2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited

Test Drive

Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Marco Carvajal

Introduction

As I start to drive and test the he new 2017 Chrisler Pacifica Limited I feel very excited testing this car, especially because all the features and beautiful design of this great van, I am starting to love the Pacifica.

The new 2017 Minivan Chrysler Pacifica is replacing Chrysler’s previous minivan model, the Town & Country. The Pacifica is definitely superior to the previous Town & Country minivan. I have tested the Town & Country several times, and it was a nice minivan with many great features, but the Pacifica defines a new generation of high end minivans by Chrisler, leaving the Town & Country behind.

Going back in automobile history, Chrysler has produced several mini vans during a few decades, and have sold millions of minivans around the word. Originally the concept of the minivan was developed by two executives from Ford Motor Company, Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich, however Henry Ford II rejected their project to create a minivan. Later these two executives left Ford to work for the Chrysler Group, and finally were able to develop their minivan idea under Chrysler’s brand. Just like in the beginning a few record companies said no to the ultra famous rock band the Beatles, also Ford said no to the concept of the minivan, definitely a huge mistake for Ford, and a lucky hit for Chrysler.

A good marketing strategy for Chrysler family oriented cars like the minivan, started In 1993 as Chrysler developed the concept “Drive for the Kids” as a way to market their image and help families with children. With this program Chrysler puts together Chrysler dealers with elementary school parents and educators, to raise money for student enrichment. Today more than 20 years later, the program has raised millions of dollars for children education, and it keeps growing.

The Pacifica is definitely superior to the previous Town & Country minivan

Great Features

The Pacifica offers all the amazing safety and security features that anyone can wish, like available Forward Collision Warning and available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. Both of these features are part of the available Advanced SafetyTec™ Group.

UCONNECT® SYSTEMS

The Pacifica can be equipped with the available Uconnect® Theater (not compatible with Apple® devices) that features a dual-screen Entertainment System packed with built-in games and apps. Or, sync up your compatible devices for instant fun. And with the available Uconnect® 8.4 NAV, you get access to GPS Navigation as well as SiriusXM® Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, both with a five-year trial included. Using these Chrysler services the driver of the Pacifica get access to real-time traffic, weather updates, sports scores, fuel prices and more tools.

CONVENIENCE

A very helpful feature, the Pacifica can be equipped with the available Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist System (included in the available Advanced SafetyTec™ Group) that helps the driver park in tight spaces. In addition, the available hands-free power sliding doors and hands-free power lift-gate.  A lot of automatization and technology, definitely a new generation of minivans.

EPA estimated mpg with 3.6 L engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. The Chrysler Pacifica has excellent full efficiency of up to 28 highway mpg.

Prices and Versions

The 2017 Pacifica Minivan is available in 6 different versions:

• LX
• Touring
• Touring L
• Touring L Plus
• Limited (The one I am test driving this time)
• Hybrid

The Hybrid Pacifica Hybrid, that uses gasoline and electricity and has a base price of $41,995. This Hybrid version has an incredible 566 Mile Hybrid driving range using one tank of gasoline and electricity, or 84 MPGE, Miles per Gallon using gasoline and electricity.

The base model for the regular gasoline Pacifica models is is the LX, at a starting price of $28,595.

The top model is the Limited, that I am testing this time, at a starting price of $42,495

Price excludes tax, title, license, options and destination charge.

Lease 

In January 2016 there is a 36 months promotion to lease the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited at $461 x month, with a 10% downpayment of $4,349. However, the price can change depending on the model and features.

Tax, title, license and other fees are due at lease signing.

Exterior

I love the exterior of the Chrysler Pacifica Limited, it has a very beautiful modern design and a great stylish silhouette.  It almost feels like I am driving a private Jet, instead of a minivan. Nice exterior details like LED lighting, chrome accents, 20-inch aluminum wheels enhance the look of the new Pacifica.

The Chrysler Pacifica Limited offers impressive available 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with tech gray pocket, LED lower light pipes and headlamp bezels are finished in chrome for a cohesive appearance. The chrome elements of the grille blend seamlessly into the projector headlamps.

Just with a soft kick below the sensors, the available hands-free power sliding doors will open automatically, touch-less, a nice innovate feature for this minivan. If you have the key fob on you, then you can open the hands-free power lift-gate with a simple foot kick below the cargo area sensors. There are also available door handle push button sliding side door activation.

As part of the great design of the Pacifica, Chrysler offers a large tri-pane panoramic sunroof.

the Chrysler Pacifica Limited, it has a very beautiful modern design, It almost feels like I am driving a private Jet instead of a minivan

Interior

I can definitely see that Chrysler made the Pacifica Limited 2017 with comfort in mind. Premium Nappa leather trim to seating for up to eight passengers. Hands Free Sliding Door, Stow ’n Vac™ Integrated Vacuum and a Tri-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, among many other great interior features.

• Premium Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seats
• Hands Free Sliding Door
• Stow ’n Vac™ Integrated Vacuum
• Tri-Pane Panoramic Sunroof

According to Chrysler the Pacifica is the only minivan in its class with the Stow ‘n Go® Seating and Storage System. Slide the second row front seats forward with Stow ‘n Go Assist for easy access to the in-floor bins. Just like magic! hide the second row under the floor and the Pacifica becomes a cargo van! The Class-Exclusive Easy Tilt Seating lets passengers access the third row with the simple lift of a lever. Just push a few buttons and the Pacifica transforms from an 8 passenger minivan into a great cargo van with only 2 seats in the front.

Designed for comfort, the Chrysler Pacifica has seating for up to eight passengers, heated and available ventilated front row seats and available power folding seats in the third row.

The Pacifica comes equipped with an available Stow ‘n Vac™ powered by RIDGID®, a powerful vacuum that extends throughout all the interior.

The Chrysler Pacifica is the quietest vehicle in its class, thanks to the standard Active Noise Cancellation technology that provides a peaceful cabin experience. The Pacifica comes equipped with an available Stow ‘n Vac™ powered by RIDGID®, a powerful vacuum that extends throughout all the interior. Chrysler definitely wants to give more and more in terms of features, what ever you wish for it is there and more!

Safety and Security

A feature that I love is the available 360° Surround View Camera that provides a bird‘s-eye view of the Chrysler Pacifica, using four cameras positioned around the vehicle to create a fully stitched image. Enjoy 350 degrees view of the whole exterior of the minivan, a great way to avoid accidents and keep the Pacifica and its passengers safe.

Available FCW+ detects if the Pacifica is approaching another vehicle too rapidly. It helps you providing a warning as well as applying the brakes if needed.

The available ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System with Stop has sensors in the front and rear that assist with visual and audible cues to help stop you from backing into something. The brakes may engage automatically during a reverse parking maneuver if a possible collision is detected.

The Class-Exclusive Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist System controls the steering while you follow on-screen directions for the gear position, brake and accelerator.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WITH STOP AND GO   (ACC+)

This available system uses sensors to maintain a set distance between your Pacifica and the vehicle in front of it. ACC+ functions between 0 mph and highway cruising speeds.

Technology

• Uconnect® Theater (not compatible with Apple®devices) features dual 10.1-inch HD touchscreens with Blu-ray™ player
• Dual HDMI inputs
• Wireless headphones
• Bluetooth® remotes
• Downloadable games and apps.
• 8.4-inch touchscreen.
• Get help from Siri® Eyes Free, the iPhone® mobile device digital assistant
• Customize your home screen and more.
• Interactive apps and games on the available Uconnect® Theater9 (not compatible with Apple® devices) including: License Plate Game, Backseat Bingo, Tic-Tac-Toe and Math Flash Cards.

Conclusion

The 2017 Minivan Chrysler Pacifica is replacing Chrysler’s previous minivan model, the Town & Country. The Pacifica is definitely superior to the Town & Country and to many other minivans.The Pacifica defines a new generation of high end minivans.  A lot of amazing features, good looks and impressive functionality, a great car to ride! The Pacifica is a next-generation minivan. It has good fuel economy and it is available in the hybrid version. The purchasing price is reasonable for all what you get, from 28,000 to 42,000 you are buying not just a minivan, you are buying a great riding experience, a luxury toy for all the family.