Chrysler’s Minivan Makeover: Meet the New Pacifica

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV aims to re-energize the sluggish minivan market with the all-new Pacifica, which marks the first major upgrade for the segment leader in 10 years.

In addition to the name change—the decades-old Town & Country moniker is being dropped—the new model gets an updated look, more efficient engine and a host of new amenities and technologies. This includes a plug-in hybrid variant that will be introduced later this year after the conventionally powered Pacifica launches in the spring.

Built on a new platform, the Pacifica is slightly larger—with a wider and longer wheelbase—yet lighter and more aerodynamic than the aging Town & Country it replaces. The new vehicle retains the outgoing model’s MacPherson strut front suspension, but the rear axle has switched from a twist-beam system to a fully independent setup.

Aluminum is used extensively through the suspension to weight. The new body also uses high-strength steel to bolster stiffness.

Power comes from Chrysler’s fuel-injected 3.8-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 287 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The engine is teamed with automatic stop-start and a new electronic throttle that adapts to driving habits.

The plug-in hybrid system teams a 3.6-liter V-6 with a pair of electric motors and a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with an estimated fuel efficiency equivalent of 80 mpg—including a 30-mile electric range. The battery can be fully recharged in about two hours from a 240-volt outlet, according to FCA.

The exterior gets an extensive makeover, featuring a more rakish front, larger wheels, horizontal LED taillights and a roof-mounted spoiler. The minivan’s sliding side doors and rear power liftgate can be activated from the outside via foot movements.

Interior space has been increased to accommodate as many as eight people—one more than in the Town & Country—across the Pacifica’s three rows. Chrysler’s stow-and-go seating system also has been enhanced to allow for one-handed operation and to collapse into the floor more easily. In addition, the redesigned second-row seats can tilt forward, enabling passengers to access third-row seats without having to remove any child seats. Two 10-inch display screens allow rear passengers to watch movies, play games and to surf the Internet.

Parking sensors, a rear-view camera, active noise cancellation and a blind-spot monitoring system come standard on all models. Other available driving aides include adaptive cruise control, a 360˚ camera, automated parking, a lane-departure warning system and forward collision-warning that applies the brakes if a crash is imminent.