Once a proud premium brand, Chrysler is a shell of itself. Because of mergers, acquisitions, and some very questionable planning from company executives, Chrysler’s future remains in doubt, despite promises of revival.
The Chrysler marque is currently limited to the Pacifica minivan with a budget Voyager version also available. The current minivan has received light updates since its 2017 debut, with the Voyager appearing only later to capture a portion of its flagging sales.
Though the brand’s current parent company, Stellantis, has made some mistakes, we are seeing evidence that Chrysler may have a path forward. That path, though, is unclear – we have scant evidence of committed new and updated models arriving through 2030.
But that does not stop us from sharing what we know with a measure of speculation added. Here are three model series that may underpin the Chrysler brand from 2026 forward.
Chrysler Pacifica – Renewed
Chrysler’s minivan continues to lead in sales, with nearly 120,000 units sold in 2024. For the segment, which includes the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and the Kia Carnival, some 320-330,000 models are sold annually. After a steady decline, the segment seems stable and will likely include these four contenders for many more years.
Typically, manufacturers completely replace models every six to eight years. The Pacifica, now in its ninth year, will see a major refresh for 2026. Chrysler may call it a generational change, but the new model will likely share the current version’s footprint. This is not uncommon in segments where costly overhauls are difficult to justify.
We expect modest design detail changes inside and out with the 2026 Pacifica. Further, the Pacifica streamlines its trim lineup to Select, Limited, and Pinnacle, with a special 100th Anniversary Edition adding unique badging and accents.
Trims beneath that will underpin the Voyager nameplate. Power comes from the familiar 3.6-liter V6 with optional all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid continues with about 32 miles of electric range.
Gas models keep the versatile Stow ’n Go seating, while hybrids retain captain’s chairs. Inside, materials and standard equipment improve across trims, and all models now feature Uconnect 5 with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration. Safety technology expands with more driver-assist features made standard, while styling updates bring fresh colors, revised accents, and LED lighting.
A fully electric Pacifica will likely follow in a year or two, giving this minivan line gas, PHEV, and EV choices. On the other hand, we expect the Voyager to soldier on as a gas-only model.
Uncertain Compact SUV
The on again and off again compact crossover SUV slated for Chrysler is currently on hold. That said, we believe the delay is only temporary as Stellantis seeks to build out the brand.
We are not certain what this SUV will look like and whether it will share its underpinnings with another Stellantis model, such as the Jeep Cherokee. In any case, we believe it will take the premium route and target the Buick Envision. Stellantis may use the new Chrysler model to return the brand to its previous premium status, a position it lost under Fiat Chrysler. Look for the new model to offer turbocharged gas and hybrid variants, although a hybrid-only version seems highly likely.
Halcyon All-Electric Sedan
In early 2024, Chrysler introduced the futuristic Halcyon all-electric sedan. A concept, the demonstration model most likely will not be built. At least in its current form.
What Stellantis has promised is that the Halcyon offers a styling direction for the Chrysler brand. This means that by the 2030s, we may see its designing elements on new products.
Chrysler, though, desperately needs a model that recasts the brand. While the Pacifica/Voyager will remain household staples and the upcoming SUV adds much needed sales, neither can lift the brand entirely. An all-electric luxury sedan might do the trick, although Chrysler should rip a page from the Dodge playbook and keep a gas variant available. We do not think Chrysler will resurrect the 300 nameplate, but it must present a model that has people talking about sedans again.
Moving Forward
Chrysler today is only a shadow of what it once was, with many younger buyers unaware of a past that gave us the stylish Airflow and the graceful Imperial. Years of sharing platforms and designs with Dodge and Plymouth eroded its identity, while forgettable entries like the Sebring and 200 weakened it further. Even so, the name still carries weight, and the brand could find new life if Stellantis is willing to invest the money and resources needed to revive it.
See Also — How to Save the Chrysler Group
Image courtesy of Chrysler.
