The Pacifica doesn't look that big from the outside yet it's as much as 18 inches longer and 6 inches wider than some of its crossover competitors. At the same time, the Pacifica is almost 3 inches lower to the ground than a typical minivan, and that makes it easier to climb inside. The expanse of sheet metal aft of the rear side doors adds visual mass that looks ungainly, but this isn't reflected in the Pacifica's handling.

The Chrysler Pacifica is rife with Mercedes-Benz parts and technologies, including a complete rear suspension system borrowed from the Mercedes E-Class sedan. Indeed, the vice-president on the Pacifica program worked for almost three years in Stuttgart and Berlin on the Mercedes-Benz GST, or Grand Sport Tourer, before being reassigned to the United States. While the pricier Pacifica Touring and Limited models edge into the lower part of the E-Class price range, the vehicle is still a Chrysler, as evidenced by its homegrown powertrains, boasting the biggest, most powerful V6 Chrysler has ever made, which offers a 3500-pound tow rating.