Chrysler Adding Sinister S Appearance Package to Pacifica Hybrid

Minivans are great for a lot of things, but intimidating the neighbors is not among their many attributes.

While you could spend the weekend welding spikes onto one and giving everyone on your block “the stare down,” alternative options exist. You could purchase some custom wheels and replace the chrome accents with something darker, or you could have Chrysler do it for you if you’re in the market for a Pacifica.

As much as I hope this brings back a dark and sinister version of 1970s van culture, I would be satisfied with just seeing more of them on the road. According to Chrysler, the murdered-out look offered by the S Appearance Package has proven quite popular with standard Pacifica shoppers. Now, it wants to extend the opportunity to those interested in the plug-in hybrid model.

“The factory custom look of the S Appearance model is really resonating with our Pacifica buyers, so much so that we are now making it available on the Pacifica Hybrid model, as well,” said Steve Beahm, Head of FCA North America’s passenger car brands. “With 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range this package makes the industry’s only hybrid minivan even more unique.”

The package appears to be identical to what’s provided on the gas-powered Pacifica. The badging, grille surrounds, headlamp trim, and window and rear valance moldings have been swapped from faux chrome to the exquisitely named “Black Noise.” The same goes for the roof rack and 18-inch wheels. The only thing left untouched is the little blue tags on the plug-in port door and tailgate that allows you to virtue signal your hybrid ownership.

While you can option the package with any paint color you choose, I imagine most customers will pick black. However, it does look more palatable when paired with Jazz Blue, Copper, or any of the monochrome hues. It would also look phenomenal with a forest green but Chrysler has neglected to deliver on that utterly perfect color combination.

The blacked-on-black look surely isn’t for everyone. We’ve definitely found it to be executed poorly and unnecessarily on a number of vehicles. But for $595, you’re not exactly going to have to take out a second mortgage, and it does change the visual persona of the Chrysler in a meaningful way. You’ll just have to decide if it’s for you.

Orders for 2019 Pacifica Hybrid models begin next month with deliveries commencing in the fall.

[Image: FCA]