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2020 Chrysler Pacifica – Test Drive, Reviews, Ratings, Specs

Still the Ideal Family Mover

The ever-growing popularity and demand for cross-overs make mini-vans somewhat of a taboo in modern car culture. But when it comes to hauling 7-passengers and cargo space, the mini-van simply does a better job – hands down. In case of the Chrysler Pacifica, you get all that plus an exceptionally plush ride.

The Pacifica gets the award-winning 3.6L Pentastar V6. A TorqueFlite 9-speed automatic transmission manages gear shifts with its available 287 horsepower and 262 lb.ft of torque. As an alternative, a hybrid powertrain using a modified version of the Pentastar V6 is also available and will be the first in its segment. Standard across all trims will come in FWD configuration and an all-new All-Wheel-Drive Launch trim will be available in the third quarter of 2020 priced at $40,240 plus a destination fee of $3,095.

Tech and Safety

A 7″ UConnect 4 infotainment system comes standard on the base trim. Opting for the larger a larger 8.4″ screen will require a $4,300 upgrade to the Touring L-Plus. Heater 2nd-row seats and steering wheel, Rear park assist that will automatically apply the brakes when backing up, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert will come along with the upgrade. Regardless of screen size, the UConnect 4 software is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay for seamless smartphone connectivity.

A 6-speaker audio system comes standard across all trims with an available upgrade to either a 13-speaker system or a high-fidelity 20 speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

Second row seats get additional amenities with UConnect Theater 10″ fold down screen for playing movies. The additional Stow’n Go storage and integrated Stow’n vacuum powered by RIGID are additional key tech features that continues to make the Pacifica a user-friendly and ease of use family vehicle.

Cabin Comfort

Front center console is neatly stacked with a climate controls aligned with a convenient rotary dial shift knob. Deep cup holders, and a plethora of slide-out bins make no shortage of storage.

Regardless of audio speaker configuration, the Pacifica gets a noise-cancellation system integrated into the cabin space to filter out unwanted road shear and noise for added comfort. Cloth seating material on standard trim feel durable to the touch while the Touring-L Plus gets leather faced seat treatment. Nappa leather is also available in the highest Limited trim.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy

A peppy 3.6L Pentastar V6 mated to a snappy 9-speed automatic transmission in a front-wheel drive configuration makes acceleration a breeze wth 287 horsepower and 262 lbs.ft of torque that will achieve a very respectable 31 mpg combined city and highway. The hybrid variant will utilize a tuned version of the Pentastar V6 to work more harmoniously with two electric motors and a 16 kwh lithium ion battery pack. Power output will be 27 horsepower less at 260. But the increased battery pack capacity in the hybrid will allow the Pacifica to travel up to 31 miles in full electric mode while achieving up to an astonishing 84 MPGe equivalent fuel economy.

Final Thoughts

Despite the more contemporary and sporty cross-over design, the box-like minivan form factor are here to stay. Despite its dated box-like form factor, mini-vans inherently offer an exceptionally plush ride and excellent front driver-visibility.

The Chrysler Pacifica continues to improve and innovate on its mini-van platform with better fuel efficiency, amenities, safety and tech features without compromising exceptional cargo space, family friendliness, and overall ease of use.

And it’s affordable too. The starter L trim comes at a base price tag of just $33,246 while the well-equipped Touring-L Plus with heated second row seats and steering wheel, blind spot monitoring, and tri-climate controls for all three row passengers will come in at $40,852.

Specifications

  • Vehicle : 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Model : Touring
  • Price as Tested : $38,472
  • Vehicle Type : Mini-Van
  • Seating Capacity : 2+2+3
  • Powertrain Configuration : FWD
  • Engine : 3.6L Pentastar V6
  • Transmission : 9-Speed Automatic
  • Horsepower : 287 horsepower

Pros

  • Exceptional ride quality
  • Excellent cargo space, amenities and storage
  • Innovative use for extra cargo space including Stow’n Vac vacuum cleaner and fold down seats
  • Plush ride and excellent front driver visibility

Cons

  • Large form factor makes it difficult to park
  • Box-like form factor limits contemporary styling design cues. compared to cross-overs.