Nearly a decade after Chrysler last redesigned its minivan, Chrysler new minivan has made its debut — the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The Chrysler Pacifica name has been used before, on a short-lived crossover SUV, as a trim level for the Dodge Daytona. Built on an all-new platform equipped with what Chrysler calls the lightest and stiffest architecture in the segment, the 2017 Pacifica boasts 37 minivan “firsts,” including an available plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Packaged to seat up to 8 people, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is equipped with redesigned Stow ‘n Go seats that are easier to use. Stow ‘n Go second- and third-row seats fold down into the van’s floor, which means it is never necessary to remove the seats in order to take advantage of the Pacifica’s maximum cargo capacity of 140.5 cu. ft.
In any case, the shapely sheetmetal produces “class-leading” aerodynamics, according to Chrysler, and it retains its deftly hidden sliding side door tracks, which run just beneath the rear side windows. A set of 20-in. aluminum wheels is available, and the Pacifica Hybrid is distinguished by a unique grille treatment, bespoke wheel designs, a charging port located just in front of the driver’s door, and appropriate badges.
The 2017 Pacifica comes with aa next-generation version of Chrysler’s 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V-6 engine is standard in the 2017 Pacifica. It makes 287 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, and shortly after the van goes on sale the engine will receive an automatic start/stop system designed to help conserve fuel. A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard, operated using a twist knob on the dashboard.
Given its role as a family vehicle, one of the least appealing things about the old Town & Country minivan was its “Poor” rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To resolve this, Chrysler says it employs additional high-strength steel in the Pacifica’s structure in order to ensure top crash-test ratings.
With the Pacifica, Chrysler is introducing more sophisticated technologies to its minivan. They include a 7-in. driver information display, Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-in. touch-screen display and Uconnect Access subscription services, and a couple of premium audio systems, the top choice by Harmon Kardon and equipped with 20 speakers.
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http://www.autoblog.com/2016/03/21/2017-chrysler-pacifica-first-drive-review-video/
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