The Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid enter the 2020 model year ready to continue the traditions established by the first Chrysler minivans that were introduced 35 years ago — functional family vehicles that transport people and stuff with unaccustomed aplomb. These days they do it with style and verve that the designers of the original Dodge Caravan could only dream about.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is so confident about the minivan segment that for 2020 it is introducing a new nameplate to the category. The Chrysler Voyager minivan is aimed at value-oriented buyers who are willing to do without some of the bells and whistles of the Pacifica models. The Voyager replaces the lower-line Pacifica L and LX trims, and it is offered in L, LX and LXi versions, the last offered to fleet customers. Those of you with long memories might recall the Plymouth Voyager, a popular minivan of the Eighties and Nineties, that was a value version of the Dodge Caravan.
Recently Driving Today’s Chief Content Officer and America on the Road Host Jack R. Nerad had the opportunity to spend time with Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid Brand Manager Karen Madill in an all-new 2020 Pacifica. You can listen to that interview that includes information on the new Voyager by clicking on the player below.
While some suggest the minivan is a relic of another era, FCA begs to disagree, and it has the facts on its side. Minivans continue to be a high-volume portion of the company’s overall product offering. It has sold more than 14.6 million minivans globally since 1983, twice as many as any other manufacturer over the past 35 years.
In addition to the all-new Voyager minivan, the FCA minivan lineup features several enhancements for the 2020 model year. To give dads more cover when piloting a minivan, the new Red S appearance package on both hybrid- and gasoline-powered Pacifica Limited trims features class-exclusive interior with red Nappa leather seats that include gray stitching and piping. Instrument panel trim, liftgate and other special badging give added distinction, as do 20-inch wheels. The Red S package is available with six exterior paint colors.
While the Voyager is aimed at budget-minded customers, it is not bereft of valuable features. It includes seven-passenger seating, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. It has a standard 3.5-inch digital information display and offers the Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers and active noise cancellation.
Its value-orientation is indicated by its starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,985, excluding the $1,495 destination charge.
