NAIAS - Automotive experts select the Chrysler Pacifica as the 2017 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.

• Panel of esteemed automotive experts select the Chrysler Pacifica as the 2017 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
• 2017 marks only the second time a minivan has won the award, with FCA US minivans also receiving the honor in 1996
• The all-new Chrysler Pacifica, the most awarded minivan of 2016, reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling

The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has been named the 2017 North American Utility of the Year by a panel of automotive experts. The award is unique and considered by many to be one of the world’s most prestigious based on its diverse mix of automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada who serve as the voting jurors.

The winners were announced at a news conference today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“When we first introduced the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica just one year ago, we believed that we had created the perfect formula for today’s busy families,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA - North America. 

"But it’s the recognition from our customers and respected opinion leaders like the NACTOY jury that helps to reinforce Pacifica’s status in the marketplace as the no-compromises minivan, and highlights what a great job the entire team has done in developing, building and selling the all-new Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid.”

This is the 24th year of the awards. FCA US LLC minivans won North American Car of the Year honors in 1996 – the only other time any minivan has won an award from the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) jury.

As the original creator of the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA US has transformed the segment with firsts – notching 78 innovations through the first five minivan generations. With the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, FCA US adds 37 minivan firsts to its portfolio for an unprecedented total of 115 innovations in the segment, including the industry’s first minivan available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the all-new Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today's families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of 2016.

The Pacifica Hybrid takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further with its class-exclusive, innovative advanced and class-exclusive hybrid powertrain. It’s the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Uconnect Access App Provides Remote Access to Pacifica Hybrid’s Charge Status.

Uconnect Access App Provides Remote Access to Pacifica Hybrid’s Charge Status and Charging Schedule

• Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers a wide variety of high-tech features to make it easy for owners to take full advantage of the vehicle’s innovative, efficient hybrid powertrain system
• Hybrid Electric Pages deliver helpful information and access to charge schedules via the Uconnect 8.4 system’s 8.4-inch touchscreen
• Pacifica Hybrid’s Uconnect Access smartphone app gives customers remote access to the vehicle’s state of charge, charge status updates, the ability to schedule charging and charging station locations
• Customizable 7-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display with unique Pacifica Hybrid screens provides important information, including an “efficiency coach” to promote efficient driving

The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – the industry’s first electrified minivan – is rated to deliver a range of 33 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery and earned a fuel economy rating of 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. 

But Pacifica Hybrid’s technological capability goes well beyond the powertrain.

“To make sure owners and their families get the most out of the innovative, efficient hybrid powertrain, the all-new Pacifica is loaded with high-tech features that make it easy to connect, charge and maximize the efficiency of their minivan, even remotely from their smartphones,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America. 

“Whether it’s scheduling the Pacifica Hybrid’s charge times, locating nearby charging stations, remotely checking the vehicle’s charge status or maximizing efficiency while driving, the Pacifica Hybrid’s advanced technologies let owners easily connect with the vehicle whenever and wherever best suits their schedule.”

Hybrid Electric Pages

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes standard with the Uconnect 8.4 system, which includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen, available Uconnect Navigation and Uconnect Access connected services. 

In addition, the Pacifica Hybrid includes as standard equipment on all models the all-new Hybrid Electric Pages, providing owners with helpful vehicle information. The Hybrid Electric Pages include:

• Power Flow: Provides a dynamic illustration showing how/where power is flowing within the vehicle, from battery to the engine, the wheels or the HVAC system, or from regenerative braking back to the battery
• Driving History: Displays a chart showing distance driven in electric mode and hybrid mode, graphed by day
• Charge Scheduling: Allows owners to schedule the Pacifica Hybrid’s charging times (making the most of off-peak charging rates) and provides an option to override set times to charge immediately 

Uconnect Access App

The Uconnect Access app for the Pacifica Hybrid delivers remote access to the vehicle’s sophisticated technology, enabling customers to get the most from their ownership experience and making life simpler along the way. 

With the click of the app on their smartphone, owners can check the state of charge of their vehicle’s battery, along with vehicle range and estimated time to full recharge. They can also get charge status updates, see if their Pacifica Hybrid is plugged in and also schedule when they want it to charge. 

The Uconnect Access app can display the locations of charging stations and their availability, in real time. 

As with the Uconnect Access app for other FCA US LLC vehicles, the smartphone app for the Pacifica Hybrid also allows customers to remotely lock and unlock the vehicle, remotely start the vehicle, send destinations to the Uconnect navigation with Send ‘n Go and more.

The Uconnect Access App is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Hybrid-specific cluster display

The Pacifica Hybrid’s 7-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster is unique to the hybrid model, delivering important information at a glance for the driver. 

The customizable cluster’s display changes color to indicate whether the Pacifica is operating in electric mode (teal) or hybrid mode (blue), while both the battery level and fuel level are always displayed. 

The Pacifica Hybrid’s total range (combining both battery and fuel) is also displayed.

One of the available displays is an “efficiency coach,” which guides owners to drive more efficiently and maximize the time spent in battery mode. 

The efficiency coach directs the driver on how to modulate the throttle in order to optimize energy consumption while accelerating, and provides guidance on braking in order to take full advantage of the regenerative braking that charges the battery.

USA - The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica take a Top Pick+ safety rating in the latest round of announcements.

• All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica named IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2017; only minivan so-designated
• Second TSP+ rating for Chrysler Pacifica; complements five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA
• All-new Pacifica achieves “good” rating – the highest possible grade – in each of five tests used by IIHS to evaluate crashworthiness
• 2017 Chrysler Pacifica benefits from advanced engineering and a body structure that is 72 percent high-strength steel
• Available Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, earns “superior” rating from IIHS; features sensor-fusion technology – the industry’s first minivan to be so-equipped
• 2017 Chrysler Pacifica offers more than 100 available safety and security features
• Latest of more than two dozen recognitions for all-new minivan

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is the lone minivan among vehicles to earn a 2017 Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating** from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Today’s announcement by the IIHS reprises the Chrysler Pacifica’s 2016 TSP+ designation, and complements the five-star overall safety rating the Pacifica achieved in testing by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“With more than 100 available safety and security features, everything from Forward Collision Warning to a 360-degree Surround View Camera to the ability to parallel park itself, the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is designed and built to check the box on key attributes many families value above all others – safety and security,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – FCA North America. 

“Pacifica is the only minivan to earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2017, further solidifying its place as the leader in the segment.”

TSP+ status is contingent on achieving ratings of “good” in five IIHS crashworthiness evaluations. The Chrysler Pacifica achieves “good” – the highest possible rating – in each. The tests simulate:

• a side impact with a large SUV or pickup truck;
• a moderate-offset frontal impact;
• a small-offset frontal impact;
• roof-deformation consistent with a rollover; and
• a rear collision capable of inducing whiplash.

High-strength steel accounts for 72 percent of its body structure, 38 percent of which is Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS). Such material choice was a key contributor to the all-new minivan’s crashworthiness, however, advanced engineering contributed further.

Using an in-house process called Rapid Concept Development (RCD), FCA US engineers employed high-powered computers to identify optimal body-structure design. The computers help simulate vehicle performance and pinpoint strategies that best accommodate occupant protection.

In certain frontal impacts, these strategies include dividing crash energy between multiple components, such as frame rails and the vehicle’s engine cradle.

While the all-new Pacifica aces the required crash tests, the best safety features are those that help drivers avoid collisions. 

The Chrysler Pacifica’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system earns a rating of “superior,” the highest possible grade the IIHS awards for this technology and another prerequisite to achieve TSP+ status.

The Pacifica’s system is called Forward Collision Warning-Plus. It features sensor-fusion technology, which combines the particular attributes of radar sensors and cameras for greater precision. The system only responds when camera and radar agree that a frontal impact appears imminent.

System response comprises audible and visual driver warnings and/or AEB. And no other minivan features sensor-fusion technology; competitive systems employ either cameras or radar sensors.

AEB is available in 10 FCA US vehicles across seven segments:

• Full-size SUV (Dodge Durango)
• Mid-size SUV (Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Cherokee)
• Small SUV/Crossover (Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X)
• Mid-size sedan (Chrysler 200)
• Premium mid-size sedan (Alfa Romeo Giulia)
• Full-size sedan (Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger)
• Minivan (Chrysler Pacifica)

Forward Collision Warning-Plus is among more than 100 safety and security features available on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, which starts at $28,595, excluding destination charges. 

Earning a 2017 Top Safety Pick+ designation is the latest in a string of more than two dozen honors accumulated, so far, by the all-new Chrysler Pacifica. Numerous North American automotive publications and journalism organizations, such as the following, have named it among 2017’s “best” vehicles:

• Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)
• Car and Driver
• Cars.com
• Consumer Guide® Automotive
• Kelley Blue Book
• Ruedas ESPN
• The Car Connection
• The Car Guide / Le Guide de L'Auto 
• Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA)

** The designation applies to any 2017 Chrysler Pacifica produced after August 2016.

USA - Two FCA models take awards at this years Hispanic Motor Press Awards Ceremony.

• The Hispanic Motor Press Awards® recognize the most outstanding all-new vehicles in the United States to go on sale in the 12 months preceding the award
• Design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction and value are the criteria evaluated by the judges to select segment winners
• The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling
• Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary Edition voted winner of Adventure 4x4 category 

Two FCA US LLC vehicles were recognized within their segments as Autos del Año® (Cars of the Year) during the seventh annual Hispanic Motor Press Awards® (HMPA) at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica earned top honors in the minivan segment and the Jeep® Wrangler 75th Anniversary Edition earned the award in the Adventure 4x4 segment.

“There is nothing like the original minivan, and with the Pacifica, Chrysler gets back to the top of the minivan segment,” said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, president of the Hispanic Motor Press. 

“The all-new Pacifica offers the convenience, safety and value that all Hispanic families are looking for.”

A committee of 16 Hispanic automotive journalists and influencers test drove approximately 100 vehicles for the 2017 HMPA Autos del Año. The jurors seek to find the single model in each category that is the best value in the market for Hispanic families. All facets of the vehicles are evaluated, including design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction and value.

"There is no other 4x4 on the market that can truly embody what adventure means like the Jeep Wrangler,” said Rodriguez-Long. “For the Hispanic consumer, Jeep is all about adventure."

Eligible vehicles considered for the awards must be all-new models and available to consumers in all 50 of the United States. This year’s panel of experts drove new cars throughout the year to evaluate the attributes best suited for the Hispanic consumer.

USA - The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid electrifies the minivan segment with up to 80MPGe possible !

• 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid lineup offers two well-equipped models, starting at $41,995 U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
• With available $7,500 federal tax credit, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid pricing starts as low as $34,495, not including any state or local incentives
• Pacifica Hybrid’s transferable warranty is among the best compared with other hybrid vehicles – up to 15-year/150,000-mile on emissions components and 10-year/150,000-mile on battery
• All-new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s advanced powertrain delivers a seamless, efficient driving experience, with 30 miles of all-electric range, 530 miles of total range and an estimated 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in city driving
• Hybrid-exclusive technology features, including a smartphone app, deliver relevant vehicle information, such as charge status and scheduling, charging station locations and an “efficiency coach” for more efficient driving
• Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform for class-leading ride, handling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)
• Offers more than 100 standard and available safety and security features, including 360-degree Surround View camera, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Hold and Forward Collision Warning-Plus 

The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid electrifies the minivan segment, adding an innovative, advanced hybrid powertrain to the Pacifica’s no-compromises combination of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling – all starting for less than $35,000 with the available federal tax credit.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid lineup features two highly equipped models, starting at $41,995 U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), not including destination. With the available $7,500 federal tax credit, customers can get the Pacifica Hybrid is for as low as $34,495, not including any state or local incentives.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only hybrid minivan, offering an innovative and advanced powertrain that delivers a seamless, efficient driving experience – plus an estimated 30 miles of all-electric range, 530 miles of total range and 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in city driving.

Not only does the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offer the segment’s only hybrid powertrain, it also offers many of the same features offered by the gasoline-powered Pacifica, including tri-pane panoramic sunroof, 10-inch seatback touchscreens, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, 360-degree Surround View camera, ventilated seats, rotary e-shifter, capless fuel filler, handsfree sliding doors and liftgate and KeySense programmable key fob.

In addition, the Pacifica Hybrid’s transferable warranty is among the best compared with other hybrid vehicles, offering:

• Bumper to bumper: 3-year/36,000-mile
• Powertrain: 5-year/60,000-mile
• Emissions components: Up to 15-year/150,000-mile
• Battery: Up to 10-year/150,000-mile

“The all-new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers an estimated 80 MPGe in the city, 30 miles of all-electric range, 530 miles of total range, plus many of the well-loved features that make the gasoline-powered Pacifica the most awarded minivan of the year,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA - North America. “With a starting price under $35,000 after the available $7,500 federal tax credit, the Pacifica Hybrid provides efficiency, versatility, technology, an advanced hybrid powertrain and is priced in the heart of the segment – a combination that no other seven-passenger vehicle delivers.”

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Premium

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Premium offers the key comfort, convenience and safety features minivan customers want, including perforated leather seats, heated first-row seats, remote start with cabin pre-conditioning, three-zone automatic temperature control, projector headlamps, fog lamps, chrome trim accents and power liftgate. The Pacifica Hybrid Premium also features the SafetyTec Group as standard, which includes ParkSense rear park assist with stop, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.

Other standard features include Active Noise Cancellation, LED signature lighting, six-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio with 1-year trial, 17-inch aluminum wheels, ParkView rear backup camera and passive entry on all doors.

The Pacifica Hybrid Premium also includes as standard a 7-inch full color driver information display (DID), unique to the Pacifica Hybrid models. The customizable cluster’s display changes color to indicate whether the Pacifica Hybrid is operating in electric mode (teal) or hybrid mode (blue), while both the battery level and fuel level are always displayed. One of the available cluster displays is the “efficiency coach,” which guides owners to drive more efficiently and maximize the time spent in battery mode.

Also standard on the Pacifica Hybrid Premium is the Uconnect 8.4 system, which includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen, available Uconnect Navigation and Uconnect Access connected services. The Pacifica Hybrid also includes the all-new Hybrid Electric Pages, providing owners with helpful vehicle information, including access to the vehicle’s charging schedule and a summary of miles driven in both electric and hybrid modes.

The all-new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Premium has a starting U.S. MSRP of $41,995 (plus $1,095 destination).

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum builds on the Premium model, adding Nappa leather seats, ventilated first-row seats, heated two-tone steering wheel, 13-speaker Alpine premium sound system, 3-D navigation, handsfree sliding doors and liftgate and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Packed with content inside and out, the Pacifica Hybrid Platinum also includes the best-in-class Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system and KeySense programmable key fob to promote safe driving habits.

Additional safety content includes the Advanced SafetyTec Group with advanced brake assist, Forward Collison Warning-Plus, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, auto high-beam headlamp control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Hold, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, 360-degree Surround View camera, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, and ParkSense front park assist and rear park assist with stop.

The available tri-pane panoramic sunroof adds to the feeling of spaciousness with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof over the front- and second-row seats and a fixed glass pane over the third row.

The all-new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum has a U.S. MSRP of $44,995 (plus $1,095 destination).

USA- FCA US LLC takes a hand full of extra wards as the silly season of awards gets into full swing.

• 2017 Chrysler Pacifica wins both Minivan and Family Vehicle Best Buy Awards
• 2017 Dodge Durango continues as Large SUV Best Buy for fifth consecutive year
• 2017 Jeep® Renegade named Subcompact SUV Best Buy for second consecutive year
• 2017 Ram 1500 named Large Pickup Truck Best Buy every year since 2008
• 2017 Fiat 124 Spider captures Sporty Performance Car Best Buy award for first time
The automotive editors at Consumer Guide® Automotive awarded five FCA US LLC vehicles the 2017 Best Buy distinction.


In its inaugural year, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica captures both the Minivan and Family Vehicle Best Buy Awards. Another first-time entrant – the Fiat 124 Spider – also takes home a Best Buy Award, this one in the Sporty Performance Car category.







Dodge Durango earns the Best Buy Award in the Large SUV segment for the fifth consecutive year, the Jeep® Renegade secures the Best Buy Award among Subcompact SUVs for the second consecutive year and Ram 1500 captures the Best Buy Award for Large Pickup Trucks for the ninth straight year.
“We congratulate FCA for introducing two new products worthy of 2017 Consumer Guide® Best Buy recognition. 
Consumer Guide Automotive editors analyze, compare and evaluate numerous vehicles by extensively testing all major models available in the United States. 


The all-new family-friendly Chrysler Pacifica caps years of minivan evolution and refinement, and the Fiat 124 represents an impressive amount of fun for the money,” said Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive. 


“Consumer Guide Automotive editors thoroughly evaluate more than 150 new cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs sold in America and select the top ones in each class as Best Buys.”


According to Consumer Guide Automotive, a vehicle does not become a Best Buy based solely on objective ratings; Best Buys also distinguish themselves as good values compared to other vehicles in their class