2021 Chrysler Pacifica Review

　　

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　All right, minivan or SUV — what's more stylish and better equipped for bad weather? SUV, right? Maybe, but the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is a viable exception. With updated styling and available all-wheel drive, the Pacifica has some of the best attributes of an SUV to go along with its excellent practicality.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Touring 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$165/mo  for Pacifica Touring

　　Pacifica Touring

　　Touring 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $35,820 MSRPTouring 4dr Minivan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $38,815 MSRPTouring L 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $39,120 MSRPTouring L 4dr Minivan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $42,115 MSRPHybrid Touring 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $40,620 MSRPHybrid Touring L 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $42,920 MSRPHybrid Limited 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $46,045 MSRPLimited 4dr Minivan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $48,815 MSRPHybrid Pinnacle 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $51,550 MSRPPinnacle 4dr Minivan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $54,095 MSRP

　　vs

　　$202/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Minivan

　　From nose to tail, the Pacifica has a new look. Up front, the grille is larger and the reshaped LED headlights add more of a boxy SUV-like appearance. Also, the lower air inlets are square and widely spaced so that the whole front end seems broader and more rear-mirror-intimidating. Chrysler also restyled the rear of the van, giving it a full-width taillight that stretches from edge to edge. The 2021 Pacifica may look different, but it retains its useful, family-friendly character.

　　Among some of the other changes is a new, faster infotainment system (Uconnect 5) housed in a redesigned 10.1-inch screen. It's capable of receiving over-the-air updates and offers wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can integrate your phone's apps into the infotainment system without having to use a USB cord. Chrysler has also added some more advanced driver aids to the Pacifica's standard features list as well as a new range-topping trim level known as Pinnacle.

　　With new features and expanded availability of all-wheel drive in a lineup that already benefits from a unique plug-in hybrid powertrain option, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica looks to muscle in on the venerable Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. It might even steal some sales from less practical SUVs. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth analysis and testing of the updated Pacifica.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Pacifica drive? The Pacifica's performance is merely adequate. Its V6 engine isn't going to push your head back, but it's not going to let you down. Acceleration is average for the class, as is its braking performance. This minivan operates at an even keel most of the time. The steering and handling are also unremarkable. Both the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey offer a better experience if you're the one behind the wheel.

　　The nine-speed automatic transmission works as expected in most situations. We found that when going up or down steep hills it sometimes got confused, choosing a gear higher or lower than the situation required. It kept the driver a bit busier than we'd prefer.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Pacifica? The front seat padding is firm, but ultimately we found the seats to be comfortable for long drives. The available heating and cooling for the front seats works great too. The second-row Stow 'n Go seats are less comfortable than those in other minivans, however. They also offer less adjustment, which means a little less legroom for the second row too. Third-row comfort is acceptable.

　　The ride is compliant and generally smooth across varying road surfaces. There is body lean when the road starts to twist, but in this respect the Pacifica is pretty comparable to other modern minivans. The V6 engine noise isn't off-putting like the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain since it uses a more traditional automatic instead of the Hybrid's continuously variable automatic transmission. But the nine-speed transmission's tendency to shift down extra gears can make the engine noise chime in unexpectedly at times.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The controls in the Pacifica are easy to use. The knobs for the radio and climate control are well placed and within easy reach of the driver. Chrysler's additional radio volume and tuning controls on the back of the steering wheel still make a lot of sense to us too.

　　It's easy to step in and out of the Pacifica thanks to low doorsills, large door openings, tall roofline and well-positioned seats. There's a lot of adjustable range from the driver's seat and steering wheel. Legroom is abundant up front, and large windows all-around provide great visibility and limit blind spots. The optional 360-degree camera system makes maneuvering in tight spots even easier.

　　The Stow 'n Go second-row captain's chairs are limited in adjustability, so there's slightly less potential legroom than in some other minivans. The third row is snug but still suitable for adults on shorter drives.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Pacifica's Uconnect infotainment system excels in its ease of use, features and smartphone integration. It's highlighted by a large touchscreen with crisp graphics and prompt touch and voice response. The Pacifica offers Bluetooth and wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration systems. Multiple USB ports are also on hand for your devices. Available mobile web connections include Alexa pairing and the Uconnect app that allows you to control some van functions via your phone. An optional seatback video system can stream media to the van as well.

　　Advanced driver aids are plentiful and standard, including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise (it will stop and go without additional driver input), and lane keeping, to name a few. The optional 360-degree camera is a worthy add-on.

　　

Storage

9.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Minivans are about utility and the efficient use of space. The Pacifica, like its peers, has a deep well for storage behind the third-row seat. The manual-folding operation for the third-row seating isn't difficult, and Chrysler offers a power-folding option as well.

　　Second-row versatility is where the Pacifica stands out. You can fold the clever Stow 'n Go seats into the floor with minimal effort. When deployed, you can also use their underfloor storage spots for additional cargo storage. There are also pockets, cupholders and cubbies for every cherished rock, bottlecap and coin your kids find on the ground.

　　Speaking of junior humans, car seat accommodation is great. The LATCH anchors are easily accessed. Second-row seats are less adjustable than in the Pacifica Hybrid but still allow decent space for rear-facing child seats and parent access. And buckles are kid-friendly for those in boosters.

　　The Pacifica, when properly equipped, offers a 3,600-pound maximum tow capacity. That's similar to other minivans on the market.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Pacifica with all-wheel drive gets 20 mpg combined (17 city/25 highway). That's one of the lowest figures in the class. We observed 23 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is heavy on highway driving — this tells us the EPA estimates should be accurate. However, after 500 miles of mixed driving, we averaged a less impressive 18 mpg. Fuel economy is rated slightly better for front-wheel-drive Pacifica models at 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway).

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Pacifica a good value? The Pacifica line stretches from the Touring to the top-line Pinnacle. Our test van was a Limited with all-wheel drive, the S Appearance package and other options totaling around $55,000. For the price, we were a little let down. Interior soft-touch surfaces are mixed with hard plastics that bring down the otherwise upscale vibe. Seat and armrest firmness further detracts from what's one of the more visually attractive interiors available in a minivan these days.

　　Overall fit and finish isn't especially impressive, and a couple of our Pacifica test vans suffered from similar electronic gremlins. The Chrysler warranty package is about average for the class, including five years of roadside assistance.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　Minivans aren't really designed with fun and excitement in mind. They are more about function. If you want the fun, you'll need to pack it along. There is certainly plenty of space for it.

　　Where the Pacifica stands out is with its Stow 'n Go seats. Being able to flip those second-row chairs into the floor in seconds is a utilitarian masterstroke. If that sort of quick transformation is a feature you'd use often, this may be the van for you.

　　

Which Pacifica does zzdcar recommend?

We think the Touring L offers the best balance between value and standard features. You get standard leather seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and sunshades for rear passengers. If you want to add a few extras, we'd go for the panoramic sunroof and the Premium and Safety Sphere Group for the upgraded audio system, navigation and extra advanced driver aids.

　　

2021 Chrysler Pacifica models

The Chrysler Pacifica is available in four trim levels: Touring, Touring L, Limited and Pinnacle. Each comes with a 287-horsepower V6 engine connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Touring and Touring L come with front-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The Limited and Pinnacle have standard AWD. Highlighted features include:

　　Touring

　　Starts you off with:

　　LED exterior lighting Power liftgate Power-sliding side doors Heated outside mirrors Foldaway second-row seating (Stow 'n Go) Three-zone climate control Second-row window sunshades Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (with wireless connection capabilities) Proximity entry with push-button start and remote ignition Power-adjustable driver's seat 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen Six-speaker audio systemAll Pacificas also come with these standard safety features:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Pacifica and the car in front) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Lane keeping assist (steers the Pacifica back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)Touring L

　　Adds a few features, such as:

　　Second- and third-row window shades Heated front seats Heated steering wheel Driver's seat memory settings Leather upholstery Second-row USB charge portsLimited

　　Includes many helpful features:

　　Upgraded 13-speaker audio system Auto-dimming driver side mirror Power-folding mirrors Power-adjustable front passenger seat Navigation system Hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate Power-folding third-row seat (regular Pacifica only) Integrated vacuum cleaner (regular Pacifica only) Panoramic sunroof Third-row USB charge ports Upgraded leather seating surfaces Ventilated front seats Wireless charging padPinnacle

　　Tops the range with:

　　Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Pacifica and its surroundings for tight parking situations) 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Rear seat entertainment with wireless headphones Interior camera system (allows the driver or front passenger to monitor rear occupants) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) Parking sensors with automatic braking (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking and can automatically brake to avoid hitting an obstacle) Household-style power outlet Imitation suede headlinerMany of the standard features on the upper trims can be added to the lower trims via optional packages.

　　

2021 Pacifica Highlights

Type: MinivanPlug-in HybridMinivan

　　Trim: TouringTouring LHybrid TouringHybrid Touring LHybrid LimitedLimitedHybrid PinnaclePinnacleTouring

　　

Base MSRP	$35,820
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$165/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles