Minivans may come with a negative stereotype, but the truth is that they really are the perfect family vehicle. In 1983, Chrysler came up with the idea of a miniature van, specifically designed for average suburban American families. While SUVs are becoming more and more popular for families, the minivan still comes with perks that SUVs can’t offer. Between sliding van doors, seating for up to 8 people, and its impeccable passenger and cargo space, the minivan is still thriving. That’s why if you want a minivan, you need to visit the Chrysler dealer near you.
Today, we’re going to talk about the Chrysler Pacifica, The Pacifica Hybrid, and the Chrysler Voyager. These three new minivan models are sure to grab your attention, especially with their impressive highway mileage and abundant tech features. Let’s take a closer look at each model to see which one is right for you.
The Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid
When you hear of Chrysler, the first model you probably think of is the Pacifica. This model originally debuted in 1999 and was first designed as an SUV during its early 2000s run, and more recently turned into a minivan model when it was unveiled in 2016. Plus, Chrysler also debuted the Pacifica Hybrid along with it, really drawing attention to those who aren’t wild about minivan fuel economy. Now, the 2021 Chrysler Pacific and Pacifica Hybrid models are thriving more than ever before.
The Pacifica’s Impressive Performance
First, let’s look at how well these models perform. The regular 2021 Pacifica front-wheel drive model can get up to 28 MPG on the highway, with the all-wheel drive model getting up to 25 MPG highway. This is with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The 2021 Pacific Hybrid, on the other hand, only comes in front-wheel drive, but it can get up to 82 MPGe, with a driving range of over 520 miles. As a hybrid model, the Pacifica Hybrid still manages to produce 260 horsepower.
The regular 2021 Pacifica comes with a powerful V6 engine paired with an automatic 9-speed transmission. As a result, acceleration is great. Moreover, the regular Pacifica has the most advanced all-wheel drive system in its class, so it has no trouble handling slick roads and other adverse weather conditions. This makes it an even family-friendlier model.
Further, the Pacifica Hybrid can reach full charge in only two hours, and its battery comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, further proving its dependency. Overall, whether you stick with the classic gasoline version or upgrade to a hybrid, the Pacifica’s performance is top-notch in the minivan department.
The Pacifica’s Safety and Technology
Safety and tech features are expected on modern models, but some brands include few standard safety features, making you pay more for basic driver assist technology. The good news here is that the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica comes with several standard safety and security assets, including Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking, Lanesense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and the Blind Spot Monitoring System. You’ll also get Rear Cross Path Detection and a Rear Parking Assist System with the Pacifica.
Additionally, you can upgrade your Pacifica to get even more safety tech features such as a 360 Surround View Camera, ParkSense Front Park Assist, and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, which can actually automatically park your Pacifica for you. No pun intended, but it’s safe to say that the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is worth checking out a Chrysler dealer near you.
Now let’s look at some fun entertainment and tech features. First off, the 2021 Pacifica includes a 10.1-inch full-color touchscreen that comes with something called a “FamCam.” This monitor allows you to check in on young passengers without having to turn around and take your eyes off the road. You can also customize this screen with up to 19 different widgets, making it like your own personal tablet screen.
In addition to these features, you’ll also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, the Uconnect market, and two backseat mounted 10-inch HD touchscreens. These include games, wireless headphones, HDI inputs, streaming, a Blu-ray player, and much more. To top it all off, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica comes with an available 19-inch speaker sound system which includes a 10-inch subwoofer for premium sound. If you’re looking for a tech-savvy yet affordable minivan, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is for you.
Let’s Talk Space, Accessibility, and Convenience
The 2021 Pacifica is obviously designed for large families and traveling. This is proven through its second-row Stow n’ Go seating, which, unlike competitors, can be folded to add more interior cargo space. It also comes with a 12-way power driver seat and 10-way power passenger seat, which you can get with heated cushions and ventilation. Further, it comes with memory seating, GPS navigation, and five 12V DC power outlets.
Furthermore, the Pacifica comes with an illuminated front cup holder, power windows, manual sun blinds, a driver footrest, and cargo space lights. It has a power liftgate, sliding rear doors, and deep-tinted glass. It’s pretty much the halfway mark between an RV and a van. This, paired with its FamCam, make it the most accessible and convenient minivan on the market.
How About the Chrysler Voyager?
Okay, so what’s the difference between the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2020 Chrysler Voyager? They both come with V6 engines, they’re the same size, and they both offer cool tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, there are some differences that are important to note.
The Voyage is cheaper than the Pacifica, and that’s largely because it doesn’t include as many tech and safety features. While you will get driver assist features such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, Rear Park Assist with Automatic Braking, and airbags, you miss out on all the other driver assist features that come along with the Pacifica. However, that’s part of what makes the Voyager a perfect fit for those classic minivan fans who like to keep things traditional.
Further, it comes with fewer exterior color options, and its interior tech features are more basic. The 2020 Chrysler Voyager is definitely a great model, especially for those who want something basic and more affordable. While there are notable differences, overall, the two models perform similarly, and they look almost identical, minus the Voyager’s slimmer front grille.
Why Chrysler Is the Best Minivan Brand
Aside from the whole “Chrysler created the minivan” thing, there are many other reasons to choose Chrysler when you’re purchasing a minivan model. Chrysler’s minivans are still being made because people know and trust them. Both models can tow up to 3,600 pounds, they have up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and they offer impressive fuel economy despite their larger size.
In addition to this, these Chrysler minivan models come with tons of standard features, yet they’re also very upgradable. For example, on the Pacifica, you can upgrade from a standard 8-inch screen to a larger 12.3-inch display, and as we mentioned earlier, there are even better driver assist options available, including guided parking. You can make these vans as basic and affordable as possible or filled with luxury and features, whatever your family needs.
