Photo by Mark Kennedy / The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited has a high tech interior.
Something about the Chrysler Pacific minivan is endlessly fascinating to our 12-year-old son.
Soon after the Granite Crystal Pacifica tester hit our driveway at home, our son was in the back seat checking out the standard vacuum-cleaner system - a feature first popularized by Honda in its Odyssey minivan.
Meanwhile, our 17-year-old son noticed that the Pacifica, with its dark 20-inch wheels, had more than a hint of menace.
"Is this some kind of sports car minivan?" he asked.
Well no, but Chrysler has done its best to design this Pacifica so it doesn't look like your average mom-mobile. Suburban moms like the utility of minivans but fear the stereotype.
Photo by Mark Kennedy / The second row features comfy captains chairs.Our tester, provided for a one-week test drive on Chattanooga streets by Chrysler, has macho styling cues that play against stereotype. Too, its punchy 3.6-liter, V-6 engine proves you don't have to give up performance to drive a vehicle large enough to get six kids to soccer practice.
WHAT IS IT?
A seven-passenger minivan perfect for large families, or those that car-pool a lot. Since Chrysler virtually invented the minivan in the 1980s, the Pacifica is a worthy heir to that automotive lineage.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited* Exterior color: Granite Crystal Metallic* Interior color: Black* Engine: 3.6-liter, V-6* Horsepower: 287* Transmission: nine-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 28 mpg highway, 19 mpg city* Local Dealer: Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat* Price (as tested): $51,590
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Our Pacifica Limited tester has an MSRP of $51,590, which includes more than $5,000 in options. Locally, Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat had 15 Pacificas in digital inventory late this week, ranging in advertised price from $28,245 to $44,389.
WHAT WE LIKED
Command seating and excellent visibility enhance the driving experience. Nice design flourishes, such as the 20-inch "Black Noise" wheels and blue-tinted interior gauges, add personality. We also liked the firm seats, punchy V-6 engine, roomy third-row seats, comfy second-row captain's chairs and huge sunroof.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The front seat (interior) arm rests are hard on the elbows, a rotary shifter takes getting used to, and the black interior can be hot in the summer (although ventilated seats are standard on our Limited-trim tester).
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Having previously driven the excellent Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, it was nice to note that the V-6 gas model gets 28 mpg highway, not hybrid numbers exactly, but also not bad when considering the size of this vehicle. The V-6 makes 287 horsepower and packs plenty of power.
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WORTHWHILE OPTION
I usually suggest passing on fancy video systems on cars since most kids have their own personal screens. But if you have the money, Chrysler's "Uconnect Theater" with wireless streaming is a wonder. The system features "games and apps on the largest dual touchscreens in its class," the manufacturer says.
BOTTOM LINE
The Pacifica limited is a near-perfect family vehicle. It has more interior space than most SUVs and provides more comfort and technology than a typical family hauler. In higher trims it gets a bit pricey, but in the end you get what you pay for.
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Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.
Photo by Mark Kennedy / The Pacifica provides seating for seven.