2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD: The Town & Country Of The Minivan Segment

Highlight: A suede headliner is available in the all-new top of the line Pinnacle trim.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $49, 885 (Base Model: $37,315)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; forward collision warning system-plus; a radar activated cruise control system with stop-and-go; a lane departure warning system; automatic high beams; pedestrian automatic emergency braking; a back up camera; an electronic system;  and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Touring): 17-inch wheels; LED exterior lighting; power sliding doors and liftgate; a 10-inch infotainment system; a 7-inch digital cluster; a remote start system; power sliding doors; a power liftgate; a button ignition start system; second-row stow and go seating; a three zone automatic temperature control system; second row window shades; driver’s memory seat setting; a floor console with covered storage; and illuminated cup holders

Standard Equipment (Limited): AWD; 18-inch alloy wheels; a panoramic sunroof; a 13-speaker audio system; wireless charging- smartphones; hands free power lift gate; ventilated front seats;  Alpine 13 speaker audio system; third row power bench seat; remote power folding third-row headrest; a navigation system; heated second row seats; in-vehicle Wi-Fi; a footwell courtesy lamp; integrated vacuum; second and third row USB ports;

Options: two seatback video screens; wireless headphones; a video USB port; video remote controls; Blu-Ray/DVD player; USB port; and a FamCam Interior camera

Other Trim Levels:

Touring L

Pinnacle

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with SiriusXM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine/287-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Towing: 3,600-lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/25-hwy

What’s New:  For the 2021 model year, the segment leading minivan wears a new front fascia and grille. And the Pacifica pushes the price over $50,000 with the all-new luxurious Pinnacle trim.

Moreover, for 2021, the product planning team enhanced the vehicle’s standard safety features.

Pros:

• ·        Plug-in availability, a first in the segment
• ·        Front wheel drive and/or AWD availability, depending upon model
• ·        Second-row bucket seats
• ·        Rear seat dual entertainment screens
• ·        Optional automatic parallel and perpendicular parking system
• ·        A people mover/utility when stow-and-go seats are folded flat into the floor
• ·        panoramic roof option
• ·        Easy to use 10-inch infotainment system
• ·        Amazon Alexa integrated into infotainment system
• ·        Easier to navigate child seats with power sliding side doors
• ·        Great road vehicle for long hauls … cross country trips 
• ·        Six new wheel designs, ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch
•          The FamCam, allows the front seat occupants, primarily parents, to keep track of their kids via the infotainment screen without having to take their eyes off the road

 But: 

• ·        The average transaction price in this segment has increased by 10 percent, when compared to the same time period last year, according to KBB. This one of top segments in the industry to experience such a drastic price increase.
• ·        A heavy vehicle… not as light and maneuverable as car-like crossovers
• ·        Seats in the Limited model were too firm
• ·        Limited and Pinnacle trims only available as AWD
•          Driver’s could confuse the circular gear shifter for the radio knobs

Verdict:  The minivan segment has heated up this year, as a result of two of the players upping the ante with new models and redesigns. However, Chrysler continues to keep their European-styled upscale minivan fresh, adding an all-new Pinnacle trim to the mix. This trim, which starts out over $50,000 adds such high-end amenities as Nappa leather seats in all three rows to a suede headliner. Chrysler’s continues to make sure that the Pacifica lives up to its name being that its no longer known as the Town & Country, which was the standard bearer for all minivans at one time.

While the crossover segment has definitely let some air of out of the tires of the dwindling minivan segment, there are a number of advantages that one can’t overlook. In the case of the Pacifica, they range from the seats folding flat into the floor, allowing for an easy conversion to carry such items as a 4x2, to being used as a people mover, which allows occupants to move effortlessly between the second and third rows.

Chrysler has managed to flex its muscle in this segment, by offering an all-new electrified model, which allows drivers to plug-in, as well as be powered by gasoline. Chrysler has managed to keep the vehicle relevant in a sea of SUVs, trucks and crossovers.

Competition: Chrysler Voyager; Honda Odyssey; Kia Carnival (formerly the Kia Sedona) and Toyota Sienna