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With still more innovation to come – 2017 Chrysler Pacifica named to Wards 10 Best User Experience List

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With still more innovation to come – 2017 Chrysler Pacifica named to Wards 10 Best User Experience List

2017-chrysler-pacifica-cover

The all-new innovative and segment changing 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan – already hauling a small truck load of consumer and media accolades – has now been named by the editors at WardsAutoto their first ever Wards 10 Best User Experience List for 2016.

In making the award, WardsAutoeditors evaluated the overall user experience of 29 vehicles, rating them on user-friendliness, infotainment features, sound systems, vehicle connectivity, driver assistance technology, information/displays, system compatibility and materials.

“The Pacifica treats occupants of all ages, especially the young, like royalty,” said Tom Murphy, Senior Editor of WardsAuto. “This vehicle has six USB ports, it understands and correctly processes simple voice commands and it can park itself, both parallel and perpendicular. Phone pairing is near instantaneous, dials are big and some controls are redundant. In the second row, climate controls are easily in reach, and the two huge display screens are loaded with enough games, media and information to keep a bored child from ever asking once again, ‘Are we there yet?,’ no matter how long the road trip. It’s a family-friendly rolling entertainment center.”

As the original creator of the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA US LLC has transformed the segment with firsts – notching 78 innovations through the first five minivan generations. With the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica, FCA US adds another 37 minivan firsts to its portfolio for an unprecedented total of 115 innovations in the segment.

User Experience Features of Pacifica

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is the most technologically equipped vehicle of its kind, says Chrysler, offering an all-new Uconnect Theater entertainment system with two 10-inch touchscreen displays, a 7-inch full-color driver information display, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, expanded Uconnect 8.4 Access and an array of other features.

A class-exclusive Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system enables passengers to watch movies via the Blu-Ray player or the USB video input, play built-in games, connect personal devices to surf the Internet and stream content throughout the vehicle via the two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens.

The available KeySense programmable key fob places limits on speed and audio volume, mutes the audio when front seatbelts are not buckled, prevents the disabling of certain features like Forward Collision Warning-Plus and ParkSense rear park assist, and allows blocking of SiriusXM Radio channels.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica features the available easy-to-use Uconnect 8.4 system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, 3-D navigation, integrated voice command and Uconnect Access, that keeps drivers and passengers connected including summoning emergency assistance plus a mobile app that can remote start the vehicle and more.

A big friendly experience cabin requires big quality sound, so the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica comes standard with six speakers and Active Noise Cancellation. For bigger sound there are premium audio systems available, either a 13-speaker Alpine system or a 20-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.

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Other experience features of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica including Keyless Enter ‘n Go, remote start, and heated and ventilated seats plus segment-first handsfree sliding doors and Liftgate.

For added convenience, an available Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum, located at the second row, provides easy access to clean all corners of the vehicle. The legendary Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, a hallmark of FCA US minivans for more than 10 years, has been redesigned for added ease of use. An all-new Stow ‘n Go Assist feature further simplifies the process with the press of a button on the B-pillar, front seats moves forward to allow the second-row seat to be stowed into the floor tub. In addition, the Easy Tilt second-row seats allow for easy access to the third row, even with an empty child seat installed in the second row.

Hybrid Powertrain Coming

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The selection to the Wards 10 Best User Experience for 2016 list of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is notable in that the second choice of two powerful, efficient and advanced powertrains that will be available in Pacifica is not in showrooms yet. The Chrysler Pacifica will be the segment’s first hybrid vehicle when it arrives late in 2016 powered by an innovative electrically variable transmission (EVT) designed by FCA US. It will feature two electric motors, which are both capable of driving the vehicle’s wheels.

According to Chrysler, the Pacifica Hybrid will deliver an estimated range of 30 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. In city driving, it is expected to achieve an efficiency rating of 80 MPGe based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

More details on performance and pricing for the Pacifica Hybrid will be available closer to launch. In the meantime there are five well equipped models of the Pentastar V6 powered 2017 Pacifica – priced from $28,595 to $42,495 – to choose from in order to enjoy the user experience.

Be sure to check out Adam’s review of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica »
Check out more News and Reviews on Chrysler vehicles »

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Jim is an automotive and lifestyle journalist living in the Hill Country near Austin. Cars and trucks are an essential part of an active lifestyle that includes travel, entertainment, food, and spirits. To that end, Jim reports on automotive news, reviews new cars and trucks and reports on travel, food, and entertainment for multiple electronic and print publications.

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