Pacifica isn’t a new automotive nameplate. Chrysler first used it on a concept vehicle 1999. The Chrysler SUV/wagon discontinued in 2008 after four years of production was also called the Pacifica.
But the name has returned again with the debut of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan. It’s the replacement for the royal-sounding and now-defunct Town & Country.
Key Takeaways
- Replaces the Town & Country with a genuine Odyssey rival: Chrysler’s revived Pacifica nameplate enters the minivan segment as a credible challenger to the long-dominant Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.
- 287-hp V6 and 9-speed automatic: The 3.6-liter V6 produces 287 horsepower paired with a ZF 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. 0-60 in 7.4 seconds is competitive for the segment.
- Stow ‘n Go seats and power sliding doors: Third-row seats fold flat into the floor. Second-row captain’s chairs tilt forward for easy third-row access. Cargo expands from 32.3 to 140.5 cubic feet with all rows stowed.
- Touring L-Plus comes loaded: 8.4-inch touchscreen, 13-speaker audio, dual 10-inch rear entertainment screens with Blu-ray, ambient lighting, heated second-row seats, plus a built-in vacuum cleaner.
- $37,895 base, $43,445 as-tested: Positioning below the Honda Odyssey Touring and Toyota Sienna XLE trims while matching on content. Hybrid Pacifica with electric range followed later in 2017.
The three-row, seven or eight-passenger minivan joins the niche market dominated for many years by the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. But out and good riddance with the former vehicle Chrysler called a “sports tourer.” And welcome its sibling that resembles no one else in the family.
Once considered stodgy and best reserved as utilitarian people movers for “soccer moms” and family picnics, the minivan segment is vastly improved. Like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, the new Pacifica is a modern, comfortable touring vehicle.
It’s still a people hauler, but like its competitors, the new Chrysler prompts a serious consideration for new buyers.
Why not consider a minivan even if you’re part of a smaller family? When not consider a minivan even if you’re a family of one who seeks multiple rows of flexible, comfortable seats for friends or generous cargo space for solo travel while hauling stuff?
The new Pacifica’s versatility begins with its five trim levels: LX, Touring, Touring-L, Touring-L Plus and Limited. The Pacifica Hybrid, available later in 2017 and on display for the first time last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be sold as Touring and Limited Platinum.
As the third trim on the cost ladder, the Touring-L Plus edition, my test vehicle, includes the extensive of standard features from the lower trims, including one of the minivan’s highlights — power sliding rear doors.
The Touring L-Plus includes: upgraded headlights, an eight-way power passenger seat, an upgraded driver information display, ambient interior lighting and second-and third-row sunshades.
And there are heated second-row seats, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 13-speaker sound system and a second-row rear entertainment system with dual 10-inch touchscreens, a Blu-ray player and additional USB and HDMI inputs.
Further added touches include a built-in vacuum and the Uconnect Theater entertainment system.
The Pacifica’s seat configuration and ease of adjustment are impressive. Passengers heading for the third row of seats can access the back row from the center aisle between the captain’s chair seats in the second row.
The third row is also accessible with room to spare by tilting the second-row seats forward via a lever in Chrysler “Stow ’n Go” feature. The third row of seats also fold into a rear storage area. With the third row of seats up, the Pacifica has 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The area expands to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row down and to 140.5 cubic feet of storage with the second and third row of seats stored.
With its comfort and smooth ride, the Pacifica also advances in near silence, particularly considering it’s a van. In both city and highway trips, the minivan has all the characteristics of its segment. But there’s a surprising luxury trait that enhances the driving experience.
Likes: Comfortable, spacious interior Smooth ride. Good gas mileage for the segment. Touchscreen heating and cooling controls.
Dislikes: No standard spare tire.
What We Like
- 287-hp V6 with 9-speed automatic handles the 4,400-pound minivan briskly
- 140.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with seats stowed
- Power sliding rear doors and available power liftgate
- Rear entertainment system with dual 10-inch touchscreens and Blu-ray
- Built-in vacuum cleaner is a family-friendly differentiator
What We Don’t
- No standard spare tire — inflator kit only
- Touring L-Plus pricing approaches $44,000 as-tested
- 22 mpg combined is average for the segment
- First-year-of-nameplate reliability was still unproven
- Nine-speed automatic occasionally hesitates on light throttle
Facts & Figures: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6-cylinder, 3.6L |
| Horsepower | 287 |
| Transmission | Automatic 9-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city / 28 hwy / 22 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Airbags | 8 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph, 7.4 seconds |
| Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | $37,895 |
| Price As Tested | $43,445 |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2017 Honda Odyssey | |
| 2017 Toyota Sienna | |
| 2017 Kia Sedona | |
| 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| 2017 Nissan Quest |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica have?
The 3.6-liter V6 produces 287 horsepower paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Pacifica?
EPA ratings are 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined on regular gasoline. Plug-in hybrid Pacifica models offer significantly higher efficiency.
How fast is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds — competitive for a three-row minivan.
What trim levels are offered for the 2017 Pacifica?
Five gasoline trims: LX, Touring, Touring-L, Touring-L Plus, and Limited. The Pacifica Hybrid (plug-in) launched later in 2017 in Touring and Limited Platinum trims.
How much cargo space does the 2017 Pacifica have?
32.3 cubic feet with all three rows in use, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows stowed.
What is Stow ‘n Go?
Chrysler’s name for second- and third-row seats that fold flat into the floor. The third row collapses into a rear storage well, and the second-row seats collapse into floor compartments.
How much does the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica cost?
Base MSRP is $37,895. The Touring-L Plus test vehicle reached $43,445 as-equipped.
What are the main rivals to the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
Primary competitors include the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Nissan Quest in the three-row minivan segment.
Article Last Updated: May 1, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.