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9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Second Look: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica

February 17, 2017 by admin 2 Comments

Chrysler’s award-winning minivan continues to attract new customers.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. When crossover utility vehicles began to take hold early on in this century, minivan sales were expected to decline, then eventually disappear as models were canceled one by one. Manufacturers such as Ford and GM were among the early casualties, while Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Kia managed to stay put.

After years of decline, something unexpected happened: sales rose by 6.3 percent in 2016, nearly erasing the losses of the previous year. The Toyota Sienna barely edged out the Dodge Grand Caravan for segment leadership, with the Honda Odyssey coming in a strong third. But it was an all-new Chrysler Pacifica model that shook up and injected new life into the segment, a seven-passenger model and successor to the Chrysler Town & Country.

I tested the 2017 Pacifica last summer and was impressed by what Chrysler had done in fielding the new minivan. As sometimes happens, a manufacturer will deliver a model twice within the same year for a follow-up review.

As before, I took delivery of a Chrysler Pacifica Limited, the top-of-the-line trim in this five-trim family. No, it wasn’t the same vehicle offered earlier— this one came in velvet red pearl coat; the earlier model was outfitted in bright white. Other than that, all the features offered in this top Pacifica line were present.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

2017 Chrysler Pacifica and Hybrid Pacifica

Chrysler offers the 2017 Pacifica in five trims, designed to fit most family’s budgets. You have a choice of the LX ($28,595), Touring ($30,495), Touring L ($34,495), Touring L Plus ($37,895) and Limited ($42,495). These prices include a $995 destination charge.

Since the Pacifica was released, a plug-in hybrid model was introduced. The Pacifica PHEV is available in two trims: Hybrid Premium ($41,995) and Hybrid Platinum ($44,495). I had hoped one of the PHEV trims was coming my way, but it wasn’t ready yet. I saw the hybrid Pacifica at auto shows in Washington, DC, and Chicago just days earlier, learning that the product roll out had just begun.

My test model offered three packages, raising the final price to a lofty $48,475. A tire and wheel group ($995) brought in 20-inch aluminum wheels and locking lug nuts. A $1,995 Advanced SafetyTec Group added such features as front and rear park assist, adaptive cruise control with automatic braking, and automatic high-beam control. Another $1,995 upgrade (UConnect Theater Package) brought in a pair of video screens to the front seatbacks, a BluRay system, a 115-volt outlet, and a 220-amp alternator.

A trailer tow package ($995) is also available and for no additional charge you can opt for eight-occupant seating. At the higher end of the price spectrum, Chrysler routinely adds discounting for bundling packages. As of this writing, a $2,000 credit is built in, effectively keeping your final price below $50,000, with taxes, tags, and registration extra.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

V6 Power at the Ready

Both the standard and hybrid model are powered by a V6 engine. The gasoline version is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission; the hybrid gets an electrically variable transmission along with dual-motor EV drive capability.

The V6 makes 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque in the gas model. In the hybrid, you’ll have 248 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque at your disposal. The hybrid also provides 30 miles of electric-only range, effectively preserving fuel and reducing vehicle emissions.

But this review is all about the model as tested — I’ll supply a separate review of the Pacifica PHEV if and one is offered to me. As for the fuel efficiency of the gasoline model, you can expect something in the neighborhood of the EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Style Highlights

With the 2017 Pacifica, Chrysler opted for a new style direction, one first evident with the last-generation Chrysler 200 midsize sedan. This expression offers a sleek, modern fascia highlighted by flowing, available LED accent lights.

While the look has helped the Pacifica, the 200 languished on the market and was discontinued following the 2016 model year. Now, Chrysler has just the Pacifica and the dissimilar looking full-size 300 sedan to show for it.

Other style directives include pronounced character lines on the hood and profile, body sculpting, and available chrome-like touches. Further, the long roof line flows to the rear deck capped by a liftgate spoiler, oversized combination lamps, and a wraparound look rear window. All models come with dual sliding side doors and an assortment of 17-, 18-, and 20-inch wheel choices.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Inside, you’ll find a standard 2-2-3 seating arrangement. A 2-3-3 arrangement is available for no extra charge. The second- and third-row seats fold and stow, offering 140.5 cubic feet of storage space (standard space measures 32.3 cubic feet).

As expected, the interior is roomy, marked by long flowing lines across the dashboard and doors, with ample legroom everywhere. I particularly liked the arrangement for the center console — at the base of the stack is a large storage compartment. Instead of connecting the stack with the center storage space, a large open storage area is present and has a separate enclosed storage area between the seats.

Access to the second and third rows is a snap, thanks to the dual sliding doors and seats that move and tilt forward.

Cup and drink holders can be found nearly everywhere, with storage compartments and other hidden storage areas present. Chrysler not only launched the modern minivan segment, but the automaker has constantly strived to improve upon it.

Safety and Technology

2017 Chrysler PacificaWhen it comes to crash testing, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica received the highest marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The IIHS awarded the Pacifica with a Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the NHTSA assigned a 5-star rating to the van.

Beyond the expected suite of seat belts, traction and stability control, crumple zones, and electronic brake force distribution, the Pacifica offers more than 100 standard and available safety features. Lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front and rear park assist, a rearview camera or an available surround view camera, and adaptive cruise control is available.

A standard UConnect infotainment system with a 5-inch screen, voice-command audio, and six speakers can be upgraded to an 8.4-inch screen with navigation. You’ll also get an assortment of apps, USB and auxiliary audio ports, satellite radio, and HD radio. Buyers also have a choice of a 13-speaker Alpine audio system or a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

On the Road

Minivans and V6 engines go together. Early on, such vehicles were powered by four-cylinder engines, but as these models have grown, larger engines are in order.

I always feel that I am at a disadvantage when testing minivans under the typical driving scenario. My family of four takes up about half the seats, but typically one of my two sons will sit in the back row to give me his opinion of the seating area and the ride.

The V6 has a lot of work to do when the payload is heavy. Chrysler doesn’t publish payload information, but I’m confident this vehicle can hold 1,500 pounds of people and their stuff without a problem. If you need to tow, you have a 3,600-pound limit to work with.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

I like Chrysler’s workhorse 3.6-liter V-6 engine as it supplies generous amounts of power. From off-the-mark acceleration to ample passing power, this engine gets the job done. The current 9-speed automatic transmission is improved too —early on in other models, mapping issues meant the transmission was often hunting for gears — not quite “knowing” where to stay. Happily, that issue has disappeared.

Steering is light to the touch — handling is ideal on a straight line. No minivan is designed to navigate twisty roads anywhere like a sports car, but you’ll find that ride comfort has improved over the previous Town & Country. In fact, this model is so much better than what Chrysler offered previously, that it is safe to say most buyers should find its performance more than merely adequate.

Parting Thoughts

For its second go, nothing stood out for me that I might have missed from my first drive last summer. The Chrysler Pacifica is a fully capable people mover, offering a distinct utility advantage over similar-sized crossovers.

I also think the 2017 Pacifica now sets the bar, something a Chrysler minivan hasn’t done since both the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey came along. Perhaps its only weakness is brake feel as it doesn’t feel as firm as its chief competitors.

With a hybrid variant now in the mix, the Chrysler Pacifica offers something no other competitor has, further underscoring the manufacturer’s commitment to a segment that is very much alive. Besides the Sienna and Odyssey, other models to consider include the Kia Sedona and the Nissan Quest.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

2017 Chrysler Pacifica


Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 cars, 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, Chrysler Pacifica, CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, front-wheel drive, HONDA ODYSSEY, minivan, TOYOTA SIENNA, V6 engine

Chrysler 200C: The Last Hurrah?

March 23, 2016 by admin 10 Comments

Chrysler’s current midsize sedan may be short-lived as parent Fiat Chrysler looks for a partner to build two of its current models.

2016 Chrysler 200C.
2016 Chrysler 200C.

Introduced in 2011, the Chrysler 200 is the midsize sedan for the brand, with the 300 serving as the flagship model and the Town & Country (soon to be Pacifica) minivan rounding out Chrysler’s three-product strategy.

That said, the current generation may be on its way out despite being only in its second model year. That’s because SUVs are selling like hotcakes and Fiat Chrysler (FCA) wants to utilize manufacturing space to build more of the vehicles consumers are buying. Specifically, FCA is looking for a partner to supply future Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart models, vehicles that will be nothing like the current models on hand.

A partner may be in the making, but the replacement products are likely a few years out. In the meantime, the current Chrysler 200 will continue to do battle with the top models: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford’s Fusion. Other models in this segment include the Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, Kia Optima, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and the Volkswagen Passat.

One important note: all models in this segment are standard front-wheel drive, except for the Subaru Legacy. The Legacy is the only model with all-wheel drive only; both the Chrysler 200 and the Ford Fusion offer all-wheel drive.

2016 Chrysler 200C

For the third time in nearly three years, a Chrysler 200 was offered for my review. Notably, the two previous editions were the next to the top-of-the-line 200S, powered by an available 3.6-liter, V-6 engine and all-wheel drive. This time around it was a top-of-the-line 2016 Chrysler 200C, powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Like the 200S, the 200C offers standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.

From bumper to bumper, the Chrysler 200 offers a sleek design, representing a vast improvement over the previous generation 200, what was originally known as the Chrysler Sebring until a 2011 update and name change.

The 200C’s frontal presentation includes a narrow upper grille and a larger lower grille with chrome trim bedecking both. Sleek wraparound headlamps are punctuated by stylish LED lights. The lower grille is honed in by LED fog lamps.

The 200C’s profile features a sloping roof line, an even belt line, and a greenhouse trimmed in chrome. A distinct upper character line, lower body sculpting, wheel well reflectors, and alloy wheels emphasizes the premium countenance for this sedan.

The rear fascia has a built in trunk lip spoiler and is amplified by chrome and body sculpting embellishments. Wraparound combination lights and reflectors complete this sedan’s mien.

Upscale Cabin With Premium Touches

Inside, the cabin offers room for five with leather seats standard on the 200C level and available elsewhere. Deep mocha premium leather was presented; ambassador blue leather is the other choice. I’ve now had 200s equipped with both — each one gives this model a premium impression.

The front bucket seats are quite comfortable and supportive, especially when power enhanced as they are at the 200C level. Eight-way power and 4-way lumbar support are standard with the top-of-the-line edition; manual and power operation is found elsewhere.

The rear seat is a 60-40 split folding design and includes a center armrest and a pass through to the trunk. There is sufficient shoulder and hip room present, enabling three to ride back there. Two shortfalls in the rear seating compartment for the Chrysler are its restricted headroom and relatively tight legroom — most competing models offer about three more inches between the wheels, with that extra space benefitting rear seating passengers.

Tighter cabin space notwithstanding, I give Chrysler credit for designing one of the best cabins in this class. The dashboard is composed of soft touch materials and wood grain inlays — real chrome and wood is available as a premium group package upgrade.

The instrument panel has two large analog displays with a very large and easy to adjust digital driver’s information center in the middle. Control switches on the face of the steering wheel manage same.

UConnect Touchscreen and a Secret Storage Compartment

The center stack is dominated by an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. In the base LX model you get a 3-inch display; a 5-inch display is standard on the Limited, S, and C levels. Only the largest display is available with the S and C levels — part of an $895 Navigation and Sound Group 1 package that adds GPS navigation, a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio. That’s an exceptional value and one I think most buyers will want.

The Chrysler 200 has a floating lower console with climate control switches and knobs, the transmission dial, and an electronic parking brake present. Beneath that is a large, open storage compartment for housing your smartphone with a connection hole to the USB port hidden underneath the two cup holders.

Credit Chrysler’s supplier, Faurecia, with designing this novel section, one that slides out of the way to reveal a secret storage compartment underneath. I praised this arrangement previously and was happy to experience it once again — if I had an award to give for the most leading-edge interior console, the Chrysler 200 would have it.

All four doors have bottle holders. With the four cup holders — two up front and two in the rear seat armrest, there are eight drink holders present. Additional in-door storage, the center console, a deep glove box and seat back storage provides enough places to hold much of everything when you’re on the road. The sedan’s 16 cubic foot trunk is one of the larger in this segment, fulfilling your storage needs accordingly.

All models come with keyless entry, push button start, power accessories, and tilt and telescopic steering column, two 12-volt outlets, a USB port, and an audio jack. Air conditioning, audio, and vanity mirrors are standard.

Package Upgrades and Extras

At the 200C level, this model brings in a remote start system, a 6-speaker audio system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats. Optional features with the test model brought in a $1,295 preferred group package with adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, parallel and perpendicular park, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and advanced brake assist.

The test model also added a $995 Premium Group with luxury door trim (leather), ventilated front seats, real wood accents, and a 115-volt power outlet. A $795 premium lighting group with HID headlamps and LED fog lights and upgraded polished aluminum, 19-inch wheels ($995) rounded out the add ons for this model. Thus, the standard $27,570 price for the front-wheel drive 200C topped out at $33,540. Choose all-wheel drive and you get the larger engine, pushing this sedan’s final price closer to $35,000.

Fortunately, Chrysler is aggressive in its discounting — you should be able to knock off several thousand dollars from your final sticker price. In other words, a well-equipped front-wheel drive model is attainable for about $25,000; all-wheel drive with many of the bells and whistles mentioned herein will cost you about $30,000.

On the Road

After driving a pair of six-cylinder Chrysler 200 models equipped with the requisite all-wheel drive arrangement, the standard four-cylinder and front-wheel drive offer a far different driving experience. You’ll decide on the former if top-end competence is your thing or the latter if fuel efficiency and the price are more important.

One of the issues Chrysler had early on with the current-generation 200 is its 9-speed automatic transmission. Supplied by ZF, those first models had mapping issues whereby shifting was sluggish or gear changes were delayed. Following multiple software updates and this automatic gearbox seems to have put those problems behind it.

The standard engine delivers 184 horsepower and 173 foot-pounds of torque. Most drivers should find the power adequate for their needs. Torque steer can be an issue — the sensation experienced when pressing hard on the accelerator and the front wheels move slightly from side to side. No manual mode is offered, therefore no shift paddles are found either.

Front struts and rear links provide for a smooth ride and steering is responsive. Like other front-wheel drive models, its soft spot is found in cornering and on twisty roads. All-wheel drive squashes most of those weaknesses, but that also requires an engine upgrade and an attendant price jump with it.

Keeping You Safe

On the safety front, the Chrysler 200 shines. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded this model with its Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest safety rating. The 2016 Chrysler 200 received top marks in all five testing categories and was recognized for its superior optional equipment, particularly adaptive cruise control with automatic braking.

The test model came equipped with the top safety equipment, giving me the opportunity to put it through the paces. With adaptive cruise control engaged, the 200C slowed from highway speeds to a full stop without driver intervention. Of course, my hands remained on the steering wheel and my right foot was ready to brake in a moment’s notice. After coming to a full stop, the sedan automatically began to move forward as the traffic moved. Pushing the resume “res” button on the steering wheel gets this sedan moving again too. Incidentally, manufacturers have agreed to make this equipment standard on most all-new models by 2022.

Concluding Thoughts

The 2016 Chrysler 200 is a competitive model in an ultra-competitive segment. However, its standard fuel mileage is slightly below the class leaders. The top-of-the-line models are well-equipped and powerful; they should also be cross-shopped with the Buick Regal.

In all, the Chrysler 200 offers a handsome visage, although rear seat head and leg room can be an issue for anyone taller than a young teen. Top safety scores are an important concern. Finally, competitive pricing and deep discounting mean customers should arm themselves with relevant data to acquire one at an affordable price.


2016 Chrysler 200C

  • Sticker price from $27,570
  • Price as tested: $33,540
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.4-liter gasoline engine
  • 184 horsepower @ 6,250 RPM
  • 173 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,600 RPM
  • 3.46 inches bore by 3.82 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
  • 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 108 inches
  • Length: 192.3 inches
  • Width: 73.6 inches
  • Height: 58.7 inches
  • Passenger volume: 101.4 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 16 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 23 mpg city, 36 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 15.8 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,473 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Sterling Heights, Michigan

See Also — Turbo PHEV: 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron


2016 Chrysler 200C photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 cars, 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, CHRYSLER 200C, FAURECIA, FIAT CHRYSLER, four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, Midsize Sedan, UCONNECT

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