Is The Chrysler Pacifica AWD?

If you are searching for a new minivan, then the Chrysler Pacifica should get a place on the top of your list.  Since its return in 2016, the Pacifica has stood out as one of the most popular in its vehicle category. It has standard second-and third-row seats, which are capable of being stowed away. In addition, Pacifica is currently considered to be one the best minivans you can buy on the market today. While this is great, consumers in snowy regions are left to wonder if the Chrysler Pacifica is all-wheel-drive?

AWD was offered in the 2020 Pacifica Launch Edition, as the demand for AWD minivans is enormous, particularly in the northern United States and Canada. The demand for the all-wheel-drive system was so high that in 2021, Chrysler has reconstructed its Pacifica minivan, which now has an all-wheel-drive in all Pacifica models.

Not only is it nice that the Chrysler Pacifica is now AWD, but it is also available in the hybrid model. This is a huge step for Chrysler as there aren't many minivans on the market, especially electric ones with the option of being all-wheel-drive. With that being said, read on as we discuss the Chrysler Pacifica and its all-wheel-drive capabilities.

Is Pacifica Worth AWD?

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is undoubtedly one of the leading minivans in the market today because it features an AWD system in all models. The new updated version has made the Pacifica more competitive against today's crop of minivans. In addition, minivans are superior in packaging and flexibility, capable of hauling an immense amount of cargo when the second and third row is stowed away.

When you consider this and add the AWD system to the Pacifica, it is an ideal choice for families looking for a vehicle that can do a little bit of everything.

The Pacifica's new design is appealing to consumers who aren't excited about switching to a minivan. The Pacifica is a comfortable family van, and its smooth ride is icing on the cake. In addition, the V-6 engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain; proved to be reasonably fuel-efficient during testing. With that being said, read on as we take a closer look at the Chrysler Pacifica's capability in snow and icy roads.

Is The Chrysler Pacifica Good In The Snow?        

Overall, the Pacifica has shown that it can handle snow and icy roads quite well. Its new all-wheel-drive system distributes power evenly to the front and back of the tires, making impressive traction in icy road conditions. The Pacifica's all-wheel-drive system does great thanks to its traction control, electronic stability control, and ABS. During testing, the Pacifica showed great on icy roads and showed that it could get itself out of deep snow and mud.

This AWD feature of the 2021 Pacifica can detect a loss of traction via its wheel speed sensors. Then it mechanically sends power from the engine to the wheels that need the most grip. As the AWD system senses slippage of any kind, the Pacifica distributes power as needed. This useful feature lets the model get itself out of snowed parking spots and unplowed roads.

If snow and icy roads aren't frequent enough in your area, then the front-wheel-drive trims are suitable. Consumers who only need better traction every so often can add snow tires to their front-wheel-drive Pacifica, which can be enough to get you in and out of deep snow.

However, if consumers find themselves driving in snow frequently, the AWD Pacifica is the best choice, and it doesn't sacrifice fuel efficiency by still getting 28 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.

For years, all-wheel-drive minivans weren't standard, helping the Pacifica stand out in the spotlight. In this regard, the Pacifica is a step ahead of its contenders.

If you still aren't convinced, watch the video below on how the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica performs in the snow:

What's New On The Chrysler Pacifica?

The new Pacifica all-wheel-drive versions have also added new features such as a larger center console called and matching lumbar pillows on the quilted Caramel Nappa leather seats. In addition, the minivan has introduced new LED lights and an automated emergency braking system with pedestrian detection.

If that's not enough, the Pacifica also has blind-spot monitoring, rear parking assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The latest 2021 Chrysler Pacifica with the all-wheel-drive system has a starting MSRP of $35,820.

Does Honda Make An AWD Minivan?

Honda has been known for years for making safe and reliable vehicles. So regardless of any Honda model you choose, you will have peace of mind that your vehicle will last for years to come. However, if you are looking for a Honda minivan with an AWD, you may be disappointed because currently, the 2021 and 2022 Honda Odyssey does not come with AWD.

Check out the list below to find out which late Honda models that come equipped with AWD:

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is also provided with an optional turbocharged 4-cylinder engine along with a capable AWD system. With the AWD setup, the vehicle can get 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg city.

Honda Odyssey

The 2019 Honda Odyssey minivan comes available in an all-wheel-drive system. This is one of the few years that Honda made the Odyssey with this drive-train option.

Honda HR-V

It does have an AWD configuration available. Along with the AWD, the customizable subcompact crossover can get 31 mpg highway and 27 mpg city.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is always a good choice for its AWD SUV features. The vehicle has a 3-row seating arrangement for more passengers. In addition, this midsize all-wheel-drive version can get up to 27 mpg highway.

Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is a compact truck that comes standard with AWD. It has an impressive max towing capability of 5,000 lbs. The compact truck also has a standard V6 engine with a spacious and comfortable cabin.

Does The Dodge Grand Caravan Have AWD?

The 2020 Grand Caravan is another minivan apart of the Chrysler group but unlike its close cousin, the Pacifica, the Grand Caravan does not come equipped with all-wheel drive. Nonetheless, the Pacifica and Caravan are quite similar, but if consumers are looking for a minivan that is great in the snow, then the Pacifica is the better choice. 

Dodge Caravan's all-wheel drive has never been an available option on this minivan. However, the Dodge Grand Caravan has been a popular minivan since its debut in 1984. It offers a wide range of storage along with standard seven-passenger seating.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2020 Grand Caravan gained an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. In addition, the vehicle received five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and overturned evaluations. But unfortunately, it has bagged the lowest rating when it comes to headlights, with consumers complaining that the headlights do poor job lighting up the road.

In Closing

If you are on the hunt for a minivan that has a smooth ride, spacious cabin, impressive fuel mileage, and capabilities in the snow, then the Pacifica is worth a test drive. If you still aren't sure if the Pacifica is the right minivan for you and your family, you can add other AWD minivans to your test-drive list, such as the Toyota Sienna.

You might also like have enjoyed this article thoroughly:

Does The Chrysler Pacifica Have a 3rd Row Seat? [Yes! And Here Is What You Need To Know About It]

Is The Honda Odyssey AWD? [Other Systems Help Keep It Stable]

Honda Odyssey Vs. Kia Sedona Vs. Toyota Sienna

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