2020 Chrysler Pacifica

Starting with a base price of $26,995 the Pacifica comes in six trim levels harboring a similar 3.6L V6 engine paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine drills out 287 horsepower and 262-pound/feet of torque. Despite being a minivan the Pacifica is pretty zippy to drive. With class leading mileage and all start safety rating the Pacifica is all set to change the minivan segment for good.

The Pacifica is huge and crafted to home a diverse family and similar is Pacifica’s lineup. There are six trims: L, LX, Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited. There is also a Hybrid variant for the Pacifica. Chrysler features a monochromic 3.6L V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Base trim is loaded with features and gets more addition to each trim. The Base L trim starts as low as 27 grand and goes all the way to 45 grand for the top of the line Limited trim. The Pacifica is a Front-wheel drive minivan.

Trim	L	LX	Touring Plus	Touring L	Touring L Plus	Limited
MSRP	$26,995	$29,795	$32,945	$36,295	$39,395	$44,445
Key Features	17-inch steel wheels	Automatic headlights	Chrome exterior trim	Eight-way power passenger seat with power lumbar adjustment	Heated steering wheel	18-inch wheels
	Rearview camera	Driver information display	Foglights	Heated front seats	Heated second-row seats	LED foglights
	Heated mirrors	Body-colored exterior trim	LED taillights	Second- and third-row retractable sunshades	8.4-inch touchscreen	Hands-free liftgate and hands-free sliding doors
	Keyless entry (for the driver door only) and ignition	Alloy wheels	Power liftgate	Leather upholstery	Navigation and the Alpine audio system	Premium leather upholstery
	Blind-spot monitoring	Automatic engine stop-start system	Power-sliding rear doors		Third-row USB port	A second-row USB port and a power-folding third-row seat
	Rear cross-traffic alert	Eight-way power driver seat (with four-way lumbar)	Remote engine start		Ambient lighting	In-vehicle vacuum cleaner
	Rear parking sensors	Tri-zone climate control and folding/collapsible second-row Stow 'n Go seats	Full keyless entry			Ventilated front seats
	Dual-zone climate control		Satellite radio and a charge-only USB port located in the front row			Two sunroofs (panoramic for the first two rows and an additional fixed sunroof above the third row)
	Height-adjustable driver's seat		Automatic climate control			Xenon headlamps
	A 60/40-split-folding third-row seat					Driver-seat memory settings
	7-inch touchscreen					Power-folding mirrors
	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto					Auto-dimming exterior and rearview mirrors
	Six-speaker audio system with a USB port and an auxiliary jack
	Tri-zone climate control is available at an additional cost

The Base trim is loaded with features and gets more addition to each trim. The Base L trim starts as low as 27 grand and goes all the way to 45 grand for the top of the line Limited trim. The Pacifica is a Front-wheel drive minivan.

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Out of all the trims, the Touring L trim packs the most bang for your buck. There are some savvy and nifty features like heated front seats, retractable sunshades, and leather upholstery which will make a lot of difference in the long run.

“By minivan standards, the Pacifica performs well. It handles better than average, with effective brakes and strong acceleration. It would get a better overall performance score if it weren't for the frustrating nine-speed transmission and vague steering”- Edmunds

There are no changes in the design spectrum and the powertrain for the last 4 years. under the hood, the Pacifica hides a 3.6 L V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The power station cranks out 287 horsepower and 262 lb/ft of torque. Although there is no other engine option, Pacifica’s power is the best in the class. The power delivery is smooth and has plenty of punch for what needed.

Initial acceleration is smooth without any delays as ensured by the 9-speed automatic transmission. However, it can feel clumsy at times. There is no major disturbance in changing gears though. You can cruise through the freeway without any interruptions.

Models	Chrysler Pacifica L minivan	Dodge Grand Caravan SE	Honda Odyssey LX minivan	Ford Flex SE	Kia Sedona L minivan
MSRP	$28,340	$27,595	$31,085	$30,285	$27,980
Engine	3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded	3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded	3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded	3.5L V6 Ti-VCT	3.3L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection
Transmission	9 Speed Automatic	6 Speed Automatic	9 Speed Automatic	6 Speed Automatic	8 Speed Automatic
Horsepower	287 hp@ 6400rpm	283 hp@ 6400rpm	280 hp@ 6000rpm	287 hp@	276 hp@ 6000rpm
Torque	262 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm	260 ft-lbs@ 4400rpm	262 ft-lbs@ 4700rpm	254 lb-ft	248 ft-lbs@ 5200rpm

The minivan segment is the land of cut-throat competition. Every brand 's offerings are closely priced and deliver similar power and features. Just for the sake of comparison, the Pacifica is the most powerful minivan in the segment along with Ford Flex.

Acceleration

The engine is punchy but you need to be a little heavy footed to drill out the acceleration. The initial acceleration feels sluggish but as you jab the pedal with all your might the Pacifica starts to shine. This boxy van takes 7.4 seconds to complete the 60 mph run, which is pretty fair for a minivan. For the quarter-mile timing, the Pacifica hits the mark in 15.6 seconds, pretty average when compared to other vans in the segment.

Models	Chrysler Pacifica L minivan	Dodge Grand Caravan SE	Honda Odyssey LX minivan	Ford Flex SE	Kia Sedona L minivan
0-60 MPH	7.4 sec	7.2 sec	6.6 sec	7.0 sec	7.9 sec
Quarter mile	15.6 sec	15.6 sec	15 sec	16.8 sec	16.1 sec
Engine	3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded	3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded	3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded	3.5L V6 Ti-VCT	3.3L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.0	8.9	8.0	9.2	8.4

Though Pacifica’s performance is fair, it’s not the best. The Honda Odyssey often referred to as the epitome of minivans, is better at accelerating and its 6.6-second 0-60mph timing removes all doubts. Then comes the Ford Flex with its competitive 7-second acceleration. Kia Sedona is the potential lager in the lot if you talk about acceleration.

Ride and Handling

The Pacifica is pretty decent and quite maneuverable. The steering is light and has a central feel to it. Road communication might be less but the shape steering instincts convey confidence on tricky roads. Then if we jump to body roll, yes there is some. Pacifica’s boxy shape sparks body roll on high speeds but it's controllable. The transmission is where you need to improvise, downshifts are long and you need to constantly look for the right gear in traffic.

Braking

Minivans are known for their utilitarian nature and better reliability and one important factor which contributes to Pacifica’s reliability is its braking. The pedal is easy to modulate and has a relatively shorter travel distance. The response is immediate too. The Front brakes rated at 13 inches and so is the rear. From the speed of 60 mph, the Pacifica took 119 feet to come to a stop.

Model	Chrysler Pacifica L minivan	Dodge Grand Caravan SE	Honda Odyssey LX minivan	Ford Flex SE	Kia Sedona L minivan
Brake Front (in.)	13	11.9	12.6	12.8	12.6
Brake Rear (in.)	13	12	13	13.0	11.9
Curb Weight (lbs.)r	4330	4510	4354	4637	4411
60-0 MPH (ft.)	119	N/A	N/A	125	118

Comparing with other vans the Pacifica is a light van, hence the performance in the panic brake test. Vans like Kia Sedona boast their competitive braking while still having the bulky weight, others like the Ford Flex don’t share a similar competitive vibe.

If minivans were to trade utility for fuel efficiency, this segment won’t have survived. Minivan efficiency is what brings soccer moms or any family guy to Chrysler’s showroom. The V6 is extremely efficient and better than some of the prime players in the minivan segment. In the city, you can expect an efficiency of 18 mpg which stretches to 28 mph on the highway. Together you have the combined mileage of 22 mpg which is pretty average for a minivan.

Model	Chrysler Pacifica L minivan	Dodge Grand Caravan SE	Honda Odyssey LX minivan	Ford Flex SE	Kia Sedona L minivan
MPG (city)	18	17	19	16	18
MPG (highway)	28	25	28	23	24
MPG (combined)	22	20	22	19	21
Range (city/highway)	342/532	340/500	371/546	298/428	380/506
Tank Capacity (gal)	19.0	20.0	19.5	18.6	21.1

Chrysler’s ergonomic numbers are average for the class. When you have vans like Dodge Caravan and Honda Odyssey then competition hits a dead end with no winner, as far as the economy is a concern. The Ford Flex is left dry with its 19 mpg mileage, making it the lager in the lot.

“Whether you're making the daily commute or spending a long weekend on the highway, the inside of the Pacifica is a pleasant place to be. If you're judging it strictly by the numbers, the Pacifica is marginally smaller than rivals, but it feels just as spacious as class leaders”- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

You can use the Pacifica for daily commuting or for going camping on the weekend, the limit to the versatility of its interior is endless. Pacifica can home seven to eight people at one a time depending on the second-row seating option you pick. You can either go for the bench or the captain’s chair. The seats sit high above the ground but the actual round clearance is low. Access to the second row is though a sliding door which has a decent opening. The third-row access is easy too and can comfortably accommodate three adults.

Model	Chrysler Pacifica L minivan	Dodge Grand Caravan SE	Honda Odyssey LX minivan	Ford Flex SE	Kia Sedona L minivan
Passenger capacity	7	7	7	7	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.1/63.8/41.1	39.8/63.7/40.7	40.7/63.1/40.9	41.8/58.4/42.6	39.8/63.9/40.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.6/63.0/39.0	39.3/64.1/36.5	39.5/61.6/40.9	40.5/58.1/44.3	39.4/63.1/41.1

With large windows and thin pillars, visibility is a strong point on the Pacifica. The quality of the interior is nice with a lot of soft touches but the same cannot be said for the poor material used on the steering. The seats feature a stow-n-Go system when the seats need to be folded into the floor. Other features like conversation mirror give parents full access to what their children are doing at the back. If you talk about interior design it is very contemporary and plush.

Cargo volume

The Pacifica is a big utilitarian when it comes to cargo space. With all seats up the Chrysler delivers 32 cubic feet of cargo volume. A great feature about the Pacifica is the Stow-n-go feature which allows you to fold the second and third-row seats into the floor to open the full cargo bay. The full Pacifica cargo bay is rated at 140. 5 cubic feet which is nice but not the best in the lot.

Model	Chrysler Pacifica L minivan	Dodge Grand Caravan SE	Honda Odyssey LX minivan	Ford Flex SE	Kia Sedona L minivan
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	140.5	140.3	158.0	83.2	142.0

The Honda Odyssey is the best in the lot with its 158 cubic feet of cargo. Other vans like the Caravan and the and Kia Sedona are similar to that of the Pacifica. The Ford Flex is the lager with its 83 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Infotainment System

The central screen of the Pacifica is a huge 8.4’’ LCD panel which is bright, crisp and color accurate. The basic layout is simple and very user-friendly and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. Hence, you don’t have to worry about the connectivity of your smartphone with the car.

There are also two large 10’’ screens in the 2^nd row that come with a Blu Ray player. The input can also be fed via HDMI or wireless streaming. Two wireless headphones are also provided to ensure the best media experience.

A 4G LTE hotspot is also available so that all the passengers inside the car can connect to the internet all the time. SiriusXM radio onboard the Pacifica also lets you stream over a 100 radio station via satellite.

Taking care of the audio are standard 6 speakers that produce a well-balanced surround sound throughout the cabin. However, if you aren’t satisfied with it, there is an option for a 13 speaker Harman Kardon sound system that fills every inch of the cabin with rich and vibrant sound.

Interior Features

• 8 Passenger Seating
• 2 Additional Key Fobs (Fleet)
• Alloy Seats
• Uconnect 4C Navigation With 8.4" Display
• Single Rear Overhead DVD System

“Chrysler’s Batman-like logo is displayed prominently on the sleek front end, ahead of a smoothly shaped body. The Pacifica has embraced a minivan shape but updated it with curvy sheet metal and lots of glass”- The Car Connection

Design and Dimensions

Although the majority of minivans look the same, all American Pacifica adds a little flair to the design. It’s the most curvaceous van modeled over the boxy body which is a strong design statement. The Chrysler’s logo and grill look better than ever and feel like it was built exclusively for this van. Despite the big dimensions, the Pacificas mystic makes it look smaller. However, it’s a big van and its cabin says it all.

Model	Chrysler Pacifica L minivan	Dodge Grand Caravan SE	Honda Odyssey LX minivan	Ford Flex SE	Kia Sedona L minivan
Curb weight (lbs.)	4330	4510	4354	4637	4411
Length(in)	203.8	202.8	203.2	201.8	201.4
Width(in)	79.6	78.7	78.5	75.9	78.1
Height(in)	69.9	68.9	68.3	68.0	68.5
Ground clearance (in)	5.1	5.8	4.5	6.0	6.7
Wheelbase (in)	121.6	121.2	118.1	117.9	120.5
Track width (in) F/R	68.3/68.3j	65.6/64.8	67.3/67.2	65.4/65.4	68.7/69

The Pacifica’s soft exterior and curvaceous metal sheet make it stand out amongst other minivans. It's 10 inches longer than a full-fledged executive and its width is rated at 79 inches and height at 70 inches. The ground clearance of 5.1 inches is lower then most of the vans in the segment. The wheelbase is rather large courtesy of the overall length.

Exterior Features

• MOPAR Protective Clear Film
• Inflatable Spare Tire Kit W/Sealant
• MOPAR Running Boards/Splash Guards
• MOPAR Splash Guards - Vehicle Set
• Tri-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• 20" X 7.5" Aluminum Black Noise Wheels

The Chrysler Pacifica features a long list of safety features along with a strong core safety. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica was tested by NHTSA and IIHS and the van excelled in both. IIHS names the Pacifica as its Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA awarded it with a 5-star rating. As said earlier the list of safety features is long with active safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, and more. Other driver-assist features include automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist.

 

Dodge Grand Caravan vs Chrysler Pacifica

Dodge Caravan is exactly what the idea of an ideal van looks like. It has space for seven and a plush cabin. Similar to the Pacifica there is enough power to counter the city’s traffic and hit the country road on the weekend. Though it’s a decent van and match everything the Pacifica does, but as a buyer, you cannot resist Pacifica’s futuristic look. Also, in terms of economy, Chrysler is a little more efficient. Considering there is not much different in the price, the Pacifica is clearly a better choice.

Honda Odyssey vs Chrysler Pacifica

The Honda Odyssey is the Chuck Norris of the minivan segment. It’s the segment leader and boasts a higher price and power. In terms of dimensions and utility, the Odyssey delivers more than the Pacifica. The fact that this version of the Odyssey was launched last year and it is more practical is enough to sway customers. In comparison to the Pacifica, the Odyssey is more nimble and child-friendly. However, one thing which is absent in Honda is the Stow n Go seats. It’s a tuff choice, however, the Pacifica brings something new to the table with its design.

 

Minivans used to be boxy, ugly, and practical, the type of car you would only buy when you absolutely have to. However, the Pacifica has surpassed the traditional minivan image. It’s futuristic body and interior makes it the most handsome minivan in the segment. The Chrysler‘s V6 engine cranks out enough power to handle your family’s chores in the city and cruise on the highway. The handling is good but nothing special. You will find vans with better driving dynamics. Economy and practicality remains unrivaled and average to what other vans deliver. Overall the price is synonymous with what other brands charge and with the innovative design it brings out something fresh to the segment.