2017 Chrysler Pacifica Annoyances After 6 Months

CARS.COM — In the grand scheme of things, owning a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has been going quite well considering the 7,000 trouble-free miles on Cars.com’s long-term test Pacifica we purchased six months ago. We named the 2017 Pacifica Cars.com’s Best of 2017, but the honeymoon is over, and we’re discovering small — yet annoying — quirks. Below, check out oddities from editors who have been putting day-to-day miles on our minivan.

Related: We Bought a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Kelsey Mays, senior consumer affairs editor: A small gripe, but the hard plastic on the lower dash ends up clubbing your inboard knee each time you get in. The Pacifica Limited wraps that area in padding, which makes a big difference in comfort, not just perceived quality.

Brian Normile, production editor: The liftgate close button is inside the car instead of on the liftgate itself.

Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor: Grunting adaptive cruise control, still the only vehicle I’ve noticed it in. It didn’t take six months to notice it, but in six months I haven’t learned to ignore it. (Multiple editors have observed the Pacifica’s adaptive cruise control emitting pulsating, grunting noises from under the hood when it automatically slows to pace traffic.)

Jennifer Newman, editor-in-chief: This is so minor, but I hate that I have to put it into Park to open the sliding doors. I know it’s a safety thing, but it’s one more step before I can get the kids to whatever event they’re going to. Also, it usually takes a few attempts of me pushing the door button before I remember to put it in Park.