Source: Chrysler.com
When it comes to minivans I have always been leery. However, after seeing the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica in June at a WAPA event, my attitude changed. I was really excited for this summer loan and not just because I had a road trip all mapped out.
The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (in any of its five trim packages) is no ordinary minivan. It replaces the beloved Town & Country by Chrysler and in effect created a minivan that doesn’t just compete with its rivals the Odyssey and Sienna but challenges them to be better. Yes, I really just said that. The Pacifica challenged me to think long and hard on whether or not this could be my next family vehicle and I made a marriage vow to never own a minivan.
Chrysler calls the Pacifica the “minivan reinvented”. It possesses more fun and function than its competitors. I agree. The built-in second row vacuum that reaches various areas of the van is easy to use and empty. It has front and rear park assist, is 250-lbs lighter than the Town & Country while getting 28 mpg on average. That competes with class averages. This up to 8-passenger minivan has the option to have a 3-panel panoramic sunroof and when combined with the second and third row sun shades creates a scenic ride that lets your imagination let loose.
All packed up and ready to roll with wireless headphones and thumb drives at the ready! 5 Latch seats are included. Something on other minivans don’t have right now.
Source:Victoria Mason
On the Outs
Outside the Pacifica you have dual sliding doors that also open with a kick just like the liftgate. Handy buttons on the interior of each door and back are also there. Exiting and filling this vehicle is a snap. There are rain delay wipers, foglights, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring (a favorite over here), rear-cross traffic alert, 18″ alloy wheels, and a roof rack that can turn down when not in use to create less wind-resistance and better gas mileage too. And while there is no getting away from the fact that this is a minivan there is definitely a refined style on the grill with a sleek exterior trim that matches the luxurious styling inside.
Get In the Van
Simple dash with an 8.4″ touchscreen display operates all screens in vehicle and has 360 park assist.
Source: Chrysler
Inside the Pacifica is all about making each passenger happy. There’s the classic ‘Stow N Go’ that Chrysler fans love. The captain style seats have arm rests and everyone in the second and third row has rattle-free cup holders, storage and outlets to charge devices. The second row has individual touchscreens too. Kids can not only watch movies but also play games using Chrysler’s UConnect system. We found the ‘Are We There Yet’ game fun while heading to the grandparents house as well as ‘Car Bingo’ when we had exhausted all the DVDs. Numerous other games and distractions are also available and some are educational too. To say this car was a hit with my girls would be an understatement.
It looks like it belongs there. Source: Victoria Mason
Up front I had to get used to the dash knob gear shift. I sometimes had problems wanting to use it as a volume button (this is my one issue with Chrysler) but it was a small issue that over time I would get used to if I owned the Pacifica. Three-zone climate control, heated seats and steering wheel I felt comfortable hauling my gear and girls around town or down the road aways.
One of my favorite parts up front in this minivan is that I had ample storage for my personal items. A place for my phone, rattle-free cup holders, two storage areas and drumroll please, a place for my purse right near my feet. I could easily reach it and not worry about it falling over and dumping its contents all over the floor. It’s the little things.
Drive
So how does this family hauler perform on the road? Like a champ! I know, I couldn’t stand it either. It actually has acceleration and breezes along highways without feeling like you are taxing the vehicle. The steering is responsive and it turns better than expected. I enjoyed driving the Pacifica because it didn’t just ease my mind while on the road, entertain my kids or carry all my stuff (the optional pet carrier turned my head for sure) it didn’t drive like a minivan. In fact, I often forgot I was driving one, especially with that 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Now that is progress.
My Favorite Video on the Pacifica. In case you need more convincing.
Source: Autobytel
In the end, we determined that even with all that space for the kids and our gear we still couldn’t fit our ginormous Doberman in the back comfortably. He won’t ride in middle without a carrier. It looks like we are still and SUV family and this time I was a little disappointed that this
Available in five trim packages (LX, Touring, Touring L, Touring L Plus and Limited) the Chrysler Pacifica is ahead of its class. Starting MSRP is $28,595 and as tested in the Limited it is $46,285 the luxurious styling, complete comfort, safety and an enjoyable drive. A hybrid version will be available later this year that Chrysler promises with get 30 mpg.
