Four years after its introduction, the Chrysler gives the Pacifica minivan a refresh. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica gets updated styling, with a larger grille, a new fascia and restyled headlights. On the back, there’s a wide taillight that stretches across the full width of the vehicle. Customers of the New Buffalo Chrysler dealer report they also appreciate the new features the 2020 Pacifica brings to the table.
On the inside, the Pacifica gets the latest version of the Uconnect infotainment setup. Uconnect 5 is more responsive, includes Amazon Alexa integration, permits users to access two wireless phone connections at the same time, and allows maps and firmware to be updated over Wi-Fi. According to Chrysler New Buffalo, the new system includes a 10.1-inch high-def touchscreen.
Buyers looking for the utmost in luxury can choose the new Pinnacle trim level, which features amenities like wood trim and quilted premium leather seats and pillows. The Pinnacle also gets an optional Ultra center console that offers 30% more storage space than the standard console.
The automotive media is effusive in praising the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. Car and Driver wrote: “When it comes to hauling people and cargo, minivans are better than SUVs—a fact we wish more consumers would accept—and the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is our current favorite. The Pacifica is a thoughtfully designed, comfortable family van, and its eager driving dynamics are the icing on the cake.”
The 20209 Chrysler Pacifica seats up to seven passengers and is offered in four trim levels: Touring, Touring L, Limited and Pinnacle. There’s also a hybrid variant, not covered in this review. Powering the Pacifica is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures aren’t available as of the date of this writing. However, we know the Pacifica can return as much as 28 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. Helping the Pacifica save fuel is a stop/start feature that cuts the engine when the vehicle is idling.
The Touring trim may be the base model, but it comes loaded with standard features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, power-sliding doors, rain-sensing wipers, tri-zone automatic climate control, a powered tailgate, the 10.1-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Step up to the Touring L trim, and you’ll get perforated leather upholstery, driver’s-side seat memory, heated fronts seats, a heated steering wheel, a chrome roof rack and more. The Touring L is eligible for several options that are unavailable on the Touring.
The Limited comes with Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, hands-free sliding doors and tailgate, panoramic sunroof and a built-in vacuum cleaner.
The top-line Pinnacle trim includes 20-inch alloy wheels, second-row captain’s chairs, an automatic parking system, a 360-degree camera, a Harman Kardon stereo system, a rear-seat entertainment setup and a 115-volt outlet.
Crash-test ratings aren’t yet available, but the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica received the top score of five stars from the NHTSA for overall safety. We expect the same results for the 2021 Pacifica.