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Buy this Ford vs Ferrari GT40 Movie CarNew vs Used: Chrysler Pacifica
Does a new Chrysler Pacifica surpass an older one? Where is your money better spent? Find out when we compare a new and used Chrysler Pacifica.
New vs Used: Chrysler Pacifica
chrysler.com | netcarshow.com | Shop Chrysler Pacifica on Carsforsale.com
The Chrysler Pacifica is a name that’s been used by the automaker for several vehicles. There was a 1999 minivan concept. Then, in 2002, another concept, but this time it was a crossover. Between 2004 and 2008, the Pacifica was a Chrysler crossover. Most recently, and currently, the Pacifica nameplate was assigned to a minivan. That’s the vehicle we’re talking about today.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica replaced the Chrysler Town & Country, positioned above the Dodge Grand Caravan at the time. Since it’s still pretty new, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan is still in its first generation of the vehicle, but the 2021 Pacifica did receive a facelift. We’ll stick with the 2017 Pacifica though, available on Carsforsale.com for as low as around $16,000. That’s about half the price of a brand-new base-level 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Touring with an MSRP of $37,095. Our Ranking of the Best Minivans of 2022 did include the 2022 Pacifica, so it’s an impressive van, but how does a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica compare to a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica? Let’s find out!
Specs
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica debuted on a new platform. Every 2017 Pacifica has front-wheel drive (FWD). There’s a version with an internal combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid version. The strictly gas-powered Pacifica has a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Switching to the 2017 Pacifica PHEV gets two electric motors powered by a lithium-ion and 3.6-liter V6. Those electric motors paired with the V6 help make 260 total horsepower. This PHEV has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the PHEV as having an EV-mode range of 33 miles with a charging time of two hours at 240V. 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway is what drivers can expect from a standard 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Towing isn’t recommended with the PHEV version but the gas-powered 2017 Chrysler Pacifica can tow up to 3,600 pounds when equipped properly.
The Pacifica PHEV is still alive and well in the 2022 lineup. A V6 engine is mated to two electric motors in the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV. Total output equals 260 horsepower. This PHEV gets an equivalent of 82 MPGe after factoring in 32 miles of all-electric range. Just like in the 2017 model, a CVT is used in the 2022 Pacifica too. Unfortunately, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV isn’t available in all-wheel drive (AWD).
FWD and AWD are available on gas-powered 2022 Chrysler Pacifica models after AWD was added as a new option in the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. Those gas-powered 2022 models are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is used in every Pacifica. With the same setup as in the 2017 Pacifica, the fuel efficiency is also similar, getting 17 to 19 mpg in the city (depending on the drivetrain) and 25 to 28 mpg on the highway. The same goes for the towing maximum. It’s a 3,600-pound limit for the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica when properly equipped.
Driving and Performance
Most people aren’t buying minivans because they are fun to drive, but the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica proves they don’t have to be a hassle. Steering and handling isn’t an issue in this van, whether it’s on older, narrow city streets or in crowded parking lots. Driving up hills, passing other vehicles, and rolling over bumps are done with ease. The suspension successfully conquers potholes and other roadway obstacles. With minimal body roll, this Pacifica feels more stable for the driver and passengers.
The combination of the V6 engine and nine-speed transmission work well together here. It provides enough power to get up to speed in and around town. The only thing to really take issue with is the 2017 Pacifica’s slight eagerness to upshift and more regular hesitancy to downshift. That being said, it’s still noticeably smoother than the Town & Country or other vans from even a decade ago.
With a lot of the same configurations, the 2022 Pacifica faces some of the same issues the 2017 model does. Primarily, it’s the transmission. Chrysler seems to have fine-tuned the transmission a little bit over the course of the past few model years, but the transmission tends to downshift into lower or higher gears when it isn’t needed. The V6 gets going pretty quickly, accelerating to highway speeds without much trouble. Passing isn’t a problem. Neither are curves. Responsive steering helps when maneuvering in tighter areas. Overall, for a minivan, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica provides a smooth ride over bumps, around turns, or climbing inclines.
Comfort and Interior
The sound of the V6 isn’t obtrusive, and sound dampening materials help limit road noise that’s trying to seep into the cabin. A quieter cabin is already a positive when talking about the interior. Inside is a modern, convenient design that doesn’t leave drivers struggling to reach any controls. There’s no wood trim in the Pacifica, which earns a point in my book.
Up to eight people can fit in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica with a second-row bench, or seven people will fit into the model with second-row captain’s chairs. The seats are comfortable and there’s a respectable amount of legroom in all areas: 41.1 inches up front, 39.0 inches in the second row, and 36.5 inches in the rear. There is 32.3 cu-ft of space for cargo without any seats folded. It increases to 87.5 inches and 140.5 inches as the third and second rows fold down.
The fold-into-the-floor Stow ‘n Go seats may just be the best feature of the cabin, too! Folding a seat down can be done in a matter of seconds with the touch of a button. There’s no need to remove the floor mats either. A power-folding function is available for the third row. Underfloor cubbies can be used to store smaller items when the seats aren’t folded.
Chrysler updated the infotainment system in the 2021 Pacifica, so the 2022 Pacifica now comes with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen in the center console. Hard knobs are used to control the radio and climate throughout the cabin. They’re easy to reach and use. An eight-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar support isn’t a standard feature, but it is available, adding comfort for anyone behind the wheel.
Getting into the 2022 Pacifica and situated is made easy by large door openings and good headroom. Well-cushioned seats will sustain passengers on a longer ride. The 2022 Pacifica has the same measurements as the 2017 model. Legroom up front is most abundant with 41.1 inches for passengers to work with. Second-row legroom measures 39 inches. The third row dips to 36.5 inches. Again, 32.3 cu-ft. is dedicated to cargo space without any seats folded. The Stow ‘N Go feature that folds second and third-row seats flat in a few seconds still impresses as a standout cabin feature.
Trims and Features
There are five trim levels for the 2017 Pacifica: the LX, Touring, Touring-L, Touring-L Plus, and Limited models. The PHEV Pacifica comes in Premium or Platinum trims. A five-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, Bluetooth, and USB ports are standard with every 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Satellite radio, power-sliding rear doors, and automatic headlights are available options in the Touring. The Touring-L adds a power liftgate and driver assists like rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert. Of course, heated and leather seats are also part of the package.
The Touring-L Plus gets an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated second-row seats, but passengers will probably most appreciate an 8.4-inch screen in front and the rear-seat entertainment system that includes two 10-inch screens mounted to the back of the front seats. This system is compatible with DVDS, Blue-Rays, or video games via an HDMI port. A hands-free liftgate, two sunroofs, power-folding mirrors, a navigation system, and driver-seat memory settings all come with the top-tiered Limited trim.
New owners get a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, and Bluetooth regardless of the trim level. More driver assistance features were added as standard features since the 2017 Pacifica, too. A rearview camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring are the majority of them.
The Touring trim adds power-sliding doors, LED headlights and foglamps, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and heated side mirrors. Other notable features are remote start and the eight-way power driver’s seat. Amenities in the Touring L are a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, and illuminated cupholders
The Limited trim includes hands-free power sliding doors, power-folding heated side mirrors, heated second-row Nappa leather seats, a 13-speaker audio system, and built-in navigation. At the top is the Pinnacle trim, which features a 19-speaker audio system, rear-seat entertainment system with 10.1-inch seatback touchscreens, a 360-degree camera system, and a driver assist for parallel and perpendicular parking. This is where you get the entertainment system with 10.1-inch screens mounted to the back of the first-row headrests. The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle has a MSRP of $54,167 and the Pinnacle PHEV has a MSRP of $56,172.
Conclusions
2017 Chrysler Pacifica – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop Chrysler Pacifica on Carsforsale.com
Warranties are a nice safety net to curb any repair costs when things break down, but, honestly, I’d go with a used 2017 Chrysler Pacifica in this case. Buying a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica can basically cut the price in half. There are some 2017 models available for around $17,000 and under 90,000 miles. For those looking at hybrid options, a 2017 Pacifica PHEV can be found for around $30,000. No, there’s not a warranty, but every vehicle listed on Carsforsale.com offers a free Vehicle History Report backed by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
The 2017 Pacifica Touring-L, Touring-L Plus, or Limited models will have the most features from that model year. Minus a couple of additions, like AWD and a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen, the 2017 Pacifica is very comparable to a 2022 Pacifica in terms of infotainment and driver assistance.
Of course, other model years are also available. Those could be a good compromise between newer and used. We highlighted looks, efficiency, and luxury in our 2020 Chrysler Pacifica review. The 2021 Pacifica was included on our list of the Best Minivans of 2021, too. There are even listings for used 2022 Chrysler Pacifica minivans already. Since the Pacifica is still such a new vehicle these used models will still have up-to-date features that drivers enjoy and expect their minivans to have these days.
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