For years, the idea was that vans’ only purpose was to rule the family-hauling scene with a Cheeto-dusted fist. While the lazy stereotype was that only moms rocked these suburban cruisers, the truth is, vans were used the world over for all manner of badassery; overlanders, campers, nerd metal parking lot tail gate stations, canvases for fantasy art, buddy haulers, roving motorcycle shops, whatever. But since the perishing of the ‘90s, we’ve since forgotten the faces of our fathers and with them the van – but not Chrysler.
Chrysler just reminded us that the minivan is still as capable of being awesome as it ever was. At Overland Expo Mountain West in Colorado, the brand revealed the Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept, a lifted, all-wheel-drive take on America’s favorite minivan that’s built for van life and overland adventures.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from A Chrysler press release.
A Chrysler Pacifca Built for Van Life
If soccer practice gets moved to the top of a mountain, this Pacifica looks ready to get the kids there with no issues. Chrysler started with a normal Pacifica Limited AWD but then cranked things all the way up with a suspension lift of 2.75 inches in the front and 2.5 inches in the rear, plus 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch Foreshadow wheels. Add roof-mounted TYRI LED lights, a Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform rack, an ARB retractable awning, and Baja Designs fog lights, and you’ve got the most rugged Pacifica in the universe.
A Van Built for Van Life
Chrysler leaned hard into flexibility, knowing the van-life crowd values space above all else. The third row of seats has been swapped for a flat cargo floor, giving owners room for camping gear or a DIY sleeping setup. Mopar tie-downs, Chrysler-branded stackable totes, and a 115-volt/450-watt rear power outlet make the interior feel more like a rolling base camp than a family hauler.
Style didn’t take a back seat either. Inside, the concept wears Cement Gray and Liquid Titanium trim, Katzkin leather, orange seat belts, and a sporty steering wheel with paddle shifters. It’s equal parts rugged and upscale, a clear reminder that the Pacifica is still the most awarded minivan of all time—even when it’s dressed for the trail.
Chrysler Wants Feedback From Adventurers
Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO, summed it up perfectly:
“We’ve been following van life for years, and we know adventurers really value the versatility the Pacifica delivers. Our design studio nailed the brief—they lifted the suspension, added useful features, and tailored the cabin for sleeping. Now we’re excited to hear what the van-life community thinks.”
The move makes sense. Chrysler is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025 and looking toward a new lineup, including a refreshed Pacifica in 2026. Showing off a concept like the Grizzly Peak is a way to test whether there’s room in the market for a true adventure minivan.
Will Chrysler Build It?
For now, the Pacifica Grizzly Peak remains a concept. But with the van life and overlanding communities booming, it’s not hard to imagine Chrysler testing the waters for a production-ready adventure minivan.
Until then, the Grizzly Peak Concept is a rolling reminder that the Pacifica isn’t just for carpools and Costco runs. With a lift kit, off-road tires, and a cabin designed for sleeping under the stars, Chrysler just made the minivan cool again.
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