Soccer moms don’t always agree on much, it seems—certainly not on whose turn it is to carpool or bring the snacks—but they can agree on one thing: The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is where it’s at. Move over, boring mommy-vans. Pacifica is redesigned, and better than ever, by the people who know minivans best: moms.
Minivans have taken a beating over the years, earning a bad reputation for being big and cumbersome, as well as less than aesthetically pleasing. The minivan appeared on the stage more than three decades ago, when Chrysler created an entirely new automotive category to suit the needs of families. The design and technology of minivans, especially the Chrysler, have come a long way.
Features: Functionality and Finesse
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is designed with families in mind, and it leads the segment once again with innovative levels of functionality, versatility, technology, and exterior design.
Despite the bad rap minivans sometimes get as being a clunky box on wheels, the new Pacifica may actually turn some heads. It’s available in nine different colors and boasts a surprisingly sleek and modern design. The brand new S appearance package is a much sportier-looking take on the classic minivan model. The 18-inch and 20-inch wheels come in a stylish new black design.
The Pacifica is available with Uconnect® 4 or Uconnect 4 NAV with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, voice-connect technology, Bluetooth, Sirius XM®, and streaming audio. The NAV package adds in 3-D GPS navigation and Sirius XM’s TravelPlus and TravelLink packages. You can also choose the Uconnect Theatre package, which comes with a dual-touchscreen Blu-ray™ Player, HDMI and USB inputs, wireless streaming, and two seat-back touchscreens that come preloaded with apps and games to keep the kiddos entertained for hours in the back seat.
The available sound system is well worth the upgrade cost. The 20-speaker Harman Kardon® stereo system is first class, and it will set your minivan ablaze with high-quality sound. If you’re going to invest in the theatre option anyway, you might as well add in the surround sound for the full effect. (Or to drown out the kid noise.)
With the 2017 model winning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety pick, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is sure to give you the safety and security you need to feel comfortable driving around town with such precious cargo. The winning 2017 model is in a class of its own, and it’s also the only minivan to receive the honor of being a top safety pick.
The 360-degree surround view camera allows the driver more visibility than ever before, giving them the option of viewing their van and its surroundings from a bird’s eye view. The Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus system tells you when you are about to get into a wreck—and if you don’t respond quickly enough, it actually applies the brakes for you.
Parking assistance technology warns the driver when they are about to back into something. The adaptive cruise control with stop and go system not only allows you the freedom of taking your foot off the pedal, it also helps you keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, adjusting speeds automatically to account for slower traffic.
The rear cross path detection system allows the driver to keep an eye on hard-to-see angles—and it helps the driver to avoid parking lot collisions by alerting them when they are about to back out into another driver. This handy feature is especially convenient when you are parked in a crowded lot, or on a street parking spot, and find yourself with two big vehicles on either side of you obstructing your line of sight. No more backing out blindly and risking an accident. The technology in the new Pacifica gives you an additional set of eyes. (See, it really is the soccer mom’s spirit animal.)
Not Just for Mommies Anymore
This minivan isn’t just for moms anymore. Dads dig it, too. As minivan sales have declined dramatically over the last decade, with more and more consumers choosing crossovers and SUVs, Chrysler is finding new ways to rebrand this classic car. In a 2017 ad campaign, Chrysler debuted its new “Dad Brand” concept, featuring comedian Jim Gaffigan and various combinations of his five youngsters.
The idea behind this new ad campaign was to appeal to a wider audience of consumers, especially the ads challenged traditional gender roles. More men are choosing to stay home and parent their children, assuming the role of primary caregiver, while many women are pursuing their careers outside the home. As men become more involved in the day-to-day care of their children, their opinions and preferences for family vehicles become more important in parallel. Chrysler is also attempting to entice younger generations of parents with new technologies and fancy gadgets for adults and children.
Best in Class, First in Innovation
All the functionality of a regular minivan plus fuel efficiency equals America’s first-ever hybrid minivan. With a total driving range of 566 miles, you can cut back on gas station detours on your next family vacation. Pacifica offers you the best of both worlds with an electric motor and gas-powered engine, seamlessly transitioning between the two to provide you with the smartest, most efficient use of your energy—so you can get where you’re going. And recharging is easy. Simply plug into your 240-volt charger, and you’re back on the road in two short hours. The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is even smart enough to capture the energy from applying the brakes and use it to recharge through regenerative braking.
While you may not find yourself firmly in Camp Minivan just yet, never say never. The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has enough space and technology to keep the whole family occupied—without cramping each other’s style. With a beautiful new exterior design and functional interior features, this show-stopping mother of all minivans is a Can’t-be-beat frontrunner for the family’s favorite vehicle. Be sure to stop by your local Chrysler dealership in Keene, NH, for a test drive of the new 2018 Chrysler Pacifica.
Sources:
https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/chrysler/2016/04/08/comedian-jim-gaffigan-stars-chrysler-pacifica-ads/82786252/
https://www.chrysler.com/2018/pacifica/hybrid.html
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2016/03/30/chrysler-pacifica-designer-makes-minivans-cool/82452794/
http://caradvice.askpatty.com/ask_patty_/2016/08/the-chrysler-moms-behind-the-2017-pacifica.html#sthash.RVTR3gnC.TFBnhGui.dpbs
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/3-facts-that-show-minivans-arent-bad.htm
