What we love about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited XNUMXxXNUMX minivan

Analysis of the new Chrysler minivan with all-wheel drive, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine, automatic doors, exterior and interior cameras, UConnect multimedia system and numerous safety improvements

Rarely does someone who is a car fanatic like a minivan.

The truth is that these are vehicles with a very clear function: to comfortably and safely transport a number of people that usually exceeds four people.

The rest is secondary. Design, driving performance, handling, driving comfort... Elements that in other vehicles would be decisive when making a purchase decision, in a minivan depend on space and ease of access.

And in fairness, when evaluating a minivan, you need to proceed from its main function and not expect more ... Or you?

The truth is that at Siempre Auto we were able to test the new Chrysler Pacifica 2021 and it convinced us with its performance, comfort, ease of operation and additional details. We didn't like its looks, but Chrysler's latest all-wheel-drive minivan surprised us.

Here's what we liked best about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWD:

1. Easy to handle

However, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWD is a wide minivan more suited to the suburbs than the narrow streets of a city like New York. But all-wheel drive is something unusual for this type of vehicle - the elevated driving position is 2 cm higher than the previous model, and the engine's throttle response makes driving a lot easier than you might imagine. In addition, a rear anti-roll bar has been added and the suspension has been improved. This feeling can be summed up in one word: smooth out (politely).

One catch: the shift lever on the center console looks like a huge button next to the audio control button. It is easy to confuse one with the other.

2. Accessibility

The side doors and tailgate are activated automatically and provide quick and safe access to the passenger compartment.

3. Amplitude

The interior of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has three rows of seating and more than decent legroom in any row. Also, the distance between the seats in the second row is enough to facilitate movement inside the car. Ahead, in the driver's and passenger compartments, there is also not enough space.

The huge sunroof, fully automatic - both the upper glass and the lower opaque panel - and with many positions contributes to this feeling.

4. Small details

The steering wheel heats up, which may seem silly, but in the winter in the north of the country it is appreciated, like some other things. It also comes with a wireless cell phone charger by simply placing it under the center console. Little details that add comfort.

The version we tested included the "S Appearance Pack" (an optional $295 Interior Pack); 20-inch aluminum wheels ($995); and the UConnect Theater Family Group Audio Video System ($2,495), which includes an interior camera so the driver can see what's happening in the rear seats and individual screens, as well as a Premium Security package with an external 360º camera and parking sensors. among other things ($1,595).

Additional options are not cheap, but highly recommended for a car of this size. The audiovisual package will depend primarily on how long you intend to drive with a large number of passengers in the back, especially if they are children.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Specifications

– Base price: 48,390 1,495 USD (shipping to destination will cost an additional USD).

– Transmission: 9-speed automatic

– Engine: 3.6-liter V-6 with 287 hp

– All-wheel drive system: all-wheel drive that activates automatically

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is the only minivan to combine all-wheel drive with Stow'n Go seats, and the only one in its class to send all available torque to the rear wheels, or to those wheels that have the most traction at any given time. The XNUMXWD system can also stop the rotation of the driveshaft when XNUMXWD is not required.

The all-wheel drive system also uses a brake differential lock system to improve traction. If one wheel loses traction, the system brakes the wheel with low grip, redirecting torque to the wheel with more grip. The brakes have large ventilated front and massive rear rotors, as well as larger capacity calipers.

– When is the all-wheel drive system activated?

To improve performance, all-wheel drive is engaged when the Chrysler Pacifica begins to accelerate. And also if the minibus registers any of these situations:

cold outside temperature

Using windshield wipers

Slipping on the front wheels

Strong acceleration, as when overtaking

Activation of the electronic stabilization system

Poor steering or sudden pressing of the gas pedal

Road conditions in poor condition / slopes

Outside of these situations, when four-wheel drive is not needed, the rear-wheel power transmission unit is disabled, which improves fuel efficiency.

– S Appearance trim

Includes black all-wheel drive, Pacifica and Chrysler badges, 18-inch wheels with Foreshadow trim. Detailed headlights, grille surround, tail stripe and daylight opening (DLO). Black interior with leather seats with gray stitching and an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect audio system.

– Standard safety features

New LED lights

Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Protection (PAEB)

Blind Spot Monitoring System

rear detection

parking assistance

Full stop adaptive cruise control

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Full stop forward collision warning

lane departure warning

Ocho airbags

– New Uconnect 5 system

It is offered on a vehicle for the first time in the US and is standard. It includes 10.1-inch touchscreens and an Amazon Alexa connection that you can interact with and request music, reminders, news, ask questions, and more just like at home.

– Internal FamCAM camera

It offers rear-view video so that the driver can even see rear-facing child seats. It has a zoom to get the image closer.