Auto writers name Pacifica best minivan

The Windsor-made 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has been named the year’s best minivan by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

It was the second major award the Pacifica won this week, after being named family car of the year by Cars.com on Wednesday at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show.

Chrysler announced Thursday that the Pacifica was named best minivan in the AJAC’s annual Canadian Car and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. The 2018 Ram 1500 was named best pickup truck.

“Having both Chrysler Pacifica and Ram 1500 recognized as the best in their segments by the expert members of AJAC is an incredible honour,” said Reid Bigland, president and CEO of FCA Canada. “The Pacifica is the most awarded minivan of the past two years, and this uniquely Canadian accolade, measured against all of its segment rivals, further proves that Pacifica delivers class-above quality, safety and functionality for families.”

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada is a national association of journalists who test drive and report on new vehicles. The annual Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards is meant to provide consumers with expert advice and data to help them make buying decisions.

The winner of each of the AJAC’s 14 categories, including the Pacifica, are eligible to be named the 2018 Canadian car of the year or 2018 Canadian utility vehicle of the year. Thee winners will be announced Feb. 15 at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.