Specifications of Chrysler Pacifica 3.6 V6 AWD (287 HP) 2021
General characteristics of Chrysler Pacifica 3.6 V6 AWD (287 HP) 2021
It's not easy to make a pretty minivan. The shape is not conducive to beautiful design, but somehow, Chrysler's designers have found a way to make the Pacifica look handsome. Up front, the Pacifica gains standard LED headlights that present a more premium signature. Combined with a new bumper and larger grille, the facelifted Pacifica looks decidedly more SUV-like and sculpted in nature.
17-, 18-, and 20-inch wheel options continue the Pacifica's more premium appearance, with an optional S Appearance Package giving a surprisingly sporty aesthetic with dark wheels and black accents. At the back, new connected LED taillights finish off what we believe is easily the most attractive design on any current minivan.
While much is new on the 2021 Pacifica, the powertrain options remain mostly the same. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 provides plenty of smooth passing ability with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque on tap. Power goes out through a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission to front-wheel- or optional all-wheel-drive systems. Since it poured with rain during our time with the Pacifica, we had ample opportunity to test the AWD system's capability.
The rain-soaked roads did little to disturb the Pacifica, which barely blinked even when met by massive puddles of standing water. Chrysler says it tuned the AWD system to function automatically without the driver needing to push any buttons or set up any special modes. The system is highly advanced and can even send up to 100% of the engine's torque to the rear axle when it detects slip. For many crossover shoppers, the lack of AWD may have kept them out of a minivan. Now, Chrysler can bring them back by offering it on the Pacifica.
On the soaked North Carolina roads, we learned that the Pacifica is up to the task of keeping your family safe. It offers a claimed 97 standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, with up to 116 total available safety and security features. Adding AWD provides additional security, helping the Pacifica remain planted even on slick or icy roads. The steering feels light and maneuverable with adequate accuracy, making it easier to pilot such a large vehicle without being too boring to drive.
The V6 engine felt like had plenty of guts to push the Pacifica up to speed without feeling strained. At highway speeds, the cabin remained quiet thanks to a new acoustic windshield and acoustic side glass on the Pinnacle trim. Road imperfections did little to upset the ride, though we'd like to sample it around our local roads for a more accurate assessment of comfort.
Most of the Pacifica's most significant improvements come in the interior, starting with a new Unconnect 5 infotainment system. All trim levels now get a 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is 20% larger and five times faster than the 8.4-inch screen it replaces. While we'd like to spend more time with the system, we found it highly intuitive during our limited drive time. Drivers can set up multiple profiles with different layouts with quick access to their most-used features, just like a smartphone.
Speaking of smartphones, owners can now pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa wirelessly. These improvements to Uconnect help the Pacifica reach the top of infotainment excellence in the automotive industry, including the luxury brands.
