In August last year, Stellantis revealed the Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept at the Overland Expo in Colorado, giving its popular minivan an off-road-ready makeover. And according to the folks at Mopar Insiders, people in the company want to make it a real production vehicle that adventurous families can buy. The publication did not disclose its sources but said that insiders claim Chrysler is “seriously considering” producing something similar to the concept shown last year, with “momentum behind the idea […] growing internally.” So how would Stellantis go about such a project?
Chrysler Pacifica Off-Roader Won’t Be Too Hardcore
Chrysler
It’s unlikely that a production-bound Pacifica off-roader would be as extreme as some of the options out there; it won’t be produced on the basis of a body-on-frame SUV because that would be too expensive, but it would almost definitely be given all-wheel drive and the revised looks of the 2027 model. Instead, it’s likely to take most of its cues directly from the concept shown last year. This wore 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels and had been given raised suspension, going up 2.75 inches at the front axle and 2.5 inches on the rear. It also gained a roof rack with extra spotlights, a retractable awning, and space for a pair of traction boards and a spare tire. And inside, the third row of seats was replaced with a flat cargo panel to make living in the van easier.
Related: Chrysler Dealers Need a New Model to Sell Beside the Pacifica—and They Need it Yesterday
The concept was based on the most expensive trim, the Limited, with leather upholstery, orange seatbelts, and a big infotainment display, and it’s possible that Chrysler opts for a less costly basis for the production version. Still, we’d expect the 115V outlet to carry over because the concept wanted to show how practical the Pacifica could be as an overlander and base of operations for adventures. That brings us to why Chrysler is thinking about such a model at all.
Chrysler Needs New Offerings, and Off-Roading Is Popular
Chrysler
Chrysler’s reveal of the Grizzly Peak concept explained why the brand was thinking about entering this portion of the market by saying the vehicle was “inspired by the growing number of recreational overlanding and van-life customers who value flexibility and a space to sleep.” While that may seem like a relatively small niche to those who aren’t in it, it’s always growing, and with the Pacifica as the only vehicle in its roster, Chrysler needs to take advantage wherever it can. The company has been talking about expanding its offering, potentially by launching a new sedan and other vehicles, but since the brand doesn’t appear to be a priority for Stellantis right now, it may have to make do with new versions of the Pacifica until it gets a real revitalization plan or fades into nothingness.
Chrysler
