Caitlin Moran
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Chrysler Shakes Up Minivan Segment with 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan

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2017 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is revamping the minivan segment

When you think of a minivan, it’s likely you think of crushed dry cereal in the carpet, taking children to soccer practice, and practical features.

Well, think again.

Chrysler is looking to change the face of the minivan segment by introducing the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. As a revamped version of the Town & Country—with an entirely new name—the Pacifica offers a fresh style and performance to re-energize Chrysler’s status in the minivan segment. It’s even adding a hybrid version for those parents that want to go green, without sacrificing the space of a large car.


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The decision to drop the “Town & Country” name comes from Chrysler’s desire to appeal more to new minivan owners—specifically, young parents. This market would have grown up in their parents’ Town & Country vans in the 1980s, which makes the minivan feel like it’s more of your parents’ car than yours.

Well, trust me—this is not your parents’ minivan.

PHOTOS: The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica

The Pacifica has an entirely new platform, though it remains relatively similar to the old Town & Country in terms of dimensions. It has styling entirely influenced by the Chrysler 200 sedan, including sleeker lines and a swooping roofline that hints at a crossover body. Chrysler has even outfitted its newest model with 20-inch wheels, which is a big change from the old van, which only had 17-inch wheels.


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In terms of power, there are two options. Fiat Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine is the first option delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The second option is for the Pacifica Hybrid and is a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery that offers 40 miles of electric driving range, getting an 80 MPGe in fuel economy.

The pièce de résistance, though, is the Pacifica’s interior. It will offer five trim levels—LX, Touring, Touring-L, Touring-L Plus, Limited, and Platinum—each of which offers some terrific features. There’s a new Uconnect Theater system for the backseat passengers with two 10-inch touchscreen displays, while the front passengers get the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen. Cargo space is unbelievable with 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. It even still has Chrysler’s awesome Stow ‘N Go seating with seats that fold into the floor.

Can you see why I was so excited about this minivan? Seriously. It doesn’t get much better than this.

PHOTOS: More Pictures of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (left) and Chrysler Pacifica (right)