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2017 Chrysler Pacifica Minivans: Sleek, Fast, and Modern

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2017 Chrysler Pacifica Minivans: Sleek, Fast, and Modern

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Full-size car


This is probably the biggest change in Chrysler minivans since their 1983 launch. The Pacifica has the first name Chrysler minivan name change, with:

  • 250 pounds of weight reduction, coupled with greater body strength, for better economy and acceleration
  • Better handling, ride, and noise reduction; improved sliding doors with no-touch openers
  • The new plug-in hybrid is estimated at 30 miles on a charge, 80 MPGe city
  • Plusher and better equipped, even the base model; much nicer trim; but still carries a 4x8 plywood sheet
  • Dual 10" screens for the middle row, big screens up front.
  • Some options, such as HID headlights, are only available in top trim levels

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Steering wheel


Let's dive right in! See...

Hybrid test driveMuscle car owner Patrick Rall takes the Pacifica Hybrid out for a while (also see his gasoline-Pacifica test drive).
Cabin, Features, and GadgetsThe interior - better doors, more gadgets and features, conveniences, and such
Powertrain and HybridThe engine and transmission, for both gasoline and hybrid minivans, with comparisons to Honda and Toyota
Body, Handling, and BrakingLosing weight, gaining strength; suspension, brakes, wheels and tires
Specs, Rumors, Models, and SafetyPricing, what you get with each model, dimensions and such, safety gizmos; and the rumors - what we got right and wrong, and what we don't know yet
Hands onMinivan owner Jim Choate's impressions from the Chicago Auto Show
Styling

The Pacifica's wind-swept profile reflects underbody aero panels, aerodynamically tuned windshield wipers, and an optimized relationship between the front glass and the roof panel. The front uses the contemporary Chrysler face, with a flowing upper and lower grille that flow into the headlamps. A hood with character lines shingles over the upper grille for a clean appearance.

Red Auto part


On the side, an A-line runs from front to rear, tracing downward into the rear fascia. A lower surface character line was designed to interact with ambient light. Once again, the sliding door tracks are hidden under the windows; the doors have a re-designed center hinge and shorter rail track (other door improvements aim at a longer and quieter life.)

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Minivan Sport utility vehicle


The chrome greenhouse deliberately surround thins and thickens as it travels rearward. Sliding door track lines remain hidden. The roof blends into a rear spoiler, and liftgate glass is visually "tucked" into the D-pillars. Tail lamps on higher models use LED light pipes, for an even glow.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Alloy wheel Minivan


Stitching is contrasting throughout the interior (higher models); extra-thin chrome surrounds are meant to be elegant. The glossy, high-contrast Uconnect touchscreen (five or 8.4 inches) is flush with the instrument panel. Upper trim levels get a stitched instrument panel. Backlighting is white for buttons and blue for the gauges; other control elements also use blue lighting.

In the rear, the HVAC controls are on the passenger side headliner after research showed that it was the optimal position if there is only one child in the second row.

Vehicle Car Red Trunk Automotive design


Storage includes a large center console, with spaces designed to fit devices like an iPad. The bottom of the console bin is deeper than the floor for added space. There is also storage for an umbrella and sunglasses, and two bins in the rear cargo area that can each hold a gallon of milk. The backs of the front and rear seats have integrated grocery bag hooks.

Bag Trunk Baggage Hand luggage Auto part


The Stow 'n' Go floor bins provide storage when the seats are not stowed; the seats have been redesigned for added comfort and side support. Seats now fold smoothly forward into the tubs, a button on the B-pillar moves the front seat forward, out of the way, easing the process (it goes back automatically too). The tilting second-row seats ease access to the third row, even with an empty child seat installed in the second row.

The top of the line Limited has an integrated vacuum. Note: the Limited Platinum was announced early on, but was apparently subsumed into the Limited.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Minivan Family car


The Pacifica Hybrid has distinctive badging and a unique front grille pattern and wheel design, and can be purchased in exclusive Silver Teal paint. The black with "ice cave" accents and blue stitching / black piping interior is unique to it. The charging status light on the dash can be seen from outside.

Quality

Chrysler put 3.4 million "real world" miles onto the vans, including extreme weather testing in Arizona, Nevada, and Alaska, hot-weather city traffic in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and a run to Arizona's Davis Dam, normally used for testing pickups. The Pacifica ran the 3,000 foot climb up Highway 68 with the air conditioner on full and towing a 3,600 trailer. The first batch of new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans made were loaned to employees from all functions to test and evaluate, to pick up issues before vans reached customers.

First DriveTooling around Los Angeles in a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Cabin, Features, and GadgetsThe interior - better doors, more gadgets and features, conveniences, and such
Powertrain and HybridThe engine and transmission, for both gasoline and hybrid minivans, with comparisons to Honda and Toyota
Body, Handling, and BrakingLosing weight, gaining strength; suspension, brakes, wheels and tires
Specs, Rumors, Models, and SafetyWhat you get with each model; dimensions and such; safety gizmos; and the rumors - what we got right and wrong, and what we don't know yet
Hands onMinivan owner Jim Choate's impressions from the Chicago Auto Show

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