Chrysler is proving the family minivan doesn’t have to stay on the pavement, and this is one of those concept vehicles we can’t help but root for. At this year’s Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado (Aug. 22–24, 2025), the brand pulled the wraps off the Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept, a lifted, all-wheel-drive spin on America’s best-selling minivan that looks every bit the part of a trail-ready adventure rig. It’s built for van-life enthusiasts, outdoor explorers, and active families who want the space and comfort of a Pacifica with the freedom to head well past where the pavement ends.
The Grizzly Peak is still just a concept, but it taps into a growing appetite for vehicles that can do it all, haul kids, swallow gear, and double as a campsite on wheels. Chrysler’s design studio clearly had fun with this one, blending off-road hardware with van-life practicality in a way that feels more production-ready than pie-in-the-sky. And if you’re like us, you’re already hoping Chrysler finds a way to make it more than just a showpiece.
Built for the Trails
The Grizzly Peak starts with the already capable Pacifica Limited AWD and cranks up its ruggedness. Engineers added a suspension lift, 2.75 inches in the front and 2.5 inches in the rear, and fitted 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires on 18-inch Foreshadow wheels. The result is a stance that looks far more trail-ready than the typical school-run minivan.
To make the concept functional in the wild, Chrysler equipped it with a Rhino-Rack Pioneer roof rack, auxiliary TYRI LED lighting, an ARB retractable awning, and Baja Designs LP4 fog lamp pods. Protective wraps on the lower body panels and Mopar splash guards round out the off-road upgrades, making this Pacifica look more like an adventure van than a suburban shuttle.
Van Life on Four Wheels
The interior isn’t just about hauling kids and groceries anymore. Chrysler removed the third row entirely and replaced it with a cargo floor panel that doubles as a sleeping platform. Added tie-downs, a 115-volt/450-watt power outlet in the rear, and Mopar-branded stackable totes make the cabin versatile for camping gear or overnight setups.
Style touches include Katzkin leather seats with orange seat belts, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a Cement Gray–Liquid Titanium interior trim combo. Mopar all-weather mats and a roadside first-aid kit emphasize practicality, while a newly available space saver spare ensures you won’t be stranded off-grid.
Chrysler’s Take on Adventure
“We’ve been following van life for years, and we know adventurers really value the versatility the Pacifica delivers,” said Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell. “The design studio nailed the brief—lifting the suspension, adding functional features, and tailoring the cabin for sleeping. We’re excited to get feedback from the van-life community on our newest concept of the most awarded minivan ever.”
A Centennial Year for Chrysler
The timing of the Grizzly Peak’s debut is no coincidence. Chrysler is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, marking a century since Walter P. Chrysler launched a brand built on innovation, engineering excellence, and accessible design. That history includes segment-defining vehicles, from the original minivans of the 1980s to the modern Pacifica, which remains the most awarded minivan ever.
The company is also looking forward. A refreshed Pacifica arrives in 2026, followed by a new crossover and a third model inspired by the Halcyon concept. Chrysler hasn’t forgotten efficiency either—the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid was the first electrified minivan in its class, rated at 82 MPGe with 32 miles of electric-only range and a combined 520-mile total range. Families who prefer practicality over plug-ins also get good news this year: the budget-friendly Chrysler Voyager is returning to the lineup.
And while Chrysler is honoring its roots, it’s also celebrating the 20th anniversary of its exclusive Stow ’n Go seating system in 2025, a feature that’s redefined how families use their vehicles for two decades.
Why It Matters
The Pacifica Grizzly Peak shows Chrysler isn’t content to stay in its lane as just the “minivan brand.” It’s an experiment in blending the comfort and space of a family hauler with the freedom of an overlanding rig. If the feedback at Overland Expo Mountain West is strong, this concept could influence a new wave of minivans built for more than just school runs and Costco trips.
For a brand entering its second century, the Grizzly Peak proves Chrysler still has surprises up its sleeve.
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