Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is available with just one engine, the 3.6L "Pentastar" V6. This engine is used throughout Chrysler and Dodge's lineups for a few very good reasons: it's powerful, it's fuel efficient and it's refined. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. With 287 horsepower on tap, the Pacifica is perhaps a little faster than it really needs to be, but on-ramps and merging should be a snap. Chrysler claims up to 28 mpg on the highway with this engine. For those who want even better fuel economy, there's the Pacifica Hybrid. With the ability to run on electricity alone for up to 33 miles, the Pacifica Hybrid is the first hybrid-powered minivan available in the U.S.
The Pacifica comes in six different trim levels that take it from somewhat basic to full-on luxury.
The base Pacifica L comes with several notable standard features, including keyless entry, heated exterior mirrors, 17-inch steel wheels, a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 60/40 split-fold third-row seat, a USB media hub, dual-zone climate control, a 6-speaker stereo with noise cancellation, voice command-activated Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The LX adds alloy wheels, an engine auto stop-start system, 3-zone climate control, 8-way power driver's seat, second-row Stow 'n Go seating and storage and easy-tilt third-row access.
The Touring Plus trim costs just a smidge more than the LX and features powered sliding doors, SiriusXM satellite radio and automatic high beams. The Touring L trim adds leather seating surfaces, nicer wheels, a power rear liftgate, heated first-row seats, and additional exterior chrome.
The Touring L Plus ups the ante even more and really starts to take the Pacifica into luxury vehicle territory. It adds a Uconnect theater system with wireless streaming, a 13-speaker Alpine sound system, a power front passenger seat, heated second row seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The top-of-the-line Limited version adds Napa leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, power third-row seats, a navigation system, hands-free powered liftgate and sliding side doors, a built-in vacuum cleaner and a tri-pane panoramic sunroof.
Pacifica Hybrid models are offered only in Touring Plus, Touring L, and Limited trims.
Options are pretty copious on the Pacifica, and several notable packages are also available. Stand-outs include a 760-watt Harman/Kardon 20-speaker stereo, an advanced safety package with all manner of electronic safety aids, and a tow package that includes a trailer sway control system to keep everything in check out back.