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Chrysler's hybrid minivan electrifies grocery getting

Stay green while dropping the kids off at soccer practice.

The hybrid market is dominated by sedans and compacts. Well, unless you can afford a luxury SUV like the Tesla Model X or Audi Q5 hybrid. For big families that want to lower their carbon footprint or just save a few bucks on gas, Chrysler has your back with its new Pacifica hybrid.

The combination gas and electric vehicle announced at the Detroit Auto Show and unveiled at the LA Auto Show can travel 30 miles in pure electric mode. That means there's a good chance you won't even have to fire up the gas engine while dropping the kids off at school, picking up groceries and hitting up the hardware store for that weekend project. But even if you go beyond the 30-mile mark, it's still a great on-the-road value.

Chrysler says the Pacifica will get 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the city and total range of 530 miles between charges and fill ups. An impressive feat that'll reduce road trip pit stops and potentially decrease the amount of the times you'll hear "are we there yet?" from the back seat.

The minivan won't just keep you on the road longer; it also has hybrid-exclusive tech features likes a companion app that helps you check and schedule charging and will locate charging stations while you're on the road. It also has adaptive cruise control, parking assist and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

That whole package will set you back about $42,000. But once you add the $7,500 federal tax credit, it hits $35,500. For a large vehicle that'll save you gas money while dragging the whole family around town, it's a pretty good deal.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: First Look
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