- chrysler announced that the new pacifica will finally get an all-wheel-drive option for all but hybrid models.
- the mid-cycle refresh also includes a new front and rear fascia with standard led lighting, fca's new uconnect 5 system, and an all-new pinnacle model.
- 2021 chrysler pacificas will arrive in dealerships by the end of 2020, and pricing should start around $35,000.
chrysler used to offer all-wheel-drive versions of its minivans, but that was way back in 2004. more recently, toyota has had the awd minivan market all to itself because its sienna has been the only van available that sends power to all four wheels. for 2021, though, chrysler is redesigning its pacifica minivan, which will have an all-wheel-drive model again.
the all-wheel-drive option is only available on gas-powered pacificas, not the hybrid. the awd models can retain the stow 'n go rear seats, a huge storage advantage, despite the need for a three-piece driveshaft that connects the power transfer unit and the rear drive module.
while hugely important, and something customers have been begging for, awd isn't the only thing the pacifica gets with its mid-cycle refresh. the front end is simplified, featuring a slightly smaller grille with a chrome surround, and new standard led headlights are narrower compared to those on the outgoing minivan. as in the front, a new standard led taillight stretches all the way across the rear—similar to the treatment on the facelifted porsche macan and cayenne—and has gloss black surrounds with the chrysler badge located at the top.
the same two powertrains are offered in the 2021 pacifica: the standard 287-hp 3.6-liter v-6 and a hybrid system using a 3.6-liter v-6 with two electric motors backed up by a 16.0-kwh lithium-ion battery. the gasoline engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid powertrain is backed by a dual-motor eflite electrically variable transmission. according to the epa, the pacifica hybrid can travel up to 33 miles on electric power alone and is rated at 84 mpge combined. during our highway testing, the pacifica hybrid was able to cover 23 miles of electric-only driving before the gas engine kicked in.
michelin premier all-season tires are standard on the 18-inch wheels, while 20-inch wheels can be had with optional pirelli self-sealing tires or non-self-sealing falken tires. customers can choose from a group of 20-,18-, or 17-inch wheels.
a more luxurious and tech-filled cabin
the 2021 pacifica will be the first fca product to be equipped with its new uconnect 5 infotainment system, and usb-c charging ports are also equipped. the new system will support amazon alexa, provide over-the-air updates, and let vehicle occupants use two devices simultaneously. on the pacifica, it's displayed on a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering at least 20 percent more screen real estate than the 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreens on previous pacificas. the pacifica already had apple carplay/android auto compatibility and available 4g lte wi-fi. the 2021 model, however, adds the ability to use it wirelessly—most cars require the device to be plugged in.
in addition to the 10.1-inch uconnect 5 screen, two seatback touchscreens of the same size now feature new games such as chess and backgammon. a new interior camera, dubbed famcam, gives a view of the back seat and—sure to be appreciated by new parents—the occupants of rear-facing child seats on the infotainment screen; it has split-view and zoom-to-seat capability. wireless charging is available, and there's an led lighting system to show if a device is not recognized (red), if it's charging (blue), and when it's fully charged (green).
a more luxurious pinnacle model is now a part of the pacifica's model lineup, which already includes the touring, touring l, and limited. it has quilted caramel nappa leather seats with matching lumbar pillows on the second-row seats, and a larger new center console called ultra. chrysler calls this model "a modern living room on wheels."
wind noise has been reduced in 2021 pacifica models, with the pinnacle, limited, and hybrid models getting acoustic front side glass in addition to acoustic windshield glass and thicker sliding door glass, which are available on all trim levels. in addition to the glass, improved fitments and door and glass seals are also equipped for a quieter cabin.
along with the led lights, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection is newly standard, as are blind-spot monitoring, rear parking assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning.
the 2021 chrysler pacifica will arrive in dealerships by the end of 2020, and pricing is expected to start around $35,000.