Ever since its introduction as a 2017 mannequin, the Chrysler Pacifica has been one in all our favourite minivans. It affords trendy seems inside and outside, conventional minivan practicality, glorious infotainment and a few of the most compelling powertrain choices. For its 2021 mannequin 12 months refresh, the Pacifica neatly expands on all of the issues we already loved and avoids ruining any inherent goodness, as evidenced by our take a look at van, a new-for-’21 Pinnacle trim stage.
The Pacifica’s modifications begin on the skin with redesigned entrance and rear fascias. These modifications are most likely the least profitable, by which we imply, they’re not unhealthy, simply completely different. The modest grille and easy bumper design have given solution to a deeper major grille and enormous decrease openings, plus a pronounced air dam. It provides the van a wider, decrease and meaner look. We don’t dislike it, however it appears completely different slightly than higher. We do just like the revamped tail with its full-width taillights. And if for some cause you favor the earlier design, the entry-level Chrysler Voyager is only a decontented Pacifica with the previous styling.
Beneath the pores and skin, the largest change is the addition of all-wheel drive, one thing not shared with the Voyager. The function has been absent from the Chrysler van lineup for a number of years, since Chrysler couldn’t match a driveshaft between the underfloor wells for the Stow ‘n Go second-row seats. That situation has been solved, and now you may have AWD with out sacrificing any inside seating flexibility. The AWD system can ship all energy to the rear wheels as wanted, and it can also disconnect the rear driveshaft to extend gasoline economic system. Our take a look at Pacifica was geared up with all-wheel drive, and it was actually efficient in a few of metro Detroit’s snowy circumstances, providing a bit extra launch traction and a few help powering out of sluggish corners. However within the dry, it doesn’t change the driving expertise in any respect. Additionally, regardless of the power to disengage the rear driveshaft, gasoline economic system nonetheless takes successful in comparison with the front-drive mannequin, dropping from 19 mpg on the town and 28 on the freeway, to 17 within the metropolis and 25 on the freeway. That is a distinction of two mpg mixed, which works out to be $150 per 12 months in annual gasoline prices, in response to the EPA.
The all-wheel-drive system can be solely out there with the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and nine-speed computerized, each carryovers from final 12 months, since there isn’t room to bundle each the AWD system and the plug-in-hybrid gear. That’s not essentially a foul factor. The V6 is rated at a stout 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and feels prefer it. Preserve your foot in it and it even feels zippy. The engine may be very easy and is effectively remoted from the cabin, although full throttle will elicit a gentle snarl from the consumption. The transmission can be refined and goes unnoticed more often than not. It’s a bit sluggish on shifts, although, and it will probably take a second to kick down in response to requests for extra acceleration.
Moreover the carryover V6, the plug-in hybrid with 260 horsepower continues to be out there. Vary and gasoline economic system stay the identical with 32 miles of electrical vary and 30 mpg in mixed driving when the battery is depleted. We had a long-term Pacifica Hybrid a pair years in the past and have been happy with the powertrain’s refinement and effectivity.
The Pacifica’s trip high quality continues to be one in all its highlights. It’s supple and easy with out feeling disconnected and floaty. The cabin is stable and doesn’t creak or vibrate. And there’s solely small quantities of wind and tire noise. It’s a relaxed, enjoyable machine that’s nice for lengthy hauls or your day by day commute. With that being stated, it’s not notably playful. Steering is a bit sluggish and really numb, and there’s a good bit of physique roll. It does really feel secure and composed. However hey, the Pacifica isn’t a sports activities automobile, nor does it have to be.
A raft of previously non-compulsory driver-assist options strikes to the standard-equipment checklist for 2021. That features Ahead Collision Warning Plus (now with pedestrian detection), lane departure warning and lane-keep help, adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go functionality, computerized high-beams, and rain-sensing wipers. A brand new Security Sphere Bundle is non-compulsory and bundles a 360-degree-view digital camera, automated parking, and entrance parking sensors.
With the styling and mechanical bits out of the way in which, we come to the Pacifica’s inside. The modifications listed here are delicate, however symbolize worthy enhancements. Most vital is the larger, normal 10.1-inch infotainment show operating FCA’s latest Uconnect 5 working system. It has sooner processing, revamped graphics, Amazon Alexa integration, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the power to attach two telephones by way of Bluetooth, person profiles and extra customizable utility pages. Extra importantly, it’s as straightforward to make use of as ever, and can be acquainted to anybody used to the older model. It’s simply prettier, faster and on an even bigger display. It’s additionally backed up by loads of bodily buttons and knobs for generally used capabilities akin to local weather management, quantity and tuning. New USB-C ports and out there wi-fi charging assist maintain everybody’s gadgets absolutely juiced.
Along with the brand new infotainment system, the Pacifica has an out there heart console for the entrance row of seats that provides it a extra carlike really feel, not in contrast to what you’ll discover within the new Toyota Sienna. A brand new FamCam with a zoom function permits the motive force to keep watch over passengers within the rear seats (together with these in rear-facing automobile seats). There’s additionally the brand new high-end Pinnacle trim that provides fantastic quilted brown Nappa leather-based and a suede headliner. The again seats even get throw pillows for adornment and extra-comfort. They’re gimmicky, but in addition oddly charming.
At first look, the Pacifica’s major weak level is the value. The bottom mannequin begins at $36,540, making it the costliest within the section, topping the Sienna by about $1,000, the Odyssey by $3,000 and the unfairly forgotten Kia Sedona by $4,500. The Pacifica continues to be expensive proper as much as the ritzy Pinnacle that begins at $52,290. However the Pacifica is the one minivan to supply a plug-in hybrid mannequin and the one one with second-row seats that fold into the ground. The Pacifica and the Sienna are the one two minivans out there with all-wheel drive. And do not forget Chrysler’s actual entry level into the section, the Voyager. It is the most affordable minivan by a substantial margin, undercutting even the Sedona by a pair thousand {dollars}. It is the identical primary van because the Pacifica, however with out many of the goodies.
So, the Pacifica is best than ever, and affords some severely compelling options, a lot of that are distinctive to Chrysler. It’s a must-see for anybody contemplating a minivan.
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