by Julia Droz Serafine
MINIVAN Envy!
Yes, I have to admit it, I have major minivan envy. I will be driving my cute little SUV and pull up next to a minivan and I feel jealous. Currently, I’ve got three kids all up in my ear talking, screaming and singing “Let It Go”, at the same time. I don’t mind the noise, but to be able to have it distributed equally throughout my car would make for a much nicer drive. With a minivan, you literally have the size of a small living room for your kids to spread out. No pulling each other’s hair or accidentally punching one another and I won’t have to hear from my seven year old Sofia about how she needs “personal space.” Minivans are amazing. Don’t be one of those moms that wouldn’t be caught dead driving one. Or one of those parents that are too cool to drive a “soccer” mom mobile. Let’s be honest, who are we trying to kid? I have THREE car seats in my back row. Whether I’m driving an oversized SUV or a minivan, I will never look cool. So buckle up and get over it. Don’t knock it till you try it. Especially, if you haven’t driven the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring.
I was sad to learn that Chrysler discontinued my beloved Town and Country Minivan, but they have replaced it with a more beautiful and better version of it… the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. This vehicle is stunning with its sleek lines and lots of chrome exposed, like any luxury vehicle. The Pacifica is rated one of the top minivans on the market effortlessly exceeding its competitors such as the Sienna, Odyssey and the Sedona when it comes to price.
Let’s get to the most important feature of this car… the already installed, vacuum cleaner. Who does not need this with a car full of children? The ability to keep clean seats and carpets without a trip to the car wash every week? I would never have to look at another goldfish on the floor again! Absolutely brilliant. Another key feature, automatic sliding passenger doors. I don’t see how I’m surviving without this right now. Backpacks, projects, jackets, lunch boxes, workout bag and diaper bag all in hand… oh! And the kids! With a push of a button, doors are open, kids are loaded. Simple and easy. Of course, it boasts keyless ignition and entry, dual-screen rear entertainment which we all know is a life saver, seven passenger seating with an amazing amount of storage space and “stow and go” captain’s chairs. And with the storage available in the first-row floor console, the girls would never know they are actually “sitting” over their Christmas gifts.
The room in the Touring version seems endless. As for the front seats, there is an eight-way power driver seat, a setting that allows me to adjust according to my shoes of the day, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a 5-inch center touchscreen display that even my third row seater can see. Chrysler has definitely added a bit of luxury with these features. Instead of the old shifter in the Town and Country, now you can go from park to drive with a turn of a dial located on the dashboard; it only took me five minutes to get used to it. It has heated seats and steering wheel for the cold days and a sunroof for those beautiful clear days are also an option.
Now the Pacifica looks good, but does it drive well? YES! Since the body is lighter than the Town and Country it makes for a very quiet ride which, the less noise, the better. It drives smooth and there is a ton of pick up… not that I would ever test that with my kids in the car.
Thank Goodness for the amazing safety features in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. This includes traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags (amazing) and a rearview camera. The Pacifica Touring does have the option for rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert which is an awesome feature when kids are getting crazy. And when car seats are involved, there is plenty of room for additional passengers to walk down the center aisle, but there is a tilt feature that allows you to tip the captain’s chair forward without having to remove the car seat! Way to go Chrysler, this saves so much time and energy.
Overall, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring is a gem. So much room for kids and storage! Plenty of “personal space” for several passengers and the added features will make you feel like you are not driving a minivan from yesteryear, but a beautiful, luxury vehicle. Maybe you actually can look cool with three car seats in the back row!
For more on the Chrysler Pacifica visit www.chrysler.com.
• MPG 18 City 28 Highway
• Base Price $37,895
• Vehicle Tested $44,265
• No Migraines when driving the Pacifica $ 215.00
