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Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV

February 23, 2021 by admin 1 Comment

Kia offers a fresh take on a tired segment.


2022 Kia Carnival
The 2022 Kia Carnival replaces the 2021 Sedona.

It’s out with the old and in with the new for Kia’s minivan. Leaving us is the 2021 Sedona and taking its place is the 2022 Carnival. The Sedona is a minivan, while the Carnival is called a multi-purpose vehicle, but it’ll compete in the same segment as the Sedona. Indeed, according to Kia, the all-new Carnival transcends the minivan segment by occupying space between the SUV and the family hauler.

The Carnival name also debuts Kia’s new logo. This model is boxier than a traditional minivan, but it retains the traditional sliding doors common to the segment. It offers three rows of seating with room for seven or eight. One powertrain choice motivates every model.

“The Kia Carnival is here to disrupt a staid segment and proves once again what is possible when conventions are shattered,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors North America, Kia Motors America. “With its SUV-like character, our new multi-purpose vehicle delivers a combination of premium design, intelligent packaging, and an abundance of innovation in safety and technology. For these reasons, the Carnival is the first vehicle to proudly wear our all-new Kia badge and is a bold signal of things to come.”


2022 Kia Carnival


Here are some of the important points about Kia’s newest model:


1. New platform. Not only is the Sedona replaced with the Carnival, but the new model gains Kia’s third-generation N3 platform, which also supports the K5 sedan and Sorento SUV. This platform is more rigid and includes greater sound absorbing and insulation materials, along with multiple aerodynamic improvements.

2. Flashy styling. Minivans rarely turn heads, especially since they’re geared toward excelling in people carrying, which they do. In the 2022 Carnival, Kia attempts to take what it describes as a “staid” segment and reinvigorate it with a forward-thinking design. Key design elements include a fresh interpretation of the brand’s tiger-nose grille, dramatic hood creases, beefy wheel arches, profile-running cutlines, large two-tone side mirrors, sleek rear combination lamps, and sporty wheel choices.

3. Offered in four trim levels. The 2022 Carnival will be offered in four trims: LX, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige. This vehicle is front-wheel-drive-only with three rows of seating. Depending on how it’s configured, the Carnival will hold seven or eight passengers.


2022 Kia Carnival


4. Ample room inside. The 2022 Carnival features several class-leading attributes, including 168.2 cubic feet of passenger room and 145.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row in all but the top trim. Kia also introduces “Slide-Flex” seating for 8-passenger versions, which allows for multiple configurations, including a sliding second-row center seat. In its most forward position, the seat allows for ease of access by the front passenger for a baby or a small child riding in it. Also, available heated and ventilated second-row VIP Lounge Seating includes power controls, wing-out headrest, and leg extensions in an upper-level 7-passenger configuration. Also, the second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats enable the Carnival to claim the best-in-class cargo room. Notably, the second-row seats are not removable in the SX-Prestige.

5. One powertrain combination. Common to this segment, one powertrain combination is offered. Every Carnival is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the front wheels utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle has a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

6. A long list of driver-assist features. Every 2022 Carnival comes with forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, parking distance warning-reverse, lane-keeping assist, high beam assist, and driver attention warning. Also available is a blind-spot view monitor, forward collision-avoidance assist-cyclist, highway driving assist, adaptive cruise control, parking collision avoidance assist, and a surround-view monitor.


2022 Kia Carnival


7. Lots of tech features. Kia equips the 2022 Carnival with a standard 8-inch touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless smartphone charging, a 3-inch navigation display, 3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, as many as 9 USB ports across all three rows, two 110-volt power inverters, and a Bose audio system with 12 speakers.

8. Advanced link telematics. An important feature in today’s vehicles is telematics connectivity. Kia’s UVO system is one of the earlier examples and it’s available in its latest guise. Here, drivers will find connected routing, connected weather, enhanced voice assist, calendar integration, last-mile navigation to your destination, smart speaker integration, and several advanced safety notifications including 911 Connect and Roadside Assistance.


Arriving Soon


The 2022 Kia Carnival arrives in the second quarter of this year (April-June). Pricing information will be released ahead of its arrival date. The new model will take on the industry stalwarts, including the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Sienna.


2022 Kia Carnival


See Also — Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival

Photos copyright Kia Motors.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 8-SPEED TRANSMISSION, Chrysler Pacifica, Kia, Kia Carnival, Kia K5, KIA SEDONA, Kia Sorento, minivan, MPV, V6 engine

Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival

January 14, 2021 by admin 4 Comments

An established nameplate gives way to global model.



Model names come and go, but there are some strong exceptions. Indeed, the Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Accord are names that span decades and are not going anywhere.

On the other hand, Kia has purged names in the past, including the Spectra and Sephia, and more recently the Optima in favor of the K5. Next up is the Sedona, which will lose its model name in 2022 when the Kia Carnival debuts. The Carnival name rolled out in 1998 for Kia’s global market, but the Korean automaker chose Sedona for the U.S., naming it after an Arizona community.



Introducing the 2022 Kia Carnival

Beginning in 2022, with the release of the fourth-generation Kia minivan, the Carnival name will reign supreme across the globe. The new model is already on sale in Korea, coming in slightly larger and better equipped than before. Likely, we’ll see the Carnival arrive stateside by the end of this calendar year.

The Kia Carnival is 1.2 inches longer between the wheels and 1.6 inches longer overall than the 2021 Sedona. It sits slightly wide too, 0.4 inches, and its lift over height is lowered by one inch, making it easier to load through the power-sliding doors and the tailgate.

Although both gas- and diesel-powered models are sold in most markets, the U.S. model will be governed by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. No, there won’t be an all-wheel-drive version as we have seen in the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica.



Room for 11

The Korean-spec model features as many as four rows of seating, with room for 11. To date, no other minivan has offered room for more than eight, including the Sedona. Thus, Kia is calling this model a “grand utility vehicle,” to set it apart from the competition, which also includes the Honda Odyssey.

The Kia Carnival will have several features that are new to the segment, including a class-leading 12.3-inch touch-screen display. Equally, the instrument panel has its own 12.3-inch display – the two screens unite to form a singular panel. In addition, the new Kia model will have its share of tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Kia connected services, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports spread throughout the cabin.

Full Suite of Safety Features

On the safety front, the Kia Carnival will feature a long list of important items, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision avoidance assistance with pedestrian and cyclist assist, driver attention warning, speed limited assist, a surround-view monitor, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go.

We anticipate Kia will offer additional features to enhance its safety package. These items include adaptive cruise control and perhaps a semi-autonomous driving feature with automatic inputs to keep the van centered. Various park assist features utilizing sonars should become available. Manufacturers continue to aim for the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star ratings when designing their vehicles and the Kia Carnival is no exception.



Coming to America

Though details about the U.S.-spec model remain scant as of this writing, we expect the current LX, EX, and SX trims to continue, with perhaps a range-topping Limited or Platinum trim featuring all the bells and whistles Kia can muster. The 2021 Sedona is priced from $30,400, plus destination. We may see a higher price point as Kia eschews its budget mantle for a premium model.

Further, a full range of exterior color choices, wheel options, lighting upgrades, and roof options will provide separation from the pack. Inside, everything from spill-resistant cloth to imitation leather and on through real hides with wood trim will supply differentiation. Finally, a variety of seat comfort options, including heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and perhaps massaging for the front passengers seems possible.

In all, the 2022 Kia Carnival should find its place in the shrinking minivan segment, perhaps breathing new life and giving customers a strong option to utility vehicles, including the Kia Telluride. Auto Trends will have more information about this model closer to its release date or when we receive a model to review, whichever comes first.


See Also — Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona

Photos copyright Kia Motors Global. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: Chrysler Town & County, HONDA ODYSSEY, Kia Carnival, Kia K5, KIA OPTIMA, KIA SEDONA, minivan, TOYOTA SIENNA, V6 engine

Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona

November 21, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

The 2020 Kia Sedona is one of just a handful of minivans.

The Kia Sedona is a minivan, one of just a handful of models in a shrinking segment Although most shoppers will consider a crossover first, vehicles like the Sedona offer exceptional utility, superior access and egress, and decent overall value. The 2020 Kia Sedona is a carryover model with no changes.

Your Choice of Trims

The Kia Sedona comes in four trims: L, LX, EX, and SX. Pricing starts at $28,485 including destination and reaches $42,345 at the top end. This model seats up to eight and is front-wheel drive.

One Engine, One Transmission

Every Sedona comes with a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

This model makes 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for a combined 21 mpg. When properly equipped, the Sedona has a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Sedona’s cabin is spacious and quiet with room for eight passengers across three rows. The first two rows are the most comfortable ones for adults with the last row offering narrower space and tighter legroom.

As for storage space, the Sedona offers 33.9 cubic feet behind the third row, which is slightly better than the Honda Odyssey. Fold down the rear seat and storage capacity jumps to 78.4 cubic feet. With the second- and third-row seats folded, there is 142.0 cubic feet of storage room available, nearly matching the Chrysler Pacifica.

Safety Features

Kia’s key driver-assist features are reserved for the top EX and SX trims only. Under its “Drive Wise” suite, Kia offers parking distance warning, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. That said, the Toyota Sienna has the best roster of standard advanced safety equipment in the segment.

Optional with the EX, but standard with the top-trim SX, Kia includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning and avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go. Exclusive to the SX are low beam assist with adaptive lighting and a surround-view monitor.

Technology & Connectivity

Kia equips the 2020 Sedona with a 7-inch touch-screen display screen. Bluetooth, a four-speaker audio system, USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility are standard. Shoppers considering the LX and EX trims will find a 6-speaker audio system. The top-trim SX has an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The Sedona SX has a few exclusive features, including an 8-inch touch-screen display, navigation, and a CD player. A third-row USB port is available on the EX and standard with the SX. Wireless phone charging is standard with the EX and SX trims.

L – From $28,485

Kia equips the Sedona L with automatic projection headlamps, manual sliding doors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. Inside, the seats are covered in cloth. The L trim has seven-passenger seating as it has middle-row captain’s chairs. Other standard equipment includes full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, air conditioning, and vanity lighting.

LX – From $31,245

Power-sliding passenger doors and rear privacy glass arrive at the LX level. Inside, 8-passenger seating is standard. A power driver’s seat with power lumbar support is included. The Sedona LX has a six-speaker audio system.

EX – From $34,545

The Sedona EX has many of the features customers want in a minivan. Given its price point, its the value leader in this segment.

Standard exterior equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, and silver-painted roof rails. Available options include projection fog lights, a power sunroof, a power tailgate, and power-folding and heated side mirrors. Inside, the EX has leather-covered seats, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A dual glove box with illumination and second- and third-row sunshade screens are standard.

An available rear entertainment system adds dual screens along with DVD and device mirroring capability.

SX – From $42,345

The top-trim SX features full LED lighting, including LED fog lights and positioning lights. Other standard features include chrome trim, power-folding and heated side mirrors, and a sunroof.

Inside, the SX features metal grain trim, an illuminated dual glove box with cooling, and a 115-volt inverter. Power second-row passenger windows and the full list of tech and safety features rolls out here too.

Parting Thoughts

The Sedona EX offers the best value for the money. An available EX Premium Package brings in many of the amenities from the SX, and with manufacturer discounting much of your extra cost should be covered.


2020 Kia Sedona Specifications


Kia 2020 Sedona
Segment Minivan or Multipurpose Vehicle
Price Range $27,200 to $41,300
Destination Charge $1,045
Standard Engine 3.3-liter, V6
Horsepower 276 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 248 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Seating 7 to 8
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,411 to 4,736
Wheelbase (inches) 120.5
Length (inches) 201.4
Width (inches) 89.3
Height (inches) 68.5
Head room (f,r…inches) 39.8, 39.4, 38.9
Leg room (f,r…inches) 40.9, 41.1, 34.8
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 63.9, 63.1, 59.4
Hip room (f,r…inches) 59.3, 66.1, 50.0
Storage (cubic feet) 33.9, 78.4, 142.0
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 6,085
Towing (pounds) 3,500
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 21.1
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 18/24/21
Manufacturing Plant West Point, Georgia

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.


See Also — At a Glance: 2019 Kia K900

Photo copyright Kia Motors.

Filed Under: Specifications Tagged With: front-wheel drive, Kia, KIA SEDONA, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride, minivan, multipurpose vehicle, V6 engine

Highlights of the 2020 Toyota Sienna

October 7, 2019 by admin 6 Comments

An all-new Nightshade Edition debuts for 2020.

The Toyota Sienna is a multipurpose vehicle, better known as a “minivan,” although it certainly isn’t diminutive. The Sienna is a three-row people hauler with room for eight, an alternative to the Toyota Highlander crossover. Both offer all-wheel drive.

The Sienna’s available all-wheel-drive system is unique to minivans, giving this model an edge, especially in areas where wintry conditions prevail. The Sienna operates in a shrinking segment with four competing models: the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and the Kia Sedona.

Toyota Sienna Highlights

The following are among the significant points about the 2020 Sienna:

1. Five trims for the choosing.

The Sienna is available in five trims: L, LE, SE, XLE, and Limited. It seats 7 or 8, supplies upwards of 150 cubic feet of storage capacity, and can pull up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. An available Auto Access Seat supplies a mobility option with its 330-pound rating.

2. Your choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

As mentioned, the Toyota Sienna is the only model in its segment with available all-wheel drive. Most buyers, however, will find front-wheel drive sufficient. In models equipped with all-wheel drive, the Sienna benefits from active torque control, available with the LE, XLE, and Limited trims.

3. An all-new Nightshade Edition debuts.

Toyota keeps the Sienna fresh this year by offering an available Nightshade Edition. This special package ($700) is available across the model line, adding a black sport mesh front grille, black 19-inch wheels (18 inches for all-wheel drive), black door handles and mirror caps, and black Toyota badges. Besides the Midnight Black Metallic trim, there are three other exterior colors to choose from. The interior is dressed in black.

4. Improved connectivity choices this year.

Toyota has slowly, but surely added connectivity features, choosing to vet each product carefully before making them available to the public. This year, you’ll find both Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity, although we’re still waiting for Android Auto.

5. Lots of safety features provided.

Advanced driver-assist features such as automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist are standard. Also available is blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Some models include safety telematics technology, which is bundled with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle notification, an emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance.

6. A powerful engine and capable automatic transmission.

Powering the 2020 Sienna is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with best-in-class 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This model makes an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for a combined 21 mpg. The all-wheel-drive model makes a combined 20 mpg.

7. Seating choices galore.

Toyota designed the Sienna’s interior so that the third-row seats fold down and the second-row seats may be removed. Wide-opening dual-sliding doors make access and egress easier. The second-row Captain’s chairs slide nearly two feet rearward, which supply tremendous legroom. In the Limited FWD edition, the second-row chairs are wrapped in leather and include dual armrests, leg and foot support, and a mechanism for easy repositioning or removal.

8. Loads of standard and available technologies.

All 2020 Sienna models come with a 7-inch touch-screen display. Standard features include six speakers, Bluetooth, USB ports, and an app suite. Available upgrades include a CD player, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Siri Eyes Free. Some models have a 10-soaker audio system, navigation, additional USB ports, and a rear entertainment system.

Toyota Sienna Considerations

Priced from the low $30sK to just under $50,000, there is a Toyota Sienna to fit most budgets. The SE and XLE grades offer most of the features customers want. With available all-wheel drive, both trims cost about $40,000, including destination.


2020 Toyota Sienna Specifications


Toyota 2020 Sienna
Segment Minivan
Price Range $31,415 to $47,830
Destination Charge $1,060
Standard Engine 3.5-liter, V6
Horsepower 296 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 263 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Seating 7 to 8
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,430 to 4,615
Wheelbase (inches) 119.3
Length (inches) 200.6
Width (inches) 78.1
Height (inches) 68.9 to 71.3
Headroom (f,r…inches) 41.0, 39.7, 38.3
Legroom (f,r…inches) 40.5, 37.6, 36.3
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 65.0, 64.6, 61.1
Hip room (f,r…inches) 58.6, 66.1, 50.3
Storage (cubic feet) 117.8 to 150.0
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 5,995
Towing (pounds) 3,500
Payload (pounds) 1,100 to 1,210
Fuel regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 20.0
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 19/27/22 (FWD); 18/24/20 (AWD)
Manufacturing Plant Princeton, Indiana

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplies by the manufacturer.


See Also — All-Wheel-Drive Exclusive: Toyota Sienna

Photo copyright Toyota Motors.

Filed Under: Specifications Tagged With: 8-SPEED TRANSMISSION, all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, minivan, multipurpose vehicle, Toyota, TOYOTA SIENNA, V6 engine

Introducing the 2020 Chrysler Voyager

October 1, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Available in three trims, including a fleet-only LXi model, the 2020 Chrysler Voyager targets budget-minded customers.

 


The Chrysler Voyager is back, a model name first used by the long-defunct Plymouth brand. When Plymouth was discontinued in 2001, the then Plymouth Voyager minivan became a Chrysler model for a few years and was sold alongside the Chrysler Town & Country.

Fast forward to today and few consumers will know anything about the Voyager. Indeed, that’s about to change as we explore how Fiat Chrysler intends to revive the rejuvenated nameplate.

Chrysler Voyager: It’s Back

In 2017, Chrysler introduced the Pacifica, replacing the previous Town & Country minivan or multipurpose vehicle. This all-new vehicle is distinct from the Dodge Grand Caravan, which remains in production. Notably, all Fiat Chrysler minivan models are built at a Canadian manufacturing plant in Windsor, Ontario.

1. Return of the Chrysler Voyager.

The Voyager nameplate returns for 2020, reassigning the low-end Pacifica models offered under the L and LX trims. A third trim, the LXi, rolls out, which is for fleet service only. As for the Pacifica, it will have seven trims, beginning with the Touring. Also, the hybrid variant remains a Pacifica exclusive.

2. Seating for seven or eight.

The 2020 Voyager seats seven in standard form or eight when the second-row captain’s chairs are swapped out for a bench seat. Chrysler’s famous “stow ’n go” seating, which stores the second-row seats in the floor, is included.

3. The same powertrain is offered.

The Chrysler Pacifica comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which creates 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. That same engine, along with the Pacifica’s nine-speed automatic transmission, motivates the Voyager. Power is routed to the front wheels.

4. Towing when you want it.

The 2020 Voyager is rated to pull up to 3,600 pounds, which is the same as the Pacifica. That’s slightly better than the 3,500-pound rating of the Kia Sedona, Toyota Sienna, and the Honda Odyssey.

5. Tech features galore.

The 2020 Voyager has a 3.5-inch digital information display and Chrysler’s UConnect 4 system with a 7-inch touch-screen display. A six-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and an available single overhead DVD round out the tech offerings.

6. An available safety group package.

Chrysler’s SafetyTec suite of driver-assist technologies is available. This package includes rear park assist with stop, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection.

7. About the LXi.

The new LXi trim comes with remote start, a security system, roof rack, imitation leather seats, second-row retractable sunshades, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. This model is not available to consumers, just fleet buyers.

Arriving Fall 2019

The 2020 Chrysler Voyager arrives in Fall 2019 and will be sold alongside the Pacifica in Chrysler showrooms. Chrysler prices the base model from $26,985, plus a $1,495 destination fee. It comes with standard steel wheels, available alloy wheels, six exterior color choices, and three interior color options.

Chrysler’s strategy for the Voyager may mean that this vehicle will eventually replace the Dodge Grand Caravan, which is this automaker’s best-selling minivan. Further, the Grand Caravan is an aged model based on the same platform underpinning the retired Town & Country and is widely expected to be discontinued.


2020 Chrysler Voyager Specifications


Chrysler 2020 Voyager
Segment Minivan
Price Range $31,415 to $47,830
Destination Charge $1,060
Standard Engine 3.6-liter, V6
Horsepower 287 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 262 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission Nine-speed automatic
Seating 2/2/3 or 2/3/3
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,330
Wheelbase (inches) 121.6
Length (inches) 203.8
Width (inches) 79.6
Height (inches) 69.9
Headroom (f,r…inches) 40.1, 39.6, 38.7
Legroom (f,r…inches) 41.1, 39.0, 36.5
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 63.8, 63.0, 61.2
Hip room (f,r…inches) 59.0, 64.8, 49.5
Storage (cubic feet) 32.3, 87.5, 140.5
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 6,055
Towing (pounds) 3,600
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 19.0
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) NR
Manufacturing Plant Graz, Austria

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

***

See Also — Family Efficiency: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Filed Under: New Models, Specifications Tagged With: CHRYSLER, Chrysler Pacifica, CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, Chrysler Voyager, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, minivan, multipurpose vehicle, UCONNECT

Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona

September 18, 2019 by admin 5 Comments

The 2020 Kia Sedona returns unchanged this year.


Carried over: the 2020 Kia Sedona.

The 2020 Kia Sedona launches the sixth year of this third-generation model, a carryover vehicle with no changes whatsoever. This model is part of a small collection of minivans, which are probably better described as multipurpose vehicles. Although the market is shrinking, the Sedona is a compelling alternative to the crossover utility vehicles favored by families.

Despite no changes, the 2020 Sedona maintains a competitive footprint among minivan models. It comes in L, LX, EX, and SX trims. This front-wheel-drive model holds seven or eight. All trims come with a V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission.

Key Features of the 2020 Kia Sedona

There is a lot to say about the Kia Sedona. Auto Trends last reviewed a Sedona in 2016, but it was refreshed in 2018. You can find that review here.

1. Traditional minivan and utility vehicle alternative.

Minivans once ruled the family market, largely supplanting station wagons beginning in the 1980s. The Kia Sedona arrived in 2002, took a hiatus in 2013, and returned to the U.S. market a year later. As before, the Sedona shares the same platform as the Sorento crossover and the all-new Telluride. The difference with the Sedona includes its sliding rear side doors and fold-down second- and third-row seats. This model also has more cargo room than its utility vehicle siblings.

2. One capable powertrain at the ready.

You get one powertrain choice with the Sedona. Under the hood is a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels utilizing an eight-speed automatic transmission.

3. Room for seven or eight.

If you need eight-passenger carrying space, the Sedona supplies it. Only the Telluride offers eight-passenger space, so now you have two model choices from Kia fulfilling that demand. If you go the eight-passenger route, know that the very comfortable and versatile middle-row captain’s chairs are replaced by a split fold-down bench seat.

4. Driver-assist features available.

You’ll need to move past the L and LX models to find the driver-assist features most consumers want today. Blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and parking distance warning are standard on the EX. The SX trim has all the remaining features, which are also available on the EX. These include: forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, driver attention warning, an electronic parking brake, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go.

5. Lots of high-end exterior amenities.

If you want a well-equipped model, you’ll likely begin your search with the EX trim. Standard features include projector headlamps, alloy wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and rear LED lights. Upgrades include LED projection lights with dynamic bending light technology, fog lamps, LED positioning lights, heated side mirrors, roof rails, a sunroof, power-sliding side doors, and a power liftgate.

6. An interior worthy of consideration.

Once again, Kia saves the best amenities for the top-trim SX. Here, you’ll find leather seats, a dual glove box with cooling, and carpeted floor mats. But the other trims are equipped, not stripped as you’ll find full power accessories, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and cloth seats. Among the options are three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

7. Audio and tech features galore.

The base model has a four-speaker audio system, which isn’t much to get excited about. Beginning with the LX trim, you’ll find a six-speaker system, while an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is standard with the SX. Other features include Bluetooth, smartphone compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. Some trims offer third-row USB ports, wireless phone charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system. You’ll also find a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen display and connected car services.

Kia Sedona Considerations

Kia continues to maintain a strong position in the market, thanks in part to its product mix, much-improved reliability, value, and extended warranties. Indeed, the brand’s five-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty is one of the best in the industry. It is joined by excellent warranties for rust and the powertrain, giving Kia an important edge in a highly competitive market, which is also served by the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and the Dodge Grand Caravan.


2020 Kia Sedona Specifications


Kia 2020 Sedona
Segment Minivan or Multipurpose Vehicle
Price Range $27,200 to $41,300
Destination Charge $1,045
Standard Engine 3.3-liter, V6
Horsepower 276 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 248 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Seating 7 to 8
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,411 to 4,736
Wheelbase (inches) 120.5
Length (inches) 201.4
Width (inches) 89.3
Height (inches) 68.5
Head room (f,r…inches) 39.8, 39.4, 38.9
Leg room (f,r…inches) 40.9, 41.1, 34.8
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 63.9, 63.1, 59.4
Hip room (f,r…inches) 59.3, 66.1, 50.0
Storage (cubic feet) 33.9, 78.4, 142.0
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 6,085
Towing (pounds) 3,500
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 21.1
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 18/24/21
Manufacturing Plant West Point, Georgia

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.


See Also — At a Glance: 2019 Kia K900

Photo copyright Kia Motors.

Filed Under: Specifications Tagged With: front-wheel drive, Kia, KIA SEDONA, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride, minivan, multipurpose vehicle, V6 engine

Chrysler’s Versatile Pacifica Minivan

August 22, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

Chrysler offers the Pacific in standard and plug-in hybrid variations.

Chrysler calls its Pacifica minivan a multipurpose vehicle and that’s not an inaccurate assessment. Indeed, this vehicle not only holds as many as 8 people and supplies upwards of 140 cubic feet of cargo space, but it pulls up to 3,600 pounds. And with a curb weight of 4,400 pounds, there really isn’t anything “mini” about the Pacifica.

This is the third model year for the Pacifica, which replaced the earlier Town & Country. The 2019 Pacifica features mostly equipment changes as well as a special 35th-anniversary model. That anniversary marks Chrysler’s entry into the segment, with Dodge and Plymouth models rolling out. Notably, several years would pass before a Chrysler-badged model appeared.

The Chrysler Pacifica has one important distinction, okay two that no other minivan can claim: fully stowable second- and third-row seats, and a hybrid variant. Although the variant is officially known as the Pacifica Hybrid, it is actually a plug-in hybrid. Thus, it supplies more than 30 miles of electric-only range. That’s something the competing Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Sedona cannot claim.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Overview

The focal point of our review though is on the Pacifica Limited model, the top-trim, costing from $44,445, plus the $1,495 destination fee. Our test model added several packages, bringing this model’s final cost to a heady $51,590. If that sounds high rest assured a base model can be had for under $30,000. A well-equipped one doesn’t have to go above $40,000. Just choose the amenities you want and shop from there.

Here’s what we like about the Chrysler Pacifica:

1. It isn’t hard on the eyes.

Take a quick look at any minivan and the style does little to inspire. That’s because the vehicle is designed with maximizing passenger space, which requires certain important attributes, including tall roof pillars and dual sliding side doors.

Chrysler makes the most of this body style’s design limitations, by offering rounded edges, an attractive front fascia, available chrome highlights, and LED lighting. Thus, the Pacifica has a more refined expression than previous Chrysler models and matches well against the competition.

2. A cavernous interior that doesn’t compromise.

Whether you choose space for seven or eight, the Pacifica offers comfortable seats across all three rows. Certainly, the third row has the tightest quarters, but we’ve seen even tighter spaces in similar-sized crossovers.

Ideally, you’ll choose a seven-passenger model whereby the middle bench seat is swapped out for a pair of captain’s chairs. With this arrangement, the second-row passengers have some of the most comfortable seats in the house. You’ll also do the third-row people a favor by giving them more room to maneuver.

We like the tilt-and-slide feature of the second-row seats. What’s special beyond ease of access and egress, is that the seats still move forward with a car seat present. In effect, Chrysler removes an important source of irritation for families.

3. Stow and Go seating is da bomb.

Although seating comfort is an important element in any family vehicle, moving those seats out of the way is also a critical component. Typically, minivans have third-row seats that fold into the floor and second-row seats that fold, but stay in place. This means storage space is limited, unless you remove those seats.

Chrysler, however, takes a different approach. Like the third-row seats, the second-row seats fold into the floor. Thus, when the seats are fully dropped, you’ll have more usable storage space than if those seats remained exposed. Consequently, Chrysler serves up 140 cubic feet of storage space, which can prove immensely handy when an important move is required.

4. Desirable technologies for your enjoyment.

Manufacturers have absolutely upped their game in all things technology. This isn’t something new for Chrysler, however, as the automaker’s UConnect connectivity platform has been around for years. Indeed, it even precedes the company’s merger with Fiat, which was completed in 2014.

You’ll find UConnect 4 and 4C packages with the Pacifica, the latter standard or available with most trims. The basic package includes a 7-inch color display, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility.

Begin your search with the Touring Plus model and you’ll find an 8.4-inch screen and HD Radio, the latter also packaged with the available theater package. On upper trim models, Chrysler adds navigation and various Sirius apps. By the way, all but the base models have satellite radio.

One of the reasons why we like the UConnect interface so much is that it is easy to use. Its tablet-like display is clear and crisp. Therefore, you won’t spend too much time playing with the features, which can cause distraction.

Sound quality is a big deal too, especially when you move away from the standard six-speaker audio package. Here, Chrysler offers a 13-speaker Alpine audio system or an available 20-speaker Harman Kardon package, which sent lively sounds throughout our Limited’s cabin.

Other standout features of the Pacifica include USB ports for all three rows, an available 115-volt power outlet, and the theater package with a Blu-Ray DVD player.

5. Safety isn’t an afterthought.

Families insist on top safety features and Chrysler delivers. The expected eight standard airbags, stability and traction control, and safety cage design merely begin what’s offered. Drill down and you’ll find a host of driver-assist technologies available.

Typically, you’ll have to move away from the base model to find such features as automatic headlights. Happily, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard.

Available on some trims is an Advanced SafetyTec Group Package, which bundles lane departure warning, forward collision warning, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, front and rear park assist, and a surround-view monitor.

All models have adaptive cruise control, but only some trims add stop and go. This latter feature slows or stops the Pacifica in traffic, then automatically resumes speed once traffic begins moving.

6. The only minivan with a hybrid variant.

If there is a downside to the Pacifica (or any minivan for that matter), it would be its fuel economy. This model averages a combined 22 mpg, which means it rivals most large models of any kind. Thus, the “mini” appellation isn’t fitting here, the Pacifica simply isn’t super-efficient. It really can’t be, either.

But we’re pleased that Chrysler not only offers a hybrid variant, but a plug-in version at that. The Pacific Hybrid, when regularly plugged in, should deliver an equivalent 30 mpg, which is outstanding for this model. We’ve driven the hybrid twice before and can attest that it easily travels 30 miles on electricity only. In one test, the minivan traveled 40 miles before the electric battery gave way to the gas engine. You’ll pay more for the hybrid, but tax deductions and other incentives are available.

Auto Trends Recommends

Look beyond the base model and Chrysler packs the Pacific with the amenities we want. These features include aluminum or alloy wheels, power-folding and heated side mirrors, power sliding doors, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Other features of note begin appearing on the Touring Plus model, including three-zone climate control. We priced the Touring L Plus model, which comes with polished aluminum wheels, leather seats, and the upgraded UConnect system. Add in the Trailer-Tour Group Package ($995), Advanced SafetyTec Group Package ($995), and the Hands-Free Sliding Doors and Liftgate Package ($795), and your cost comes to $42,925. But that’s before seasonal discounts along with your firm negotiating skills, which should bring this well-equipped model to just under $40,000.

Finally, if you’re looking for additional value and can wait a few months, the all-new 2020 Voyager may be worth a look. This model replaces the base Pacifica versions, costing under $30,000. It’ll offer the same 287-horsepower engine powering the Pacifica, but it lacks many of the available driver-assist features families want.


2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Specifications


Chrysler 2019 Pacifica Limited
Segment Minivan
Base Sticker Price $44,445 (including a $1,495 destination charge)
Price as tested (estimated) $51,590
Engine 3.6-liter, V6
Horsepower 287 @ 6,400 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 262 @ 4,000 RPMs
Transmission 9-speed automatic automatic
Seating 7 or 8
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,330
Wheelbase (inches) 121.6
Length (inches) 203.8
Width (inches) 79.6
Height (inches) 69.9
Headroom (f,m,r…inches) 40.1, 39.6, 38.7
Legroom (f,m,r…inches) 41.1, 39.0, 36.5
Shoulder room (f,m,r…inches) 63.8, 63.0, 61.2
Hip room (f,m,r…inches) 59.0, 64.8, 49.5
Storage (cubic feet) 32.3/87.5/140.5
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 6,055
Towing (pounds) 3,600
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 19.0
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 19/28/22 city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant Windsor, Ontario CANADA

See Also — Family Efficiency: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

2019 Chrysler Pacifica photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Vehicle Reviews Tagged With: Chrysler Pacifica, minivan, multipurpose vehicle, Pacifica Hybrid, stow and go seating, V6 engine

All-Wheel-Drive Exclusive: Toyota Sienna

May 21, 2019 by admin 9 Comments


The 2019 Toyota Sienna is the only minivan with available all-wheel drive.

The last time the industry sold 1 million minivans was in 2006, just ahead of the recession and during the early days of crossover utility vehicles. Today, just under 500,000 units are sold in the U.S. annually, as manufacturers such as Ford, GM, and Nissan no longer participate.

But the segment is not dead and we may also see some stabilization as the remaining players battle it out. These models include the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, and the Toyota Sienna.

Toyota is the second best-selling model in the segment, surrounded by Fiat Chrysler’s two entries. The Grand Caravan maintains its top position as a volume leader — you’ll find it frequently available in rental fleets, hence its sales leadership.

2019 Toyota Sienna Overview

Toyota offers the 2019 Sienna in seven trims. Most notably, it is the only model available with all-wheel drive. Like its competitors, the Sienna is front-wheel drive with room for seven or eight.

The base L model starts at $31,315. It is followed by the LE ($34,135), LE with Auto Access Seat ($40,060), SE ($37,465), XLE ($37,465), XLE with Auto Access Seat ($43,600), and the Limited ($44,210). Models equipped with the access seat feature a power-rotating lift-up seat on the second row, passenger side. Choose all-wheel drive and your cost rises by $1,505 and your seating capacity drops from eight to seven. Add $1,060 for the destination charge.



As with most any model, Toyota offers package options with the Sienna, but not with every trim. The base “L” trim does not have a package. The LE offers the LE Preferred Package ($955), which adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and a keyless entry system with push-button start and remote illumination entry. Move up to the SE model and you’ll find a Moonroof with Sunshade Package option ($850). You’ll also find an SE Preferred Package ($3,815), which builds on the LE and moonroof packages. Here, you’ll also find a 10-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, Wi-Fi, and other tech features.

Choose the XLE model and you’ll find a Navigation Package ($1,410). Among the tech upgrades here are additional USB ports and rear parking assist. The top Limited trim offers a Premium Package ($3,520), which adds high-intensity discharge headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

A Matter of Style

Minivans share a common layout marked by a sloped hood, long slab-sided bodies, and a rear liftgate. Variations on the theme typically mimic what the automakers offer elsewhere. Indeed, the Sienna’s front fascia matches well with other Toyota products dating back a few years, but it doesn’t have the extreme cutouts or pronounced creases found on the Camry or the C-HR.

The Sienna’s front end is not unlike the previous-generation Avalon with its narrow upper-grille and oversized lower grille. Signature lines connect the headlamps and the taillights with rocker panel sculpting evident. The dual rear sliding doors move all the way to the back when open. The rear liftgate rises well above head level.

All models come with alloy wheels. Most trims include projector-beam halogen headlights. Among the upgrades are LED daytime running lights, fog lights, heated side mirrors, power sliding doors, and designer wheels.



Inside, the cabin is cavernous, offering room for eight or for seven with the second-row seat replaced by Captain’s chairs. The latter is the arrangement you’ll find with all-wheel drive models and some trims.

Toyota arranges the Sienna’s dashboard by facing the bulk of it forward and towards the passengers. The instrument panel and center display blend with the stick shift lever located on the upper part of the stack and to the left of the cabin controls. A huge open storage area splits the front seats along with an equally large storage compartment between those seats.

Our all-wheel-drive test model had the second-row captain’s chairs, which offered comfort rivaling the front row. Dual armrests, seat maneuverability, and ample legroom make these seats the ideal choice. If you don’t need space for eight, this is the option you want — the rear-seated passengers will be pleased as well with more room to maneuver. On top trim Limited models, the middle seats recline and incline seat extenders and footrests.

Standard features include cloth seats, three-zone climate control, full power accessories, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. The list of upgrades includes imitation leather or genuine leather seats, power front seats, heated front seats, second- and third-row sunshades, a heated steering wheel, and a power-controlled third-row seat.

Storage space is everything with minivans and supplies another reason why these models have staying power. The Sienna’s second- and third-row seats fold down/forward, but they also may be removed, supplying 150 cubic-feet of storage capacity. You’ll go well beyond yard sales finds to bring home your estate largesse.

Safety & Technology

Toyota equips the Sienna with a six-speaker audio system, a 7-inch touch-screen display, Siri Eyes Free, a CD player, Bluetooth, and USB ports. You also get the Scout GPS Link app, which supplies directions. But it isn’t as dependable as Apple CarPlay, which is now standard. Unfortunately, Google Android Auto compatibility is not yet possible.

Upgrades include HD Radio, satellite radio, a 120-volt power outlet, additional USB ports, and a premium audio system. Toyota also offers a Blu-Ray disc entertainment system beginning with the XLE trim, which includes dual screens, an app suite, and two 120-volt power outlets.



On the safety front, Toyota “brings it” with its standard suite of bundled equipment. Under the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) umbrella, you’ll find automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

Available options include a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a rear parking assist sonar, and a bird’s eye view camera. Upgrades in headlight technology accompany the top-trim model. In all, Toyota’s standard safety package leads the segment, although its competitors offer similar technologies.

On the Road

There isn’t a minivan on the market with performance credentials, despite what some manufacturers might suggest. Typically, what you have is a vehicle with a V6 engine delivering just under 300 horsepower. That’s a far cry from the original minivan models, for vehicles that are equal in size to today’s three-row midsize crossovers.

Powering the 2019 Sienna is a familiar 3.5-liter V6 gas engine. This one makes 296 horsepower and 263 foot-pounds of torque, best-in-class numbers. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the wheels. Besides carrying a full load of people and their stuff, the Sienna possesses a 3,500-pound tow rating.



It takes a moment to get used to the transmission’s location on the center stack. Activate the ignition, move the shift lever to drive, and the Sienna moves forward with ease. The engine delivers ample energy and, under hard acceleration, its full power becomes evident. The transmission is paired well here too as it moves between gears with ease.

This model’s light steering will please most drivers. The Sienna stays planted and offers a comfortable ride. You’ll have to make allowance for this vehicle’s wide turning radius and top-heavy feel, the latter especially obvious when cornering. No surprises here — the Sienna keeps up with the competition and supplies an alternative to the similar Highlander crossover.

Auto Trends Recommends

We like that Toyota offers an all-wheel-drive Sienna. Choose this option if you live wherever winter conditions weigh in. Otherwise, the front-wheel-drive arrangement should work well for most consumers.

Start your search beyond the base model and all-wheel drive becomes available. Choose the SE with the SE Premium Package and you’ll enjoy many of the amenities that families desire. Priced from $41,280 before discounts, this model may supply everything you want in a family hauler.



2019 Toyota Sienna Specifications


  • Sticker price from $32,375 (includes $1,060 destination charge)
  • Price as tested: $45,223
  • Seats seven or eight
  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6 gas
  • 296 hp @ 6,600 RPM
  • 263 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 RPM
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 119.3 inches
  • Length: 200.6 inches
  • Width: 78.1 inches
  • Height: 68.9 inches
  • Passenger volume: 164.4 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 39.1/87.1/117.8 (150.0 with 2nd row seats removed) cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
  • EPA: 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD)
  • Regular gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 20 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 4,655 to 4,750 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good, except marginal or acceptable small overlap front
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 60 months/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Princeton, Indiana


See Also — Toyota FJ Cruiser: One and Done

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.


Filed Under: New Vehicle Reviews Tagged With: all-wheel drive, Chrysler Pacifica, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, HONDA ODYSSEY, KIA SEDONA, minivan, Toyota, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, TOYOTA SIENNA, V6 engine

Family Efficiency: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

November 28, 2018 by admin

The only plug-in hybrid minivan.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
A riot of fall colors serve as a fitting backdrop for this 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

The once dominate minivan segment continues to shrink as consumers embrace crossovers. In reality, the two segments are closely related as minivans rival three-row midsize SUVs in size.

The difference is, of course, in exterior utility — crossovers offer available all-wheel drive, while all minivans (except for the Toyota) supply front-wheel drive alone.

But minivans win the interior utility award as these models typically have excellent available storage space, especially with the second- and third-row seats folded or removed. Lots of interior storage space, including cubbies, are another reason why families haven’t entirely abandoned the segment.

And Then There Were Five

The minivan segment is down to five players. The Dodge Grand Caravan, based on an older minivan style, remains the segment sales leader, followed by the Chrysler Pacifica. The Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Kia Sedona round out the market. Nissan, Hyundai, Ford, Mazda, and Chevrolet are among the brands that once participated in the market, but no longer do.

Only one of the five is offered as a hybrid and surprising to some it isn’t the Toyota Sienna. Instead, the Chrysler Pacific Hybrid tackles the segment without competition. Further, this model is a plug-in hybrid, which means it can run on electric-only power for about 33 miles before it needs a charge.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Overview

Chrysler offers the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid in Touring Plus ($39,995), Touring L ($41,995), and Limited ($44,995) trims. Add $1,095 for the destination charge. The automaker sent a Limited model to my home for my review.

That test model cost just a few dollars shy of $50,000, which sounds like a lot of money for this vehicle. However, the cost does not take into account a $7,500 federal tax credit, which is available to many taxpayers. There are also state and local incentives and perks, which can further lower your final price.

For example, California residents may qualify for an additional $1,500 credit. Furthermore, your visits to the service station are spread out with judicious charging. Depending on how you use your Chrysler you could reduce your annual fuel costs by at least one half.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Exterior Highlights

Auto Trends has driven several copies of the Chrysler Pacifica since its 2017 debut. The new model replaces the Town & Country and is simply a better looker than the previous model.

And that isn’t easy to do, given how the minivan silhouette is roughly the same among all models. What Chrysler did was inject elegant touches to the front fascia and rear roof pillar and gave the side greenhouse a more pulled in look. Other touches such as handsome wheel designs, LED lights, and carefully placed chrome embellishments score in our book.

The differences between standard and hybrid Pacifica models are mostly subtle. The obvious differences include hybrid badging across the body. You’ll also notice unique wheels, which were designed to maximize fuel efficiency.

Interior Highlights

Entrance to this minivan (as well as with competing models) comes by way of traditional swing-out front doors or through a pair of sliding rear doors, the latter offering second- and third-row seat access. Open all doors and raise the liftgate and you can better grasp any minivan’s interior space and how to adjust it to your needs.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica HybridUnlike the standard Pacifica, the second-row seats do not fold away. Instead, they fold down. The placement of the lithium-ion battery pack underneath the vehicle makes hiding the seats impossible. Happily, the third-row seats do fold into the floor, representing this automaker’s stow ’n go seating layout.

And also unlike the standard model, the Pacifica Hybrid seats seven passengers, not eight. The loss of one seat comes as Chrysler only offers a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row. In any case, the Pacifica Hybrid offers realistic room for seven — families should find ample room for their passengers and all their gear.

One of the specialties of a minivan has everything to do with interior storage compartments. Yes, some crossovers have made significant strides in recent years to supply minivan-like layouts, especially in the number of drink holders, but storage still trails.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica HybridThe Chrysler has a clean and well-organized center stack with a wonderful pull-out drawer at its base. That base “floats” above the floor, therefore you’ll find an open storage compartment on the floor. Further, the expected big storage compartment underneath the front armrest simply triples that abundance — with all three you’ll find ample space to hold a purse, diaper bag, snacks or what have you.

As a driver, you’ll find a minivan with excellent forward sightlines, ease of access and egress, and a comfortable seat. That seat offers eight-way power control with four-way power lumbar support across all trim levels. The front passenger seat also offers eight-way power on the Limited trim or as part of a package on the Touring L.

Premium cloth seats are standard; the middle trim has perforated leather. Top Nappa leather appears on the Limited trim. Both second-row seats slide forward and drop, with ample access to the last row. Available heated and ventilated front seats make this minivan all that more desirable.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Safety & Technology

We don’t have the crash test scores yet for the 2019 Pacifica, but the model achieved a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2018.

Chrysler equips the Pacifica Hybrid with blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic detection. You’ll also find front and rear parking assistance (sensors) and a backup camera.

The top-trim Limited bundles lane departure warning, forward collision warning, parallel parking assistance, and a surround view camera in an Advanced SafetyTec Group package. That package costs just $995 and also includes adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, and automatic high beam headlamp control — we think this cost is a bargain and a package worth taking.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Chrysler offers a UConnect 4 infotainment interface with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. The system is easy to use with its clear, crisp display buttons. This voice-command system includes six speakers, Bluetooth, HD Radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Available upgrades include an Alpine 13-speaker system or a 20-speaker Harman Kardon package. Navigation is standard on the Limited edition, but is optional elsewhere. Overall, we like the standard and available safety and technology features of this model.

On the Road

The last thing anyone wants with a minivan is a sluggish vehicle. Happily, Chrysler found a satisfying place where the Pacifica Hybrid delivers ample power, while maximizing fuel economy.

That power comes by way of a 3.6-liter V6 engine teamed with an electrically controlled automatic transmission. Also at work are a pair of electric motors, what propels this hybrid under electric-only conditions. The two motors allow this model to travel an EPA-estimated 33 miles on electricity alone, although those numbers will vary under a variety of load and atmospheric conditions.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica HybridThe gas engine is the same one used in the standard model. But when teamed with the electric motors and the special transmission, it is ultimately optimized for performance. You’ll notice when you step on the accelerator that the engine eagerly complies. The moment you release the pedal, regenerative braking kicks in, slowly the vehicle. This type of braking also produces electricity, supplying another source for charging the battery.

It’ll take you about 2.5 hours to charge the Pacifica Hybrid when connected to a 240-volt or public charging outlet. When done, simply disconnect, close the door (found ahead of the front wheel on the driver’s side) and take off. Immediately, you’ll notice that the minivan is operating in electric mode as it silently moves forward. Under hard acceleration, the gas engine kicks in, but you can otherwise drive without it until the electricity is depleted.

Under all circumstances, the Pacifica Hybrid supplies a quiet and comfortable ride. There is no performance side to speak of, which means that steering is light, handling is uneventful and braking is firm. You’re not going to slalom with any minivan, but body roll here is tolerable.

Plug-In Hybrid Parting Thoughts

With the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, consumers have two things to consider:

1), whether to purchase a minivan in the first place, and

2), if they should consider the segment’s lone hybrid model.

Some consumers won’t consider a minivan, simply preferring a crossover with available all-wheel drive. Though Chrysler doesn’t have a crossover to offer, the three-row Dodge Durango matches the Chrysler in passenger space and offers superior towing and more engine offerings. Still, a crossover doesn’t have sliding doors and in the case of the Chrysler, the storage options don’t match the minivan.

The extra cost of the hybrid means starting your search paying $13,000 more for a base model. But that difference is deceiving as the hybrid starts with the Touring Plus trim, which is $7,050 more than the similar standard model. Take into consideration the government incentives and your fuel savings, and the Pacifica Hybrid’s value proposition improves steadily year over year.


2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Specifications


  • Base price from $41,090 (including $1,095 destination)
  • Chrysler Pacifica Limited: $46,090
  • Price as tested: $49,575
  • Seats 7 passengers
  • 3.6-liter eHybrid V-6 gasoline engine
  • 260 net system horsepower
  • 3.78 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 12:5-to-1
  • Electrically variable transmission
  • Wheelbase: 121.6 inches
  • Length: 203.8 inches
  • Width: 79.6 inches
  • Height: 69.9 inches
  • Passenger volume: 165.0
  • Storage volume: 32.3/87.5/140.5 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 30 mpg
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 16.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: 4,987 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick (2018)
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Brampton, Ontario CANADA

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid


See Also — Second Look: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica


2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Vehicle Reviews Tagged With: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, CVT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, front-wheel drive, hybrid, minivan, stow 'n go seating, V6 engine

Chrysler: Out With the 300,
In With the Portal?

September 18, 2018 by admin 4 Comments

An end of an era as the Chrysler 300 finishes its final model year.

2015 Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 will soon be no more.

Sixteen years is a long time to build a model, especially one that has seen few changes since its debut. The Chrysler 300 is that model, a traditional full-size sedan and one of only two vehicles sold by the brand.

This week, we learned that the Chrysler 300 will soon be no more. Parent Fiat Chrysler has decided to retire the vehicle, although the similar Dodge Charger sedan and the Dodge Challenger coupe will likely live on. That said, the Dodges may eventually go away as well as FCA transitions chiefly to a maker of crossovers, SUVs, pickup trucks and vans.

Daimler Derived: Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 arrived on the market at the same time as the Dodge Magnum wagon and one year before the Charger’s debut. All four models (including the Challenger) share a common architecture developed by Mercedes-Benz. At that time, the brands were part of DaimlerChrysler, the ill-fated union of German and American automakers.

As for the 300, it was originally presented as a premium model, one designed to take on Buick and provide an affordable alternative to similar-sized models from Audi, BMW and Lexus. Its “gangster” good looks drove its appeal, with an extended wheelbase and multiple all-wheel-drive versions available. Later, the stretched wheelbase model was discontinued and all-wheel drive was restricted to the V6 models alone.

The 300 was also supposed to top a three-car model line. Indeed, that line already includes the 200, a midsize sedan and was supposed to be completed by the 100, a compact model. But plans for the 100 were canceled and production of the 200 was ended early as FCA later announced its full commitment to brands such as Ram and Jeep, with little left for Chrysler and Dodge.

2015 Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger may live on. For now.

Enter the Chrysler Portal

But the Chrysler brand isn’t likely to go away. Instead, as the 300 drives off into the distance, an electric van based on the Portal concept seems likely to arrive in 2020.

The Chrysler Portal Concept is an electric van “designed by millennials for millennials,” according to the company’s website. The concept was introduced in January 2017 at CES (Consumer Electronic Show) and just ahead of the North American International Auto Show (Detroit auto show).

When it comes to futuristic designs, the Portal Concept nails it. This van’s overall design features a boxy look tempered by dramatic curves and unique roof, door and hatchback elements. Indeed, this model has four sliding doors, which aid in access to the interior. Inside, the cabin is airy and expansive with four individual sculptured seats. The long and deeply canted windshield, glass roof and generous storage space are important design distinctions of note.

Chrysler Portal Concept
The Chrysler Portal Concept appears headed to production.

Electric, But Not Yet Autonomous?

Besides its catchy design and electric powertrain, the Chrysler Portal is supposed to be fully autonomous. That said, we’re not certain autonomous drive will be ready when this model debuts. Further, while it may offer full electrification, Chrysler hasn’t ruled out a range extender option, such as what’s offered with the BMW i3.

Please note that our comments here are largely speculative. The automaker hasn’t made an official announcement of the new model or of what it will entail.

As for the concept, Chrysler says that the Portal has a 250-mile electric range on a full charge. Further, the automaker says that by connecting to a DC Fast Charge outlet, the battery pack recharges to a 150-mile range in under 20 minutes. Other concept features include facial recognition technology, track-mounted seating that can fold flat, slide the full length of the vehicle or be removed.

Chrysler’s Van Approach

Although Chrysler hasn’t called the Portal a minivan, it is in every sense of the word just that. Moreover, it is much more of a true minivan than the current models available, including the Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey. All three are essentially medium vans that match the size of today’s full-size crossovers.

Finally, with the 300 gone, we’re entering a new era of automotive manufacturing where vehicles favoring electrification and autonomy gain ascendancy. That said, the consumer is the final arbiter of what the market offers, therefore it will be interesting to gauge how they respond to changes that are reshaping the landscape.


See Also — Concept Jeeps: The Crawl of the Future

Chrysler Portal Concept photo copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES, CHRYSLER 300, Chrysler Portal, CONCEPT VEHICLE, DODGE CHALLENGER, Dodge Charger, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, minivan

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