Used 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Launch Edition for sale 

Pacifica’s submodel lineup used to be huge. It offered customers a plethora of trims to choose from but with the arrival of the new decade Chrysler decided to skim their lineup. A lot of it resulted from the low sales of its L and LX models. As of now, there are four major trims to choose from; Touring, Touring L, Touring L Plus and Touring Limited. Additionally, for the year 2020, there are two exclusive editions available too. One is the RED S version while the other is the 35th Anniversary Edition offered only on the Touring L, L Plus and Limited models. 

Now, even in its least fancy form, the minivan is loaded with features to attract. Still, climbing up the trim levels opens up luxuries including a larger touchscreen, heated and ventilated seats, dual-screen rear entertainment and more premium leather upholstery. The aforementioned exclusive variants get several trim-specific badgings that clearly set them apart. Rest assured, however, that even with base Touring model, starting at $33,745, you will not end up feeling lacklustre. In case your pockets run a little deeper than that, opting for the 35th Anniversary Edition, beginning at about $39,000 for the Touring L variant, should do the trick.

Which trim to go for?

Many buyers will be tempted to buy the base model as they would be getting mostly everything they are looking for. But, if you have a deeper pocket and want to take your big family out for their weekend trip in style, you can opt for the Touring Limited trim with the 35th Anniversary Edition package. This will most defnitely cover up all your preferences and personal needs you expect from a minivan.

Even after 3 years there had been no change in the design spectrum of this minivan. So was the case with its powertrain too. To our disappointment, the same story continues into 2020 with the 4th model year.  Under the hood, the Pacifica stores a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 24V VVT engine cranks 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Also, there is no other engine option available.

Do not let that doubt you this minivan's capabilities. The power delivery is smooth and punch is plenty for purpose. Initial acceleration is on-point without any reluctance. The 9-speed 948TE automatic transmission, however, can feel clumsy at times but that becomes more and more understandable as you begin to live with it. There is no major disturbance in changing gears and you can cruise through the freeway without any interruptions.

*2019 model year data for reference

The minivan segment is the land of cut-throat competition. On paper, each brand's offering has been priced similarly and they deliver identical power figures too. Just for the sake of speaking things out though, the Pacifica is the most downright the most powerful minivan in the segment followed closely by the Ford Flex.

What kind of Performance should you expect from the Pacifica?

Well first of all, let us bless the ones planning to take their new minivan for a spin to get their adrenaline pumping. Now, the engine is punchy, what else do you expect from a V6. Only, you need to be a little heavy-footed to drill out that performance. Initial acceleration feels smooth but it is when you jab the pedal with all your might that the Pacifica starts to shine.

This boxy van's 60 mph run is fair for a minivan. As far as the quarter-mile race is concerned, together the 9-speed automatic and 3.6-liter V6 do an impressive job of keeping it in the bulk of the powerband, maintaining constant acceleration. That allows this minivan to finish the quarter-mile race with enough pride.

*2019 model year data for reference

Pacifica’s performance is definitely fair if not the best. The Honda Odyssey is known as the epitome of minivans for a reason. Its 6.6-second acceleration to the 60 mph mark says why. Then comes the Ford Flex with its competitive 7.0-second acceleration. Kia Sedona is the potential lagger in the lot if you talk about acceleration.

How good is the Handling characteristics of the Pacifica?

Surprisingly enough, this minivan is pretty decent and quite maneuverable. The steering is light and has a centred feel to it. Yes, road communication could have been better but the response to the steering inputs conveys confidence on tricky roads. Then if we jump to body roll, yes there is some. The boxy shape sparks body lean on high speeds but it is quite well controlled. It is the transmission where you need to improvise. 

The 9-speed automatic unit's downshifts are delayed and you will often find it struggling for the right gear in traffic. Thankfully, the Pacifica has a comfortable cabin to keep you relaxed at all times. That extra space does play a major role in the overall size of the vehicle. However, these dimensions don't take a toll on the performance. The Pacifica is no corner carver but it won't disappoint the enthusiast inside of you.

Does the overall size of the Pacifica affect its Braking?

Minivans are known for their utilitarian nature and better reliability, and this minivan is no different. One important factor which contributes most to Pacifica’s reliability when driving is its braking. The pedal is easy to modulate and has a relatively short travel distance for such a big car. Even the response from the brakes is immediate.

The front and rear wheels all get similarly sized brakes. They do a commendable job of bringing it to a stress-free stop, which is better than some of the sedans on sale in the market, and even some entry-level sports cars. Sure the long wheelbase and overall heft come into play but they are very well countered. 

*2019 model year data for reference

Comparing with other vans, that Chrysler is lightest. That expalins the reason for its performance in the panic-stop test. It is one van, however, the Kia Sedona, which boasts competitive braking while still carrying more weight. No other minivan can claim such praises.

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What safety features does the Honda Odyssey get?

If minivans were to trade utility for efficiency, this segment would not have survived. It is that efficiency, however, which brings soccer moms or any family person to Chrysler’s showroom. The V6 under the hood of the Pacifica is extremely efficient and better than some of the prime players in the segment. In the city, you can expect enough economy to roam around aimlessly. That only stretches out on the highway. The overall or combined mileage is pretty long lasting for a minivan. 

*2019 model year data for reference

Chrysler’s fuel economy numbers are visibly superior for the class. It is only its average-sized fuel tank that is a bit of a disappointment, but not big enough to affect much. When you have vans like Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Odyssey, the competition usually hits a dead-end with no winner. On the flip side, it is easy to know who finishes last, or should we say first? The Ford Flex is left dry with its combined mpg of 19 miles, making it the least efficient of the lot.

You can use the Pacifica for daily commuting or for camping during the weekends, such is the limit to its interior versatility. The seats can be configured in about as many as 243 different ways. They feature a stow-n-Go system which allows them to fold into the floor. otherwise, they can home seven to eight people at a time, depending on the choice of second-row seating option you pick. Now, the Pacifica Hybrid gets seating for seven as standard.

For the gas-only model, though, you can either go for a regular bench or the captain’s chairs. The seats do sit high above the ground but feel higher due to the low floor. Access to the second row is through a sliding door that opens nice and wide. The third-row access is easy too and can comfortably accommodate three pre-teens or teens. 

*2019 model year data for reference

With large windows and thin pillars, visibility is a strong point on the Pacifica. The quality of the interior is nice with lots of soft touches but the same cannot be said for the material used on the steering wheel. Other features like the Conversation mirror gives parents full access to what their children are doing at the back. So overall, this minivan is great on the inside.

This brings us to the RED S and 35th Anniversary edition trims. They transform this already well put together interior into something extremely exclusive. There's credo-specific badging, Nappa leather upholstery, which is striking red in the RED S package, and other stand-alone amenities. However, the Odyssey and Sedona have slightly more second row space.

How good is the Infotainment system on the Pacifica?

Like all modern-day Chryslers, it comes loaded with a modern infotainment setup. The touchscreen system is much refined than previous versions and visibility during the day is decent as well.

There are a ton of standard features and plenty of connectivity options. Here goes a list of few of the most interesting features aboard the 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system:

• UConnect 4, Navigation
• Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity
• USB, Aux ports with 4G LTE hotspot
• SiriusXM and HD radio connectivity
• 506W, 13 Speaker Alpine music system
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls

What features to expect on the inside of the Pacifica?

The Pacifica has been a massive sales success for Chrysler, owing to a number of reasons. One of the reasons being the massive number of creature comfort features on offer. Here is a list of some of the most notable ones.

• 8 Passenger Seating
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Power folding third-row bench
• Nappa leather embossed seats
• Dual screen rear entertainment 
• Integrated hand vacuum
• 2 Additional Key Fobs (Fleet)
• 10-inch HD touchscreens

How good is Pacifica's Cargo capacity?

The Pacifica is a big utilitarian when it comes to cargo space. Even with all its seats up, it offers enough stowage. A great feature about it is the Stow-n-Go which allows you to fold the second and third-row seats into the floor to completely open up the entire cargo bay. It is the only minivan, mind you, which can do that.

Clearly, this one knows what the people looking for a minivan want out of one, and it delivers. It has best overall cargo space behind first row seats of all full-size SUVs, which makes it easy to understand why it is so popular among families.

*2019 model year data for reference

The Honda Odyssey is the best in the lot and has the biggest cargo. Other vans like the Caravan and the and Kia Sedona are similar-sized to that of the Pacifica. Again, the Ford Flex finishes last.

Although the majority of minivans look the same, the all-American Pacifica Minivan adds a little flair to its design. It is easily the most full-figured van modeled over a boxy structure, and that is a strong design statement. Up ahead, the Chrysler’s logo and honeycomb grille look better than ever and feel like they was built exclusively for this van.

Despite the big dimensions it looks smaller. The Pacifica’s soft exterior and curvaceous metal sheet makes it stand out amongst other minivans. For enhanced presence, the RED S features one-of-a-kind 20-inch, black-nose wheels. As for the 35th Anniversary Edition, it wraps the exterior in trim-specific badges. But whatever your choice is, this minivan surely stands out.

*2019 model year data for reference

Size-wise the Pacifica is quite large. It is the largest in the segment, in fact. Despite that, it is the lightest of the lot. This is where the Ford Flex eventually shines. It is the bulkiest but has the shortest wheelbase.

What are the Exterior highlights of the 2020 Pacifica?

Like the interiors, the Pacifica comes with a plethora of features on the outside too. The most notable highlights that make this minivan appear less boxy include the following features:

• MOPAR Protective Clear Film
• Inflatable Spare Tire Kit W/Sealant
• MOPAR Running Boards/Splash Guards
• MOPAR Splash Guards - Vehicle Set
• Tri-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• 20 ``x 7.5" Aluminum Black Noise Wheels

Almost all safety features on the 2020 Pacifica come as standard, except for the forward automatic emergency braking - an important safety feature that is standard on most of its rivals. That, however, does not make it any less safer. The NHTSA has given it an overall safety rating of 4 stars, while at the same time being categorized as the IIHS Top Safety Pick. The standard safety features include: 

• Blind-spot monitoring 
• Rear parking sensors
• Cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Automatic high beams 
• Semi-autonomous parking 
• 360-degree camera system

Chrysler Pacifica vs. Dodge Grand Caravan 

Dodge Caravan is exactly what the idea of an ideal van looks like. It has space for seven, similar to the Pacifica, and there is enough power to counter the city’s traffic and hit the country road on the weekend. Though it’s a decent van and does everything the Pacifica can, as a buyer you cannot resist the Pacifica’s charm. In terms of fuel economy, the Chrysler's V6 is more efficient. It has better utility too. Considering there is not much difference in the price, the Pacifica is a clearly better choice.

Chrysler Pacifica vs. Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is the Chuck Norris of the minivans. It’s the segment leader even though it boasts a higher price. Be it performance, practicality or utility, that Honda is hard to beat. In comparison to the Pacifica, the Odyssey is more nimble and child-friendly too. However, one thing which only the Chrysler gets are the Stow ‘n Go seats. The Pacifica brings something unique with its design and makes a tough case. 

Chrysler has well-kept the tradition of continuing to raise the bar by integrating best-in-class features in their cars. Even though there has been a refrsh of its lineup, the Pacifica is still offered at a cheaper price tag than its rivals. Launched later in 2019, for the 2020 model year, marks the 35 years of the successful service Chrysler has provided with its minivan. There is no questioning as to what makes the 2020 Pacifica the go-to choice of families.