Chrysler debuted the Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept at Overland Expo Mountain West (Aug. 22–24) and, frankly, we couldn’t be more excited. Why? Because only Ford and Mercedes-Benz are offering AWD adventure vans. But those vans are big and expensive. No company is offering a smaller, AWD adventure van platform! The Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept represents something we’ve been shouting from the rooftops for years: minivans can make excellent overland vehicles, especially with a few mods.
The Chrysler press release states, “Inspired by the growing number of recreational overlanding and van-life customers who value flexibility and a space to sleep, the lifted, all-wheel-drive concept builds on the minivan’s class-leading combination of innovation, intuitive technology, and performance in an off-road-capable ride.”
Yes! This! All of this!
In fact, back in 2022, I included the Pacifica as one of the five best family haulers over at GearJunkie. After my time with the Pacifica Hybrid, I looked to see if any fringe lunatics were making lift kits for them. Sure enough, Jounreys Offroad offered spacer lifts to allow larger all-terrain tires to be fitted. I even took out the seats, laid out sleeping bags, and an ARB Fridge Freezer, and it proved to me you could easily camp in a Pacifica. Why aren’t more people doing this? Why aren’t the OEMs offering this as an option?
We try to avoid the “enthusiast mentality” on this kind of niche stuff. We wholly realize we’re a minority when it comes to off-road-capable minivans. But what if someone took a chance and offered at least a little lift and some factory all-terrains on a van? The Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept at least shows the potential of what you can do with a van for those who want to do the van life thing.
Does Chrysler See A Niche?
“We’ve been following van life for years, and we know adventurers really value the versatility the Pacifica delivers,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO. “Our Chrysler design studio nailed the brief and really dove in. They lifted the suspension, added useful, functional features, including a roof-mounted Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform rack, TYRI LED lighting, and ARB retractable awning, and tailored the cabin for sleeping to create this Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept as a test bed. We’re excited to get feedback from the van-life adventurers on our newest concept of the most awarded minivan ever.”
My God, it’s like Chrysler heard our internal screaming about a lack of a smaller adventure van. Right now, if you want a new compact AWD adventure van, you have to customize a Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, or Kia Carnival. Otherwise, you’re relegated to platforms like old AWD Chevy Astros/GMC Safaris, crazy expensive Volkswagen Syncro Vans, or your JDM oddballs like the Mitsubishi Delica or Toyota Hiace, among others.
Pacifica is an aging platform in an unpopular segment (minivans). After all, there are only four minivan models on the market, three of which I mentioned, but also the FWD-only Honda Odyssey. But there are people using minivans as adventure vans, and this concept not only shows Chrysler has been paying attention to that, but believes there could be a market for a factory-built one. After all, they’d be the only ones in the segment. And that could either be great, or a money loser. But at this point, Chrysler should probably start taking some chances if it wants to stay relevant … and in business. My uncle, a decades-long Chrysler van buyer, bought a Toyota Grand Highlander to replace his Chrysler Pacifica because he was concerned Chrysler might not be around much longer.
The Pacifica Grizzly Peak Modifications
Honestly, and this is 100% our opinion, Chrysler did this rig right. Here is the list of modifications:
Exterior Highlights
- Arktos matte-finish paint color with Foreshadow accents
- Suspension lift above standard Limited AWD model of 2.75 inches in front and 2.5 inches in rear
- Off-road 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch Foreshadow wheels
- Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform roof storage rack
- Roof-mounted auxiliary TYRI LED lighting
- Roof-mounted ARB retractable awning
- Baja Designs LP4 LED fog lamp pods
- Paint protective wrap on lower-body panels
- Mopar splash guards
Interior Highlights
- Limited model interior with integrated console
- Concept cargo floor panel replaces third-row seating
- Added a second set of tie-downs behind second-row seating
- 115-volt / 450-watt power access in rear
- Concept color scheme – Cement Gray with Liquid Titanium accents (instrument panel, door bezels, and steering wheel bezels)
- Katzkin leather seating surfaces
- Orange seat belts
- Sport steering wheel with unique dimple perforation and paddle shifters
- Mopar Chrysler-branded stackable totes
- Mopar all-weather floor mats throughout the cabin
- Newly available space saver spare tire
- Mopar roadside first-aid kit
This is pretty much how we’d build one. We’d probably have to add some skid plates and a 12-volt fridge, but otherwise, this AWD van is ready for adventure.
Keep in mind: Chrysler offers just one vehicle these days, and that’s the Pacifica. Could Chrysler, which once was the portfolio’s luxury brand, now be the van company? And could this concept be foreshadowing what’s to come? We would personally love to see it brought to market as a smaller alternative to the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. And there have been rumors that Mitsubishi, another company that could use some direction, could bring the next-generation Delica to the USA. While speculation, could we be gearing up for a legit adventure van segment?
Do you think Chrysler should bring the Grizzly Peak concept to market? Leave us a comment on what you think.
