Chrysler hits mark with 2018 Pacifica Limited
Since its introduction in 1984, the Dodge Caravan and, later, the Town & Country have ruled the minivan roost. Yes, it was and remains one of the most maligned segments in the business, but if you need to carry more than five people on a regular basis or need the flexibility of cargo space and seating, nothing does it quite as well. There are some three-row SUVs, but they usually compromise third-row comfort.
As the T&C was showing its age, Chrysler replaced it with the Pacifica — a name once used before on a rather lacklustre ride that disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.
This time around, the Pacifica has been imbued with a sleeker visage and a classier cabin that’s premium all the way, especially in Limited guise. The softtouch materials, Nappa leather and French stitching combine to provide a premium feel. It’s also very well-equipped, with Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system with a large 8.4-inch touch screen. It remains one of the easiest to use, with rightsized icons and an intuitive layout. Whether it is pairing a phone or punching in a destination, it is, literally, child’s play. This year it’s even easier thanks to the addition of Apple Car Play and Android Auto; simply hardwire a phone, unlock it and the Pacifica does the rest, including reading any incoming texts with the option of responding.
For those without the built-in navigation system, the apps also give that option through the phone — just keep an eye on data consumption.
The other plus is the built-in entertainment system, which includes an app called Are We There Yet? It lets the kids see where they are and how long before arriving, which dispenses with that perennially annoying question.
The lone nit is that while blind-spot monitoring is part of the Limited’s equipment list, it requires the $1,995 Advanced Safety Tec option group to get the rest of the desirable assistants. The group includes lane-departure warning and so on, plus parallel/perpendicular self-parking with stop assist. It proved to be a cinch to use. The sightlines are better than many multi-row rides, so the parking chore is not as onerous in the first place.
The flexibility is also very good. While there is an eightseat option, the seven-seater is the better route, as it gives the middle row riders more space. In the Limited’s case, holding a button powers the third row — which is adult-friendly for short trips — down to expand the cargo capacity from 915 litres to 2,478.