Even though minivans in general provide the “best bang for the buck” because of their affordable pricing, immense passenger and cargo space, and all around convenience (who can deny the convenience of sliding doors?), their popularity keeps diminishing each year.
People would rather buy the trendier crossovers and SUVs, not realizing that most modern crossovers are nothing more than a tall station wagon or fancier looking minivan in disguise.
Nevertheless, the whole idea of owning a minivan offends some people, so Chrysler is ditching the old Town & Country nameplate and replacing it with the new Pacifica, which is designed to allure modern family car buyers with a slick design and feature-rich interior.
After all, Chrysler invented this segment back in 1980s, and so perhaps Chrysler is hoping to rekindle the love people used to have with minivans. With this market constantly shrinking, there aren’t too many competitors any longer either, but the Pacifica may very well be one of the best equipped and modern minivans in this segment.
Design
Chrysler’s all new Pacifica minivan has been designed from the ground up. This approach gave the designers the freedom to create something that is not limited by a multi-generational evolution.
The Pacifica’s new aerodynamic and sculpted shape follows a windswept profile that works harmoniously with the vehicle’s function. For example, the active grille-shutters automatically close to streamline the front and optimize the engine temperatures.
The Pacifica spent more than 400 hours in a wind tunnel to focus on reducing drag and achieve maximum efficiency. LED tail lights which create the Chrysler brand’s signature illumination are evident, along with fog lamps and chrome accent bezels. Complementing the new platform is a selection of wheel designs ranging from 17 inches to 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. Even the tracks for the sliding doors have been well hidden under the rear quarter glass.
Performance
As for engine choices, there are two selections: the 3.6-litre Pentastar VVT V-6 and the all-new Hybrid version – first in its class.
The non-hybrid engine, which has variable valve timing, produces 287 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque with up to 1,633 kilograms of towing capability. The hybrid system produces a total of 260 h.p. – it can travel up to 53 kilometres on electric power and delivers 911 kilometres of range on a full tank and a full battery charge. Chrysler claims that the hybrid engine can get up to 2.42 litres/100 kilometres, impressive indeed. Both versions of the engine use a nine-speed automatic gearbox with the front wheel drive configuration.
Posting a best-in-class fuel economy figure of 8.4 l/100 km for the gas-powered version, the Pentastar engine is impressive for such a large vehicle, although its basic design hasn’t changed for many years. The Pacifica is a solid minivan with a low centre of gravity. Experiencing body roll when driven at the limit is to be expected, but overall the feel is controlled and flat.
On the highway, the Pacifica is smooth and comfortable. The road noise is low, but the V-6 engine is a little gruff. The handling is average at best, especially compared to the Honda Odyssey, but the Pacifica is predicable and easy to manage.
Environment
Chrysler has achieved a stylish and modern interior that stands out. It even grabbed the attention of Ward’s AutoWorld who ranked the Pacifica as having one of the top 10 best auto interiors.
Inside the all-new 2017 Pacifica, we find comfortable seating available for eight. The configuration includes a removable centre seat in the second row. Chrysler has even stated that there are 243 different seating configurations for the Pacifica. In all three rows of seating, occupants will notice the spacious legroom and headroom.
The focus for the Pacifica was the functionality and versatility of a family on the move. This flexibility is achieved with the exclusive Stow ’n Go in-floor seating and storage and cargo system. Gone are the days of struggling to remove the seats from a vehicle. This system is easy to use and when the seats are in their upright position the in-floor bins can store everything from toys to sporting equipment. Unfortunately, the second row of seats are a little firm to allow for them to fit in the floor when stowed.
The centre console provides functional storage and organization with four cup holders, two for the front and two for the second row. The third row has power folding seats which includes obstacle detection to pause the system if an object is in the path of motion.
Every row of seating enjoys a sunroof thanks to the Pacifica’s three panoramic panel layout. The front two sunroofs are powered and the rear is fixed glass.
Situated in the rear, as an option, is an onboard vacuum. This vacuum comes in handy for a family on the move. Its hose is long enough to reach all nooks and crannies of the van, and an extension makes it possible to vacuum an additional car parked beside the Pacifica.
A Rotary E-Shift Dial cleans up the look of the dash and makes gear selection a breeze.
A five-inch Uconnect touch screen come standard in the centre console and an 8.4-inch screen is optional. Two 10-inch screens in the back keep rearward passengers entertained thanks to the system that allows separate media or games to be played simultaneously.
Passengers can stay charged and connected with standard first row USB charging ports and two 12-volt auxiliary power outlets. Optionally you can have second and third-row USB charging ports and a 115 volt auxiliary power outlet.
Features
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica starts at $36,945 and currently there are five versions to select from.
Safety is very important for a family car and there are more than 100 standard and available features. These features include a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control and forward collision alert. The Stow ’n Go seats are standard and the top-of-the-line model has the built-in vacuum.
There are literally hundreds of convenience features, but a couple of the most handy are the hands-free power lift gate and dual sliding doors.
Fuel efficiency numbers (l/100 km) are 12.9 city and 8.4 highway.
Thumbs up
It’s one of the most modern minivans on the market, with plenty of features and options inside and out. The hybrid is unique in the marketplace.
Thumbs down
It’s still a minivan at its core, which means that it’s practical but not all that fun to drive. It can get pricey when optioned to the limit.
The bottom line
If you want a family hauler that can provide the utility of a van without looking too dorky, then check out the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.
Competitors
Honda Odyssey: The Odyssey has unrivalled road manners, a smooth powertrain and a spacious eight seat interior. It has a cylinder-deactivation feature on its 248 h.p., 3.5-litre V-6, which makes it fuel efficient. Also featuring a built-in vacuum in certain models, it would be a difficult family mover to ignore.
With several trim levels to choose from, the Honda Odyssey ranges in price from $31,090 to $49,190. An all new version is arriving this spring as well.
Toyota Sienna: Toyota has been winning people over for years with its reputation for reliability. With the Sienna’s seating for seven, plus a comfortable ride and quality build, the vehicle is also a great contender in the minivan market. There is an all-wheel drive version available, which is great for those unexpected winter days. A Blu-ray entertainment system and intercom is included in the rear and keeps the passengers entertained. Available in six trim levels, starting prices for the Sienna range from $33,690 to $48,880.
Kia Sedona: Entering its third year, unchanged, is the Kia Sedona. With a seating capacity for eight and ample storage for the whole family (and many standard and optional features), the Sedona offers a lot of choice. A 276 h.p. V-6 with a six-speed transmission gives a smooth ride.
Seven trim levels are available, starting prices for Sedona range from $27,995 to $46,695.
