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The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica redefines the minivan sector with unmatched levels of utility, adaptability, technology, and striking appearance.
With 78 firsts throughout the first five minivan generations, FCA US LLC, the segment’s original originator who invented the minivan more than 30 years ago, has completely changed the market. With the launch of Chrysler Pacifica, FCA US expands its portfolio of minivan innovations by 37, bringing its total to an incredible 115, a record in the industry.
Engineering
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica was completely redesigned on a brand-new chassis, resulting in a ride and handling that lead its class with lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). With the lightest and stiffest body construction in its class, it is more responsive, has less body roll, and has improved agility to absorb and distribute road inputs. The Pacifica’s unmatched fuel economy is a result of its class-leading aerodynamics.
A “vault-like” interior atmosphere with minimal levels of wind noise, road noise, and associated vibration/harshness characteristics is what the 2017 Pacifica is designed to give. To further increase the Chrysler Pacifica’s level of refinement during a pleasant daily commute or a lengthy road trip with family and friends, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) comes standard on all versions.
With ingenious storage, optional eight-passenger seating, and – as is required with all generations of FCA US minivans – the capacity to store an 8 by 4-foot piece of plywood, the Chrysler Pacifica has the greatest internal space in the class.
Powertrain
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan offers a choice of two strong, effective, and cutting-edge powertrains, including the segment’s first hybrid vehicle and the most recent version of the acclaimed Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine. Both powertrains are coupled to a TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission, which is exclusive to the segment.
The Pacifica Hybrid, the first electrified minivan on the market, operates for an estimated 33 miles entirely on electric power generated by a 16 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, which produces zero emissions. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, it got an efficiency rating of 84 MPGe while operating only on electricity.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s unique electronically variable gearbox is its key piece of technology (EVT). The system, which was created by FCA US, has two electric motors that can each power a wheel of a car.
The version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, which has won several awards, powers the Chrysler Pacifica gasoline variants and generates 287 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque while still providing unmatched fuel efficiency (28 miles per gallon on the highway). The engine’s economy and performance are improved by features like cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR), two-step variable-valve lift (VVL), and novel weight-reduction techniques while yet maintaining the smoothness that has come to be associated with the Pentastar brand. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is equipped with engine stop-start (ESS) technology as standard, which increases fuel economy (late availability).
Design
The model boasts a sleek, athletic appearance and features the company’s new logo and branding. It has a sporty proportions and sleek, fluidic design. Sliding door track lines on the Pacifica are almost undetectable since they are covered by the rear quarter side glass. The Chrysler Pacifica has a solid, confident appearance thanks to its long wheelbase, broad track, low ground clearance, and optional 20-inch wheels.
When compared to other Pacifica models, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid may be identified by its unique front grille pattern, wheels, and badging.
Interior design was clearly put a lot of effort into, as it is a harmonious blend of high tech with a sculpted, muscular vibe. The sense of space is emphasized with horizontally sketched components, while the linear elements let the viewer’s gaze travel effortlessly about the cabin. The optional tri-pane panoramic sunroof, which consists of a dual-pane panoramic sunroof over the first two rows and a fixed glass pane over the third row, further enhances the impression of space.
There are ten available exterior paint colors for the Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, all of which highlight the vehicle’s surface. These colors are: Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Molten Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Velvet Red Pearl Coat, Jazz Blue Pearl Coat, Dark Cordovan Pearl Coat, Tusk White Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Silver Teal Pearl Coat, and Silver Teal Pearl (available only on the Pacifica Hybrid and paired with an exclusive interior environment).
Protection and Safety
With more than 100 standard and optional features, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has cutting-edge safety and security technologies. The Surround View camera, which employs four cameras positioned around the car to produce 360-degree views, is now available for the first time on the all-new Pacifica. These 360-degree views include a bird’s eye perspective of the vehicle and its surrounds. Other cutting-edge characteristics are:
- ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, which directs the vehicle into parking places using ultrasonic sensors
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Hold, which maintains a safe distance between the car and the one in front of it and, in certain situations, allows the car to come to a controlled stop.
- In the event of an impending collision, Forward Collision Warning-Plus activates the brakes to warn the driver and facilitates their reaction.
- LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus uses the electronic power steering (EPS) system to produce a torque input that alerts the driver and helps them take the necessary corrective action
Other features that are both standard and optional include electronic stability control, an electric park brake, blind-spot monitoring, ParkSense rear park assist with stop, and ParkView rear backup camera. The Pacifica’s completely redesigned body structure makes use of more high-strength steel as part of FCA US’s continued drive to spread innovative safety and technology.
The Chrysler Pacifica can be the only vehicle in its class that can install a child safety seat using the LATCH system in up to five different seating configurations.
Convenience and Technology
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is the most technologically advanced car of its class, with the Uconnect Theater entertainment system, a 7-inch full-color driver information display, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, the highly regarded Uconnect Access, and a host of other amenities.
Passengers may use two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens on the brand-new, class-exclusive Uconnect Theater back seat entertainment system to view movies, play built-in games, and connect personal devices to browse the Internet.
The optional KeySense programmable key fob restricts speed and music level, mutes the radio when the front seatbelts are unbuckled, prohibits the deactivation of certain safety functions like ParkSense rear park assist and Forward Collision Warning-Plus, and permits blocking of SiriusXM Radio channels.
The model has the optional easy-to-use Uconnect 8.4 system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, built-in voice command, and Uconnect Access, which keeps drivers and passengers connected with useful information, including fuel prices and movie listings.
The Chrysler Pacifica has Active Noise Cancellation and six speakers as standard equipment for audiophile-caliber sound. Both a 20-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system and a 13-speaker Alpine system are available as high-end audio options.
Keyless Enter ‘n Go, remote start, heated and ventilated seats, and other comfort and convenience amenities abound in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. A kicking action beneath the sliding door or bumper opens the sliding doors or liftgate, which is a segment first. Other noteworthy features include the sector’s first handsfree sliding doors and liftgate.
Access to all areas of the vehicle is made simple with the optional Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum powered by RIDGID. The Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, a mainstay of FCA US minivans for more than ten years, has undergone a redesign for increased usability, and the inclusion of the brand-new Stow ‘n Go Assist function aids in further streamlining the procedure. The front seat slides forward at the push of a button on the B-pillar, allowing the second-row seat to be folded into the floor tub. Once the front seat is folded, pushing the button once again returns it to its initial position. Even with a second-row child seat installed but empty, the Easy Tilt second-row seats make it simple to reach the third row.