Adventure pod
2017 Pacifica is a marvel of family transportation
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica emerges with a wealth of content and features at affordable prices as an all- new platform to replace the outgoing premium Town & Country minivan.
The base model LX starts at $ 28,595, followed by the Touring, which has a beginning price of $ 30,495. The Touring- L starts at $ 34,495, and the Pacifica Touring- L Plus starts at $ 37,895. Finally, the flagship Limited model, which comes with all the bells and whistles, starts at $ 42,495.( Add $ 995 destination charge for each model.)
For now, front- wheel drive is standard, though all- wheel drive may become available later in the production cycle; the Pacifica Hybrid will only be available in FWD.
The gasoline- fueled Pacifica draws its motive force froma front, transverselymounted 3.6- liter, 24- valve V- 6 Pentastar engine with sequential multiport electronic returnless fuel injection that makes 287 horsepower at 6,400 rpm while also developing 262 pound- feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Energy is delivered to the front wheels through a TorqueFlite ninespeed automatic transmission with rotary dial e- shift technology.
Visually, the Pacifica delivers a sophisticated, sculptural exterior, with a bold, athletic stance and aerodynamic profile. Its longwheelbase, widened track and low ground clearance contribute to its sleek and futuristic image.
The interior mixes high- tech elements with a sculpted flair. Outlets and bezels appear formal, highlighted by a simple, thin chrome ring. The tone- on- tone control knobs in the center stack feature a spun finish reminiscent of high- end audio equipment. The Uconnect touch screen — available in either a 5- inch or 8.4- inch size— sits flush with the instrument panel for a clean, technical look.
The spacious interior delivers best- in- class frontand third- row leg room. The HVAC controls are consolidated in the headliner, running cleanly along the rails. In the rear, the HVAC controls are on the passengerside headliner — a thoughtful consideration.
Chrysler’s enhanced Stow‘ n Go system features redesigned seats for added comfort and side support; the seats fold smoothly forward into infloor tubs, which can also be used for stowage when the seats are deployed. The Stow‘ n Vac integrated vacuum is the highest- powered in- vehicle vacuum in the market. With a 14- foot hose ( and available 14- foot extension), all parts of the vehicle are in easy reach.
My test Chrysler Pacifica was a Touring- L Plus model featuring a rear entertainment system, tri- panel sunroof, and 18- inch wheels and tires. The base price was $ 37,895, while the final count came to $ 42,170.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan delivers a luxury- sedan- like ride, with comfortable and supportive seating along with responsive damping. Acceleration is more than adequate with a broad torque range. The transmission shifted smoothly, but on occasion seemed to hold gears longer than necessary; paddle shifters would have been a big plus.
There are somany creature comfort features included as standard fare in the new Pacifica that it is truly a marvel in family transportation. Think of the Pacifica, not as a “soccermom” van of old, but as a fully equipped adventure pod for the entire family and all their gear.