I had the pleasure of attending the Detroit’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) as a guest of Chrysler about a week and a half ago. Though I’ve been a lover of all things cars since I can remember, this was my first trip to an auto show this large and I was definitely impressed with some of the new vehicles?out there for 2017.
Our tour was focused on the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica which is definitely not your mother’s minivan. The?2017 Chrysler Pacifica offers so many great features along with bells and whistles, and is definitely the kind of minivan that anyone could stand to drive. It’s stylish, comfortable and completely function-able for a family; even one as large as mine.?There are over 100 standard and available safety and security features, some of my favorites being:
- 360-degree Surround View camera
- ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Hold
- Forward Collision Warning-Plus
- LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus
- Blind-spot Monitoring
- ParkView rear backup camera
The level of style that the Pacifica offers, is not found in the minivan market and I that’s definitely one of the biggest turn ons for me. I’ve always loved the functionality of minivans but feel sort of like a “soccer mom” when I’m driving one. With the’sculpted exterior and athletic proportions, along with available 20 inch wheels and pretty rims, I’d feel more like a “cool chick” driving the Pacifica. But bring “pretty” isn’t all that this minivan offers.
Chrysler Pacifica Technology and Convenience Features
These days, people spend a lot of time in their automobiles and I love that the Pacifica offers so much for our families. You’ll enjoy great features including including Keyless Enter ?n Go, remote start, and heated and ventilated seats. The?handsfree sliding doors and liftgate are a’segment-first and are operated by kicking your foot underneath. Talk about convenience when your arms are full of groceries or kids!
I’m all about audio when I’m driving, so the?Uconnect Theater entertainment system is a favorite feature of mine. It features a?7-inch full-color driver information display and 8.4-inch touchscreen so everything is easily accessible right at your fingertips. A?20-speaker Harman Kardon system is available for the ultimate in sound quality!?Children or other backseat passengers will enjoy a?Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system.?The back of each front seat has a?high-definition 10-inch touchscreen?where they can?watch movies, play built-in games and connect personal devices.
I really love that a?Stow ?n Vac integrated vacuum powered by RIDGID is available and allows you to clean each corner of the Pacifica – how convenient! We haul a lot so the?Stow ?n Go seating is a must have and the seats of the Pacifica can be stowed away in less than a minute.
There are?nearly 40 new minivan firsts in the Pacifica and they even offer a hybrid, which is almost unheard of in family class vehicles this size! The Pacifica Hybrid offers?80 miles per gallon equivalent when driving in the city.
Pacifica Play Zone
The Pacifica Play Zone was a big feature at the NAIAS and was a wonderful place where families could not only relax and play, but also learn all about the Pacifica. There were comfortable seats and screens for the kids to play. People could test their?Stow ?n Go speed and interact with?the vacuum capabilities.
In another room, you could check out the?Uconnect Theater entertainment system and in yet another one, get hands on with educational activities from the?Michigan Science Center. Load your family or friends into the seats and hit the moon in a 360 photo opp – and Chrysler will even send you a video!
All of the artwork in the Pacifica Play Zone was created by Antonio “Shades” Agee, a very talented local artist. I’ve always been a fan of “tagging” style art and this guy is pretty good!
Overall, the entire experience was pretty awesome. We’re in the market for a new vehicle and if I can talk my husband int a minivan instead of a truck, we’re definitely going with the Chrysler Pacifica!