Solid Case for Owning A Minivan
When Clean Fleet Report first reviewed the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, in its inaugural year, we called it “the best seven-passenger choice.†Thankfully, this remains the same for the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. It continues to be the best choice for families seeking a vehicle that can seat seven adults (not little kids), even in the third-row seat.
Power and Efficiency
The front-wheel drive Pacifica has a powertrain consisting of a gasoline-powered 3.6-liter V6 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Using 87 octane fuel, the 287 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque earned an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy rating of 19 city/28 highway/22 combined. In 305 miles of driving throughout Southern California, we averaged 26.8 miles per gallon (mpg). But in a 145-mile, all-freeway trip with the adaptive cruise control set to 65 miles per hour, we achieved 31.4 mpg. It was pleasing to surpass 30+ mph, as this means families on long road trips can budget for less money spent on fuel.
Driving Experience: On the Road
Clean Fleet Report drove the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited S, with a curb weight of 4,330 pounds. The ride was smooth and solid, with wind gusts or passing big rigs not having any effect on stability. The agile and nimble handling resulted in flat cornering. Any body roll was minor, and when there was any, it was when pushing too hard on the tightest corners. Interior noise levels were very low, thanks in part to the standard active noise control.
The all-season 245/50 Falken Ziex tires, mounted on 20-inch aluminum wheels, provided good grip. The four-wheel anti-lock brakes, aided by brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control, provided even and controlled stops. The overall drivability, and behind-the-wheel time in the Pacifica, was a pleasant experience.
Sleek and Stylish
The Pacifica Limited S is a new trim level for 2019. The S appearance package includes gloss black accents throughout the exterior, including black grille surrounds, mirrors and eyebrow accents on the headlamps. There are gloss black Chrysler wing badges on the front and rear with “Pacifica†and “S†rear badges. The 20-inch wheels, finished in “Black Noise,†were a sharp-looking $995 option.
The Pacifica’s wide and low stance (5.1-inches of ground clearance) cuts a silhouette that makes people say it doesn’t look like a minivan. The smooth exterior design, with a very low 0.30 drag coefficient (Cd), begins with LED headlights that extend wide on the fenders. Fog lamps are set low in the fascia and were nearly invisible on our beautiful Ocean Blue Metallic Pacifica.
The roof has black rack rails, a body color-keyed shark fin antenna, a tri-pane panoramic sunroof and a built-in spoiler over the rear hatch, leading to the LED taillights. The low lift-over means loading items as large as a 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood into the interior bed is an easy task.
Interior: Seating Versatility Is the Key
Clean Fleet Report drove the Pacifica Limited S with the optional packages of Customer Preferred, UConnect Theater and the Advanced Safety Tech Group. The cockpit layout is simple and clean with soft touch materials on the dash and door panels. The easy to find and reach cruise, telephone and audio controls are housed on the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. The heated and ventilated Nappa leather front seats are adorned with an embroidered “S†to indicate the trim level. The front seats are eight-way power adjustable with memory.
The radio had on/off knobs for volume and channel selecting, and the climate control wheel was a different size than those of the radio—I approve! The simplicity of the dash layout made for easy reading of the gauges and the full-color driver information display.
Nice touches on the dash, which open up cockpit space and reduce clutter, are the gear selector (a large wheel) and the electronic parking brake (piano switch), located side-by-side and next to the radio knobs. The well-thought-out dash is elegant in its design, as is the complete interior.
The UConnect Theater Package included an 8.4-inch touch screen for 3-D GPS navigation and the rear view camera display. A great sounding Alpine audio system, with a 760-watt amplifier and 20 Harmon Kardon amplified speakers, controls the AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM (one-year subscription included). There is a Blu-ray/DVD player with an USB video port. You also get Siri Eyes Free, Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity, Aux-in jacks, multiple USB ports, a 115-volt power outlet and Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free telephone. The 4G LTE Wi-Fi is a must for keeping those second-row passengers occupied (and quiet) on long family road trips.
Second row (two-seat configuration) passengers get individual, high-definition multimedia interface, 10-inch HD seat back video screens with HDMI ports. The three-channel, wireless headphones and Bluetooth touchpad remote controls make for an uncluttered entertainment experience. The third-row passengers get a USB charge port and cup holders. And those third-row seats quickly and easily flip forward and down, hiding under the floor. When down, the storage space is impressive and very usable. Lay down all the seats and the Pacifica can compete with some pickup trucks for storage capacity. The seating configuration versatility is among the best you will find.
The list of convenience features on the Pacifica Limited S is what would be expected. You get power everything, including twin sliding doors, rear lift gate and exterior mirrors. The power panoramic sunroof opens the skies through-out the cabin, while the second-row passengers get heated seats and side window sunshades.
Safety Features
Clean Fleet Report’s 2019 Pacifica Limited S came with a good combination of safety features, including 12 air bags, remote keyless entry, push button and remote start, hill start assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, rear parking assist with auto stop, anti-theft engine immobilizer, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The optional Advanced Safety Tech Group package included rain-sensing windshield wipers, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and the very helpful surround view camera system. This system provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view on the 8.4-inch screen, as if looking down at your car’s positioning. This is extremely useful when parking.
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning its highest 5 Star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded its highest rating of a Top Safety Pick.
Pricing and Warranties
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, with the 3.6-liter engine, comes in six models ranging in base price of $26,985 to $44,445. Clean Fleet Report’s Pacifica Limited S, with optional equipment, had a MSRP of $50,095. All prices do not include the $1,495 destination charge.
The 2019 Pacifica comes with these transferable warranties.
- Bumper-to-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles
Observations: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited S
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, in all of its different trim levels, is in many ways preferable over a SUV. It’s a shame anyone ever says: “I will never drive a minivan.†If you are in the market for a versatile vehicle that has massive storage capacity and can comfortably seat seven, then go test drive a Pacifica. And if you want to use even less fuel, make sure to check-out the Pacifica Hybrid, which Clean Fleet Report really, really likes.
Whether you are running in-town errands, hauling your kids and your friend’s kid’s everywhere and anywhere or taking the family road trip, the 2019 Pacifica Limited S will get you there in comfort and style.
Visit your local Chrysler dealer and then ask yourself why you would ever say: “I will never drive a minivan.â€
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!
Related Stories You Might Enjoy—The Minivan Landscape
Road Test: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Road Test: 2018 Toyota Sienna
Road Test: 2014 Honda Odyssey
Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
3 thoughts on “Road Test: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited S”