With the third row in place, the cargo area is very limited. Once the 50/50 split rear bench is folded flat, the volume increases to that of a good-sized SUV. The second row also folds flat and has a clever flip over board from the passenger side seatback that covers the rear centre console. When both rows are tucked away, cargo capacity jumps to 2 250 litres. Although big, the volume is still short compared to the regular Caravan's 4 030 litres.
The Navigation screen, unlike most North American vehicles, is located in
the centre of the gauge cluster, inside the speedometer. The display is very small due to its location and not particularly user friendly. Its controls are a series of small buttons located in the upper left-hand corner of the instrument panel. The positioning of the entire system makes it impossible for the passenger to actually use or modify it. I have found it very useful in the past when my passenger is able to make changes while I am driving. I will admit that the driver does not have to alter his/her line of sight as much when looking at the Pacifica's screen.
Technical
There are two engines offered for the Pacifica. New for this year (although nearly ten years old) is the 3.8L V6 borrowed from the Caravan. It develops 210 hp at 5 200 rpm and 240 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The other, shared with the 300/Magnum/Charger, is a 3.5L V6 that puts out 250 hp at 6 400 rpm and 250 lb/ft of torque at 3 950 rpm. The only available transmission is a 4-speed automatic with a manual mode called Autostick. The 3.8L can only be had with a FWD drivetrain whereas the 3.5L can be mated to either a FWD or an AWD setup. All Pacificas come with a fully independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes. FWD models and the Touring AWD are shod with 17" wheels and large
P265/65R17 tires. Optional on the Touring AWD and standard on the Limited are 19" wheels.
On the road
The 3.5L engine works hard to get the nearly 2 200 kg boat of a Pacifica up to speed. There is no need to ponder on the fact that almost 13 seconds are required for the 100 km/h to be attained. The good thing about the 3.5L straining is that the noise it generates is actually pleasing; quite unlike when it is idling and its injectors are making a racket. As is to be expected, the Pacifica loves gas: 15.5L per 100 km to be exact. Trying to drive this mini-ute like a race car is pointless so this consumption average was achieved through very easy-going driving.
The 4-speed automatic transmission does a fair job of slipping through the gears. A fifth gear would certainly be appreciated if only to reduce fuel consumption and improve acceleration times.
The viscous coupling AWD system was difficult to evaluate, however I was unable to make the front wheels spin on a wet surface. This either means that the engine does not generate sufficient power or that the coupling effect is instantaneous.
Steering is a nice mix of weight and assistance: they complement each other very well whether driving in the city or cruising on the highway. The brake pedal is firm however stopping distances are very long.
The ride is very soft and smooth yet controlled. The large dips in our wonderful roads will cause a floating sensation, however unlike many recently tested cars with yielding suspensions, the Pacifica does not fall to pieces when rolling over small ruts. The front and rear ends remain very composed and comfortable. The fact that many of the suspension components are derived or borrowed from Mercedes really shines through. The huge 19" wheels have their role in this as they swallow whole just about any crack or bump on the pavement.
The Navigation screen, unlike most North American vehicles, is located in
 |
Technical
There are two engines offered for the Pacifica. New for this year (although nearly ten years old) is the 3.8L V6 borrowed from the Caravan. It develops 210 hp at 5 200 rpm and 240 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The other, shared with the 300/Magnum/Charger, is a 3.5L V6 that puts out 250 hp at 6 400 rpm and 250 lb/ft of torque at 3 950 rpm. The only available transmission is a 4-speed automatic with a manual mode called Autostick. The 3.8L can only be had with a FWD drivetrain whereas the 3.5L can be mated to either a FWD or an AWD setup. All Pacificas come with a fully independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes. FWD models and the Touring AWD are shod with 17" wheels and large
 |
On the road
The 3.5L engine works hard to get the nearly 2 200 kg boat of a Pacifica up to speed. There is no need to ponder on the fact that almost 13 seconds are required for the 100 km/h to be attained. The good thing about the 3.5L straining is that the noise it generates is actually pleasing; quite unlike when it is idling and its injectors are making a racket. As is to be expected, the Pacifica loves gas: 15.5L per 100 km to be exact. Trying to drive this mini-ute like a race car is pointless so this consumption average was achieved through very easy-going driving.
The 4-speed automatic transmission does a fair job of slipping through the gears. A fifth gear would certainly be appreciated if only to reduce fuel consumption and improve acceleration times.
The viscous coupling AWD system was difficult to evaluate, however I was unable to make the front wheels spin on a wet surface. This either means that the engine does not generate sufficient power or that the coupling effect is instantaneous.
Steering is a nice mix of weight and assistance: they complement each other very well whether driving in the city or cruising on the highway. The brake pedal is firm however stopping distances are very long.
 |
The ride is very soft and smooth yet controlled. The large dips in our wonderful roads will cause a floating sensation, however unlike many recently tested cars with yielding suspensions, the Pacifica does not fall to pieces when rolling over small ruts. The front and rear ends remain very composed and comfortable. The fact that many of the suspension components are derived or borrowed from Mercedes really shines through. The huge 19" wheels have their role in this as they swallow whole just about any crack or bump on the pavement.