Advantages
Huge practicality
AWD system increases peace of mind and grip
The updated infotainment system is comprehensive
is very suitable for long-distance travel
Disadvantages
Pacifica Hybrid Can’t use AWD
Some cabin trim parts may be plastic
The seats may be a bit small
I would rather have a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWD than most burly three-row SUVs with similar prices, I miss you Should buy one too. These days, people expressing certain feelings for this minivan are not intentional oppositions. It is almost ignored like a station wagon, but it can be said to be more practical than the SUVs and crossovers that currently dominate North American car sales.
I understand that the "not cool" fog is still shrouded in minivans, not to mention the memory of the early iterations of the market segment. At that time, "minivans" were definitely the most sure method: take something that could drag a pile of bricks, but bolted to some seats, and tied a group of children.
However, today, minivans have become smarter, and there is a balance that cannot be ignored between practicality. For example, in the case of 2021 Pacifica Limited, there are 7 spaces inside, and there is no real "sexy" electric sliding door on each side. All three rows are up and there is 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space, but after lowering the three rows, the cargo space has expanded to 140.5 cubic feet. We are talking about serious availability for your $48,390 (plus $1,495 destination).
The obvious absence in the Pacifica lineup is all-wheel drive, which was proposed by Chrysler in the 2021 model year. It may take some time to arrive, but automakers have not done half of it. If needed, Pacifica’s AWD can push the 262 lb-ft of torque from all 3.6-liter V6 engines to the rear wheels; or,It can not only disconnect the rear axle, but also the entire drive shaft, allowing the front wheels to consume all 287 horsepower.
This happens automatically, Pacifica reacts to the prompt as dull as a slippery wheel, or when you accelerate on the accelerator, or as subtle as flipping on a wiper. There is not a screen full of drive modes to choose from, which is a bit strange, but all that is left is the knurled PRNDL knob.
In the Midwest, we are now in the depths of snow, and the Pacifica AWD has indeed proven to be stable. However, this is not necessarily the case for electronic devices. It turns out that low-mounted parking spaces and other sensors can easily fall into the mud and freezing behind. At least, in "Limited Trim" you will get a 360-degree camera, making it easier to find curbs manually.
Pacifica's engine room is usually ventilated and practical. The limited edition interior is equipped with 8-way electrically adjustable seats in the front, with heating and ventilation functions, and a heated steering wheel. The chairs of the second-row captain are also heated, although the third-row captain must take care of himself and hope that the three-zone HVAC can reach them. The last row supports electric folding, while the second and third rows have Chrysler's excellent Stow'n Go system, which can be folded into the trash can on the floor. If there is a downside, it is that the seats will be smaller than you think: these are not the thrones of a super-large three-row SUV that you may not be familiar with.
The integrated vacuum cleaner is one of the things you did not realize you need before using it, and it is the standard configuration of Limited trim. There is also active noise reduction in the cabin, and if you add the Uconnect Theatre Family Group option ($2,495), you will get an internal "FamCam" to see exactly what pranks are happening in the back row.
Chrysler’s 10.1-inch Uconnect infotainment screen is large and thin, equipped with a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,And can connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time. There are two USB Type-A in the front seat alone, two USB Type-C and an additional USB Type-A for the rear entertainment screen.
Uconnect 5 is comprehensive, but it can be confusing. Chrysler tries to solve this problem by improving the home screen, but it is worth taking advantage of some customization options to put what you really need first. At least in daily use this is quite fast, although the smaller display screen sandwiched between the driver's analog gauges cannot be said to be the same. This is really unresponsive, and feel frustrated when you try to turn pages on the move.
What a pity, because otherwise driving the Pacifica might be a pleasure. The ride height of the AWD model has increased by almost an inch, giving the SUV a slightly stronger feel, and as long as you don't want the speed of the Hellcat (and frankly, usually huge speed), it is a comfortable place. The extra weight of the all-wheel drive system reduces the speed. It takes about 8 seconds or more at a driving speed of 0-60 mph.
The standard 9-speed transmission is not designed to be interesting in the first place, but likes upshifts and helps keep noise levels low and optimal economy. Nonetheless, the Pacifica is rated at 17 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg on the highway, which adds up to 20 mpg. It does pay a potential price for its more flexible traction. In my winter test, I found that hybrid driving exceeded 19 mpg. Chrysler sets the towing power of this minivan at 3,600 pounds.
Despite this, the numbers do not express anything pleasant. Although the suspension is not harsh or too rigid, the swing of the body is unexpectedly small. Everything is very easy to adjust. When you are sliding quietly while driving, it feels like a miniature wheel hub apartment.
Note that there is room for improvement. I am a loyal supporter of Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid, but now you can’t have an all-wheel drive PHEV powertrain. This seems to be a missed opportunity. I would not argue with more front seats,Because the front backrest of Pacifica Limited is a bit hard. Chrysler does now have more advanced Pinnacle decorations and offers more decorations.
What I will not change is the appearance. For a very practical car, Pacifica still manages to look quite stylish: I always think of one of those fast European express trains. 2021 brings clearer details, including a more magnificent grille, a gray paint bag with Ceramic Gray paint matched with 20-inch machined alloy wheels ($995 higher than standard polished 18-inch tires) makes Pacifica appear Very compact.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD verdict
Chrysler now offers all-wheel drive for all its 2021 Pacifica gasoline models, priced at $2,995 on Touring and Touring L interiors, and on Limited and Pinnacle All are standard. In the process, it greatly expanded the practicality of minivans and attracted the demand from areas that require additional traction in harsh winter weather. Although I would love to see the hybrid AWD version, it is difficult to recommend PHEV Pacifica when all-wheel drive may mean leaving the garage.
As for the rest of the minivan experience, flexibility is everything. Enough space for people or cargo, but being able to adjust the cabin between the two quickly and easily-without having to drag out heavy chairs or pick up scattered lumps and bumps-is why it works. As with Pacifica's availability, AWD can continue to work, allowing you to focus on how to make the most of all these seats and all the space.
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