysler Pacifica is America’s most capable minivan with AWD and America’s only minivan to offer AWD with Stow ‘n Go seating
- System engages seamlessly at any speed, without activation required by the driver
- When a loss of traction is detected, the limited slip differential activates to transfer available torque to the wheels with more traction, offering more control on slippery and rough roads
- When drivetrain detects AWD is not needed, the power-transfer unit and rear drive module disconnect automatically to stop drive shaft from spinning, reducing driveline drag, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions — class-exclusive in the minivan segment
- Engages automatically based on a variety of sensor inputs when enhanced traction is beneficial
- Pacifica offers AWD and has best-in-class towing capacity (3,600 lbs.), reinforcing its credentials as the most capable minivan with AWD
Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is still the first and only plug-in hybrid minivan, and achieves 82 MPGe, has an all-electric range of 32 miles and a total range of 520 miles:
- Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is the most spacious (total interior passenger plus cargo volume) plug-in hybrid in the industry
- Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is also the only minivan eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit
- Designed to offer a seamless driving experience with no range anxiety, whether in electric or hybrid mode for city and highway driving, there is no need for the driver to select modes
- Equipped with a regenerative braking system, the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid captures kinetic energy used to slow the vehicle and sends the energy to charge the vehicle’s battery
- A Max Regeneration visual message on the cluster display is standard on the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, indicating when increased energy efficiency is charging the electric battery during braking and certain driving dynamics
- Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid can offer savings of around $3,250 in fuel costs over five years compared with the average new vehicle
- Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid emits only 119 grams per mile of tailpipe-only CO2 emissions, with a ranking of 10 (10 is the best) on the EPA’s greenhouse gas rating scale
- Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid’s Uconnect 5 system allows the ability to adjust the battery charging schedule to run during less expensive off-peak hours
Pacifica has the most standard safety features in its segment, including standard LED lighting and standard Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB):
- Pacifica offers 98 total standard safety features and 117 standard and available safety and security features
- Pinnacle model offers 101 total standard safety features, including 360-degree surround view camera, ParkSense and front park assist
- Pedestrian AEB offered as standard
- LED exterior lighting featured as standard for all models
- Pacifica offers LED headlamps, daytime running lamps (DRL), fog lamps and taillamps as standard
- Exceptional LED headlamps light up the night with a balanced beam of light that minimizes glare to oncoming traffic
Athletic look of the grille, front fascia, headlamps, fog lamps and taillamps accent the bold visual appearance of the Pacifica lineup:
- Boldly styled and deeply sculpted presence takes shape with more “heroic” 3D diamond-styled grille, delivering an athletic visual appearance
- Pacifica’s bold look includes a sporty grille accented with painted Gloss Black upper grille textures and Bright Chrome grille surround (chrome surrounds change for Pinnacle model and S Appearance)
- Modern face sculpted to create a dominant upper grille; slimmer lower grille mirrors the 3D diamond-style and Gloss Black appearance of upper grille portion
- Headlamps feature an aggressive, linear design and standard LED headlamps stand out with DRL-lit appearance
- Large, deeply sculpted LED fog lamp bezels are visually energizing and add to sportiness of overall design
- LED taillamps provide a lit appearance and complement the overall visual feel, stretching across the entire width of the rear
Two integrated front center consoles available for Pacifica: Ultra console (Pinnacle model) and Premium console (Limited gas/Plug-In Hybrid Select models with Premium Group)
Top-of-the-line Pinnacle model features the most luxurious interior in its class:
- Pinnacle Ultra console is the most functional front center console in its class
- Dual-level storage includes a deep pass-through storage area underneath the console that accommodates a large purse or even a laptop
- Large console area allows for armrest
- Pinnacle model offers best-in-class total storage of more than eight cubic feet – enough to store 60 gallons of milk
- Elite Pinnacle model includes premium quilted sepia Nappa leather-trimmed seats
- Unique set of movable lumbar pillows for second-row captain’s chairs features embossed Chrysler logo and matches the quilted sepia Nappa leather-trimmed seats with suede pillow backs, adding an extra dash of class and comfort
- Additional Pinnacle premium interior appointments include a suede headliner, high-end Berber-construction floor mats, Platinum Chrome exterior/Satin Chrome interior trim and much more
Limited gas/Plug-In Hybrid Select models with Premium Group feature the Premium console,a more compact version of the Pinnacle Ultra console that also flows seamlessly into instrument panel:
- Premium console also offers dual-level storage with large pass-through storage area
- More compact console allows for inclusion of Stow ‘n Go seating
- Additional interior features include a tamboured door for center storage
The popular S Appearance, introduced in 2017 and now chosen by one of every three Pacifica buyers, features exterior Anodized Ink finishes on the grille surrounds and badging, and a Foreshadow finish on the wheels
Pacifica, the most technologically advanced minivan in its class, features the Uconnect 5 system, which delivers:
- Standard 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen radio
- Ability to connect two phones simultaneously via Bluetooth to infotainment system
- Delivers a wide range of connected services and features that are easier to search and navigate
- Customers with Alexa-enabled devices at home can easily ask Alexa to start the car, lock/unlock doors and more
- Processing speeds five times faster than previous generation, using Android operating system
- TomTom navigation experience
- Map updates available over-the-air (OTA), as well as Firmware OTA (FOTA) system software updates
- SiriusXM with 360 XL offered free for three months as standard on Pacifica, letting owners customize their listening experience, with a variety of features, including Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora, along with thousands of hours of downloadable content, such as live sports, free on-demand shows, performances and interviews
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Enhanced Hybrid Electric Pages and Smartphone Control 2.0 provide support for up to three customer-defined charging schedules (weekdays, weekends, etc.)
Drivers can keep watch on rear seats with the FamCAM interior camera that delivers a best-in-class, high-definition image and segment-exclusive features, including a view of rear-facing child-seat occupants, split-view display and unique zoom-to-seat feature
Depending on trim level, Pacifica offers up to 11 USB ports
Wireless charging available on integrated consoles featured in Pacifica
For audiophiles, available Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System adds a 10-inch rear quarter trim subwoofer with 19-speaker system (Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid uses carryover 20-speaker system)
Available rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV built-in allows rear passengers to stream videos, play games, and download Prime Video content on the go
Engineers worked to improve the already vault-like cabin with improved fitments for door and glass seals for all price classes, resulting in the quietest Chrysler minivan ever built

Model Lineup
The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid lineup features:

Select
Plug-in Hybrid Select
Limited
Pinnacle
Plug-in Hybrid Pinnacle

Available Exterior Colors

Bright White
Ceramic Grey
Diamond Black
Fathom Blue
Red Hot

Available Interior Colors

All-black (cloth, leatherette, Nappa leather)
Black/sepia (exclusive to Pinnacle model, sepia-quilted seats)

What’s New for 2025: Jeep® Wagoneer L

2025 Jeep® Wagoneer L CarbideHighpoint Digest — 2025 Jeep® Wagoneer L Carbide

Built to appeal to the heart of the large SUV market, the 2025 Jeep® Wagoneer L combines heritage, refinement and technology with unparalleled comfort and legendary 4×4 capability. Powered by the standard Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 engine with 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep Wagoneer sets the benchmark for power and efficiency in large SUV segment.

Jeep Wagoneer L takes spaciousness to a whole new level. Stretching 12 inches longer than the standard model (226.7 inches total) with a 7-inch increase in wheelbase (130 inches), it offers unmatched comfort for up to eight passengers. This translates to a best-in-class overall passenger volume and generous cargo space behind the third row.

Jeep Wagoneer L’s leading-edge technologies, including the advanced Uconnect 5 system, Head-up Display, 360-degree surround view camera system, up to 40 inches of total screen surface, available Amazon Fire TV Built-In and segment-exclusive McIntosh audio system, offer an unmatched selection of premium interior features. Combining these attributes with strong SUV credentials, including best-in-class towing capability of up to 10,000 pounds, the Jeep Wagoneer L builds on the original SUV by defining the next generation of an American icon.

Three available 4×4 systems include Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. With the standard Selec-Terrain traction management system, which adjusts shift patterns, engine performance and torque distribution for maximum traction on tough roads, Quadra-Drive II features a rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that delivers industry-leading tractive capability. Quadra-Lift air suspension delivers a smooth ride and up to 10 inches of ground clearance.

What’s New for 2025: 

Power-folding mirrors now available
20-inch aluminum wheels now standard
Active Lane Management now standard
Adaptive cruise control now standard

Highlights:

Standard Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 engine sets benchmark for power and efficiency in large SUV segment:
- 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque
- Up to 15% more efficient than larger V-8 engines
2025 Jeep Wagoneer L is 12 inches longer overall (226.7 inches) than the standard-wheelbase model and features a 130-inch wheelbase (+7 inches compared to standard wheelbase)
2025 Jeep Wagoneer L offers 42.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row (+14.7 cubic feet compared to standard wheelbase), designed and engineered to provide unmatched comfort for up to eight passengers and ample cargo room for oversized gear
2025 Jeep Wagoneer L gives Jeep Wagoneer customers more of what they want:
- Best-in-class overall passenger volume of 179.3 cubic feet
- Best-in-class second-row legroom of 42.7 inches
- Spacious third-row legroom of 36.6 inches
- 42.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row – 14.7 cubic feet more of cargo volume than on standard-wheelbase Jeep Wagoneer
7- or 8-passenger configurations
2025 Jeep Wagoneer L offers up to 85.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 130.9 cubic feet behind the first row. Dimensionally, with the second and third rows folded flat, the cargo area can easily fit a 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood with room to spare
All Jeep Wagoneer L models feature six tie-down loops in the cargo area
Carbide Package, available on Jeep Wagoneer L Series II, includes black interior and exterior accents and 20-inch Gloss Black wheels
Legendary capability with three 4×4 systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with active low range and rear eLSD:
- Crawl ratio of 48:1
- Selec-Terrain traction management system
- Up to 24 inches of water fording
Based on standard-wheelbase architecture, long-wheelbase Jeep Wagoneer L features notable changes to its platform:
- Unique body-in-white rear floor
- Unique body-in-white rear ladder structure
- Unique body-in-white, third-row seat brackets and reinforcements
- Unique frame center rail and rear rail extension
- Unique rear tub
- Unique load floors
Quadra-Lift air suspension delivers a smooth ride and up to 10 inches of ground clearance
Best-in-class towing capability of up to 10,000 lbs.
Exterior styling boasts a confident and elegant design with a timeless silhouette that embodies American authenticity with artisan levels of craftsmanship
Interiors are designed to support active customers’ lifestyles:
- Best-in-class overall passenger volume and best-in-class second- and third-row legroom with the most cargo volume behind the third row
- Standard third row with available seating for up to eight passengers, available on all trims
Highly advanced user-friendly technology:
- Up to 40 inches of total screen display available on Jeep Wagoneer L
- Nearly 20 inches of screens along the front instrument panel:
  - 10.1-inch reconfigurable center stack touchscreen displays feature split-screen capability for dual-application operation
- Uconnect 5 system is standard, features Wi-Fi capability
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard equipment
- Simultaneous connectivity for two Bluetooth-enabled phones
- Amazon Fire TV Built-In with Alexa, including access to hundreds of thousands of movies, TV shows and apps
- Available 360-degree surround view camera system and Intersection Collision Assist
- Standard wireless charge pad
High-strength steel frame uses advanced materials and engineering to be lightweight, yet stiff and durable
Body-on-frame design features premium on-road ride-and-handling characteristics with enhanced body torsional stiffness
Electronically controlled suspension system delivers greater on-road handling and comfort
Available industry-first McIntosh 950-watt premium audio system features 19 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer with 3D surround system, to provide an immersive audio experience
Packed with more than 120 standard and available advanced safety and security features
Available driver-assist technologies include Head-up Display, Drowsy Driver Detection and Traffic Sign Recognition
Built in Warren, Michigan, the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the second half of 2024