2021 brings new front and rear fascia styling to the Pacifica with gloss black and chrome touches. Chrysler continues to build on the athletic design with more linear, aggressive headlights that are standard LEDs and a new full width LED tail lamp treatment. You’ll find hands free sliding slide doors and rear liftgate on higher trim levels. On the range topping Pinnacle, look for standard 20” polished wheels and platinum chrome accents.
The 2021 Pacifica comes with Uconnect 5, the latest iteration of Chrysler’s infotainment system. It delivers the goods on a standard 10.1” central touchscreen that has a processing speed 5 times faster than its predecessor. With Amazon Alexa onboard, passengers can interact as they would at home by requesting things like starting the car, checking the weather and playing music. Apple and Android vehicle mirroring come standard with a wireless connection optional. Audiophiles can also spec a 19 speaker Harmon Kardon audio package with a 10” subwoofer integrated into the rear trim.
While the Pacifica is a comfortable car in base trim, customers will find true luxury touches as they move up the trim ladder culminating with the Pinnacle model. This top-level trim brings quilted Nappa leather in all three rows, a new “Ultra” center console that flows into the dashboard and lumbar comfort pillows for second row passengers. However, even in Touring L spec, buyers can expect heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel. Not exactly tough duty.
Safety is a priority for everyone and especially parents transporting kids in their minivan. To that end, the 2021 Pacifica now has a whopping 97 standard safety features with additional systems available. Newly standard this year include Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Path detection and Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Stop. The optional Safety Sphere Package has a 360-degree exterior camera system, parallel parking assistance and Rear Park Assist with Full Stop. One other safety feature that doesn’t sound as exciting but is HUGELY helpful is the 5(!) LATCH anchors inside the Pacifica; people with car seats rejoice!
The new Pacifica, in Pinnacle trim, is the most luxurious and feature laden minivan on the market. The refreshed exterior is complimented by an interior that could be mistaken for a luxury car. There’s loads of interior room and a laundry list of great features like dual sunroofs and a built-in vacuum. Behind the wheel, drivers will find a quiet and comfortable ride with responsive throttle and steering. On the downsides, the Pinnacle model is pricey and the Stow ‘n Go feature is not available in the second row. Please check out the video above for more of George’s thoughts on the Pacifica. Drivers Only scores the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle 99, please click here to see how it stacks up against the competition: Best Minivans for 2020 & 2021.
VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive, 6- or 7-passenger, 4-door van
BASE PRICE
$35,045-$53,390
ENGINES
24-valve DOHC 3.6-liter, V-6: 287 hp, 262 lb-ft
24-valve DOHC 3.6-liter, V-6: 220 hp, 235 lb-ft + 2 electric motors: 114 and 84 hp, 231 and 92 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
Electrically variable automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 121.6 in
L/W/H: 204.3/79.6/70.7 in
Curb Weight: 4330-4987 lb
PERFORMANCE
0-60 mph: 7.9 sec
¼ mile: 16.1 @ 87 mph
Top Speed: 111 mph
*AWD model
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
City/Highway: 17-19/25-28
