Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Worth $53,390 for a Minivan?
Busy parents once filled carpool lanes and soccer field parking lots with economical minivans. That was decades ago, and times have changed. For the past several years, consumers have traded their vans for family-friendly SUVs. Today’s three-row models are not only sleek but also comfortable and easy to drive. Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) acknowledged the changing trend when it retired the Grand Caravan. But the automaker hasn’t given up on the Pacifica.
The luxurious and (dare we say) sleek vehicle is slowly luring SUV owners back to the minivan playing field. No average three-row SUV provides more space for passengers and cargo than a minivan. And with upgraded features and added luxuries, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is a wise choice for families looking for an upscale, spacious ride.
In fact, the 2021 Pacifica Pinnacle boasts a sumptuous interior that rivals those of full-size luxury SUVs. But this top-of-the-line minivan also carries a hefty price tag.
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler reinvented its longtime Town & Country minivan with the Pacifica. Offering impressive handling, the luxurious minivan “has become the benchmark in its segment,” MotorTrend notes.
The 2021 model’s versatile interior includes class-leading cargo-carrying capacity with 32 cubic feet of space behind the third row. The innovative Stow ‘n Go seats that fold into the floor give the Pacifica a competitive edge over other minivans. Optional second-row captain’s chairs are also available, along with a power-folding third-row bench seat.
Accommodating up to eight passengers, the Pacifica gets a generous 20 to 30 mpg combined. MotorTrend scored the top-ranked Pacifica an 8.3 out of 10 overall for its plethora of advanced features and unsurpassed driving performance.
The luxurious Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle
Our first impression of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is that the “new interior is more Bentley than minivan.”
For starters, the caramel-colored Napa leather seating with quilted diamond stitching and custom-colored piping sets the Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle apart from rival minivans offering cheap black plastics and cloth interiors.
Dark-wood trim accentuates the natural leather. Upgraded padding offers added lumbar support, and the second-row seats include matching pillows for extra comfort.
High-end features fill the cabin, enhancing the driving experience. The Pinnacle’s Uconnect 5 infotainment touchscreen measures 10.1 inches, enormous compared to the 8.4-inch display in the base-model Pacifica. The integrated Amazon Alexa and over-the-air updates are also welcomed features in the all-new system.
A rear entertainment system includes pre-programmed dual 10-inch built-in monitors in the seatbacks to keep passengers entertained on road trips. While the kids are playing games in the backseat, parents can keep an eye on them via the 360-degree FamCAM.
Is the Pinnacle worth over $50,000?
The 2021 Pacifica’s top-level trim starts at $53,390, according to Chrysler‘s website. The Pinnacle gets you incredibly comfortable seats and bountiful luxe amenities. A premium Harman Kardon sound system, integrated center console, and front and rear parking sensors round out this high-end trim.
MotorTrend ranks the Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle second to the Honda Odyssey on the publication’s “Best Minivans to Buy in 2021” list. The Odyssey has been a frontrunner in the minivan segment for many years. Offering a smooth ride, plenty of space, and advanced safety features, it’s a family favorite for 2021.
The top-trim Odyssey Elite starts at $48,995. U.S. News said it’s “among the priciest configurations for any van in the class.” But it’s still a tough act to follow.
As luxury vehicles continue to grow in popularity, so do their MSRPs. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV costs a staggering $157,445. And MotorTrend noted that the luxurious Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the most expensive SUV on the market with a $332,350 sticker price.
So when you compare the 2021 Pacifica Pinnacle’s interior with that of a full-size luxury SUV, you’ll see that Chrysler’s top-of-the-line minivan is a bargain for everything it offers.
