INDIANAPOLIS — Almost nobody would argue mini-vans are cool, but there was a time. Back when Lee Iacocca launched the very first one for 1984, it was the dream ride of Baby Boomers everywhere. My family owned two of them. All of my friends’ families had them too. But somewhere along the way, crossovers became the IT family car and mini-vans were winnowed to few. Still the purveyor of the world’s best-selling mini-van, Chrysler aims to make them cool again with the 2021 Pacifica S edition.
Stylists did their best to sport out the Pacifica with a black mesh grille, blacked-out trim, and 20” black alloy wheels. It looks especially fetching in bright Ocean Blue metallic paint. The grille is a little wider and the headlamps are larger than last year for a more menacing face. The style is European with its upturned rear pillar, hidden door rails, and full-width taillamps. Mini-van or not, it’s a very pleasing design.
Interiors are the right blend of luxury and functionality. Chrysler’s “Stow n’ Go” rear seats fold into the floor for a flat surface from driver to tailgate – enough space to haul plywood. You could camp in there, but everybody will enjoy traveling with seats up. Soft Nappa leather covers heated/ventilated cushions up front and heated captain’s chairs in the rear. Add to that a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio, panoramic sunroof, and twin infotainment screens for rear seat voyagers.
Drivers find a beautiful dashboard with swaths of piano black and silver trim, but it’s is also easy to use. Turn a chrome knob to select gears, store bags under the flybridge console, and put giant fast food sodas in the cupholders. Summon navigation, climate control, and audio via touchscreen, voice, or redundant buttons beneath – however you want to do it. Keep devices going with wireless console charging, 4G Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity.
Given the Pacifica’s main job of moving families, safety was a priority. Adaptive cruise maintains a pre-set distance on the highway while lane keep assist, rear cross path detection, and blind spot warnings keep the van on-track. Forward collision alert with pedestrian and cycle detection will auto brake if you don’t. Not good at parallel or perpendicular parking? No worries - the Pacifica can do that too.
You can buy a plug-in hybrid version of the Pacifica that goes 30 miles before the gas engine fires up, but you give up the middle row folding seats. Instead, this van just has the regular 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated a reasonable 17/25-MPG city/highway.
New to the options list for 2021 is all-wheel-drive, which proved the Pacifica can do a good imitation of a crossover when deep snow blew in. It never put a wheel wrong, clawing through unplowed side streets like a Ski-Doo. On dry pavement, a low center of gravity provides surprisingly agile handling – more like a large Fiat than small Ram Van. On open freeways, the long wheelbase provided a solid feel, smooth ride and quiet cruising.
If mini-vans were cool, nobody would buy crossovers. They’re more spacious, packed with functionality, and are a delight to drive. Chrysler bet if they offered a Pacifica with sinister trim, luxurious interior, and weather-beating all-wheel-drive, they’d have a winner. I’d have to agree. A base price of $35,045, or $55,265 as-tested, matches the Pacifica against the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Carnival.
Storm Forward!
Casey Williams is former auto correspondent for WFYI and the Indianapolis Star plus a contributor to the Chicago Tribune’s Sunday Auto Page. He has reviewed vehicles and covered the auto industry for over 25 years. He lives with his family in Broad Ripple. Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica S
2021 Chrysler Pacifica S
Seven-passenger, AWD Mini-van
Powertrain: 3.6-liter V6, 9-spd auto
Output: 287hp/262 lb.-ft. torque
Suspension f/r: Ind/Twist blade
Wheels f/r: 20”/20” alloy
Brakes f/r: disc/disc
Must-have features: Style, Comfort
Towing: 3,600 lbs.
Fuel economy: 17/25 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Windsor, ON
Base/As-tested price: $35,045/55,265
