BEHIND THE WHEEL: Minivan lovers take notice of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle
For minivan lovers this one might be a keeper. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle has the easy peazy stow ‘n go rear seats and a fair number of USB ports and storage compartments – more than you might think you need, until you do!
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is a good alternative to an SUV if you need to move things here and there without a lot of hassle and that includes a family.
Speaking to the family, the ride is comfortable and the Pacifica has plenty of power for any family road trips with a V-6 engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
There has been some makeover tweaking on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica including exterior styling with a SUVesque look. Exterior lighting elements have changed and the rear liftgate, and wheel designs have changed a bit too.
The competition is the 2021 Honda Odyssey EX or the Toyota Sienna LE FWD, the Pinnacle top range trim could have you easily making your decision in this corner.
TRIM LEVEL
There are a variety of trim levels, the one I drive was the Pinnacle. This is the top-of-the-line with a surround-view camera system that offers the top-down view and what is in your surroundings, a 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, the rear seat entertainment with wireless headphones, an interior camera system, an automated parking system, which translates into parking in a parking spot with almost no help from the driver; a power outlet, imitation suede is also featured and a variety of additional goodies that come on the high-end trims.
UNDER THE HOOD
You won’t win at Daytona, but this minivan does have the ability to get from 0 to 60 in a little over seven seconds. It is a front-wheel-drive and without the hybrid action you will get a 287 horsepower punch with the V-6 engine offering nine-speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY FIRST
The 2021 Pacifica received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and to that end there are many driver assistance features. This includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and standard adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS
Plenty of room to be offered on the inside of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and the Pinnacle model has a taller center console that fades into the dashboard, which is attractive. There is also leather upholstery and lumbar pillows for the second-row captain’s chairs. Hauling is easy as there is plenty of room – well it is a minivan and, the second and third rows fold flat for cargo space when needed.
ALONG FOR THE RIDE
One thing that all will enjoy driver and passengers alike is the Chrysler’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system. You get it on a 10.1-inch touchscreen and there is a reconfigurable home screen and Amazon Alexa integration too. Whether you have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto it will work fine and it will soon become your home away from home – enjoy!
SHOULD YOU NEED TO KNOW
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle trim is new and the Touring L Plus model has been discontinued.
MILES PER GALLON
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle came in with combined miles per gallon of 17 and broken down at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
COST
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica starts at $38,170 and the Pinnacle will take you up to $52,290.
Rita Cook is a member of Women’s World Car of the Year and Texas Motor Press. You can follow her at @ritatheroguewarrior on instagram and @ritacook13 on twitter.