Video: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Review

And not only does it bring in measure of style to the class, it also ups the ante in terms of comfort, safety, and features. The new minivan is loaded with features. And one of my favorites is this new one-touch power opening door. Overall, the Pacifica feels much more refined in terms of both powertrain and handling. Power comes from a revised version of Chrysler's 3.6 liter V6, made into a nine speed automatic transmission. That hasn't exactly been a favorite, but in the Pacifica, it's shifts are quicker, smooth, and well-timed. It doesn't lurch or hunt awkwardly as in other applications. Power from a stop is good and there's plenty more for highway passing. Fuel economy is up this year. The Pacifica has an EPA rating of 28 highway, which matches the Honda Odyssey, and it's better than the Sienna, and better than the Sedona. Overall, it's much more comfortable to drive, it's much quieter, the ride is more compliant, and Chrysler said vehicle stiffness is up 68% and I can really feel it. The vehicle doesn't waffle over bumps and it stays composed in corners. High quality interior materials was one of the things that I really liked about the old Town and Country. The new Pacifica is completely redesigned inside and they did a really great job. There's a new kind of more modern and fluid looking instrument panel here with a more horizontal layout. It's a very clean look and there's several color palettes to choose from. They range from kind of a two-tone neutral to a very bright black and white contrast. The overall look is really kind of chic and modern and, and really nice. One of the things that made the old Town and Country really behind the times was it's multimedia system. It was dated, it worked okay, but it was just kind of futzy, especially the navigation system. The Pacifica has got a much bigger screen. The graphics are crisp and it's really easy to use. So the second row might just be the best seat in the house. One new feature is an easy tilt seat. With a car seat installed, you simply flip a lever and you've got a clear walkway to the third row. One really neat feature in the second row is the you connect theater touchscreen. It's two 10 inch touchscreens that flip up and they feature built in apps and games for kids. Chrysler's awesome stow and go seating system has been one of the high points of its minivan lineup. And for 2017, they made it even better. The seats are really cushy and much more comfortable than they used to be, and the folding action is very easy. For 2017, cargo room behind the third row is down just a touch, but there's still a great deal of space. It's wide, it's deep, and you could easily hold several suitcases, or even a double stroller. Also, the seats fold flat, so, there's way more room when they go down. The Pacifica starts at around $29,000, which is about $1400 less than the Town and Country. It's also cheaper than the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. With loads of features for both parents and kids, and much more refined driving manners, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is now competitive in its class, and it's a huge upgrade over the outgoing model. (car trunk shutting)