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Dark gray 2021 Chrysler Pacifica with AWD drifting through the snow

Bring on the Snow! The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has a New Look and All-Wheel Drive

A refreshed Chrysler Pacifica showed off its new facelift at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Along with the new look, the 2021 Pacifica is touting a plethora of new features including a next-generation Uconnect infotainment system, a more-premium trim level, and an option for all-wheel drive. This new rendition of Chrysler’s minivan should make it …

A refreshed Chrysler Pacifica showed off its new facelift at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Along with the new look, the 2021 Pacifica is touting a plethora of new features including a next-generation Uconnect infotainment system, a more-premium trim level, and an option for all-wheel drive. This new rendition of Chrysler’s minivan should make it a worthy competitor against aging stalwarts in the dwindling minivan segment.

What’s New for 2021?

The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica will have four trim levels: Touring, Touring L, Limited, and the new Pinnacle trim. At the Pinnacle level, the Pacifica will feel like “a modern living room on wheels,” according to Chrysler, complete with luxurious features like quilted Caramel Nappa leather seats in all three rows with lumbar pillows for the second-row captain’s seats.

The new top-of-the-line 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle model features a new integrated Ultra console that seamlessly blends into the instrument panel. – Chrysler

The Pinnacle also includes an “Ultra Console,” an integrated center console that flows smoothly into the instrument panel; a feature that Chrysler notes as the “most functional center console in its class.” That’s a pretty bold statement.

The new Uconnect 5 system is now included as standard equipment and features a larger 10.1-inch screen, faster processing speed thanks to an updated Android system, and a full suite of Amazon Alexa features. Occupants can now ask Alexa to play music, start the car, or even lock/unlock the doors.

And if the driver needs to keep an eye on those occupants, the new FamCam in-cabin camera will allow them to view each occupant from the touchscreen and even get a closer look with the “zoom-to-seat” feature. Other small updates include integrated USB Type C ports for faster charging, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a 10-inch rear quarter trim subwoofer for enhanced sound.

The new 2021 Chrysler Pacifica now offers an available all-wheel-drive system.

How About that All-Wheel-Drive System?

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica will have what Chrysler calls, “the most advanced AWD system in its class.” What that means is the all-wheel-drive system will automatically send all available power to the wheels that have traction and even decouple the rear wheels when they’re not needed. This makes for a drivetrain that efficient when you need more traction on slippery surfaces, but is also efficient when driving on dry pavement and power to all four wheels is not necessary.

What About the New Look?

On the outside, the 2021 Pacifica has a new front fascia including a wider front grille, new headlights, fog lights, and a new tail light that stretches across the back of the vehicle. These new features, along with more aggressive wheel choices, will stand to give the minivan a more aggressive look.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle

When is it Coming Out?

Chrysler announced that dealers should be taking orders on the 2021 Pacifica in the third quarter of this year, with actual models arriving sometime in the fourth quarter. Pricing for the refreshed Pacifica is expected to start around $35,000.

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