(June 6, 2020) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The newly redesigned 2021 Chrysler Pacifica will deliver all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, combined with a fresh new look and feel and the most standard safety features of any vehicle in the industry, when it hits dealerships later this year, but AWD is arriving early for those who just can’t wait. Dealers can now order the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition, making the all-weather-capable, seamless and fully automatic AWD system available for the current model-year Pacifica.

"Reaction was overwhelmingly positive when we announced that the new 2021 Chrysler Pacifica will offer AWD capability. We know there is demand for AWD capability along with Stow ‘n Go seating, and the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition allows us to get our customers the all-weather capability they want even sooner,” said Tim Kuniskis, global head of Alfa Romeo and head of Passenger Cars – North America.

“The Pacifica offers families solutions and with the 2020 Pacifica AWD Launch Edition, we’re delivering the most advanced system in its class, and one that engages without any driver input, to help owners get where they want to go in any type of weather.”
 
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition, exclusively available on the Touring L model, is equipped with the same AWD system that will be offered on the redesigned 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. Pacifica is the only vehicle to pair AWD along with class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating, and the only vehicle in the segment capable of transferring all available engine torque to the rear wheels, or whichever wheels have more available traction. The Pacifica AWD system is also able to sense and stop the drive shaft from spinning when AWD is not required, a class-exclusive feature in the segment that improves efficiency.
 
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition arrives in S Appearance, including a Black Noise AWD badge as well as Black Noise Pacifica and Chrysler wing badging, and rolls on upgraded 18-inch wheels in the new “Foreshadow” finish. Gloss Black colors the headlamp eyebrows, grille surrounds, rear valance and daylight opening (DLO). The AWD Launch Edition will also include 235/60-R18 Michelin Premier self-sealing tires.
 
The all-black S Appearance interior is upgraded with McKinley leather seats bordered with Light Diesel Grey stitching and an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio. Brushed metal hydro bezels provide additional interior accents. Optional features and packages include Uconnect Navigation, Uconnect Theater, Advanced SafetyTec, a tri-pane panoramic sunroof, trailer tow, KeySense and the Premium Group package.
 
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition is available now for ordering at Chrysler dealerships in the United States and Canada. The U.S. for $40,240, excluding destination fees, includes the AWD Launch Edition package priced at $3,095. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the third quarter.

The Chrysler brand also continues to work to make things financially easier for all families with available Chrysler Pacifica Family Pricing.

Chrysler Pacifica Family Pricing takes the negotiating out of the experience and gives all customers the same great discount. Pacifica Family Pricing, plus zero-percent financing for 60 months, is included on every 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, including the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition. For a limited time, no payments for 120 days is also available on all Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid models.
 
Consumers also now have the option to shop and purchase new vehicles from the comfort of their own homes through the Online Retailing Experience (ORE). ORE has been implemented by more than 90 percent of the FCA U.S. dealer network, using web-based tools to sell cars and trucks via the internet. For more information, visit www.chrysler.com.
 
Chrysler Pacifica: The most advanced AWD system in its class

The most awarded minivan over the last four years with more than 135 honors and industry accolades, the Chrysler brand heard the call from its customers for AWD and answered with a new system that helps Pacifica owners haul people and things through all types of weather — be it rain or snow.

America’s only minivan to offer AWD along with Stow ‘n Go seating, the available system delivers enhanced traction in a wide range of driving and road conditions – from dry pavement to snow-covered roads to non-paved surfaces – and engages seamlessly at any speed without the need of driver activation.

The Chrysler Pacifica’s AWD system — the first available in a Chrysler minivan since 2004 — uses mechanical and electronic technology proven durable and capable on FCA vehicles. In addition, the system was put through its paces, with more than 1 million customer-driven-equivalent miles of testing prior to introduction.

Key mechanical components of the Chrysler Pacifica AWD system include:

    •    Power Transfer Unit (PTU): Splits torque from the nine-speed automatic transmission and routes it to the rear drive module

    •    Three-piece Drive Shaft: Connects the PTU and the rear drive module. Even with the additional driveline components, the Chrysler Pacifica AWD retains its second-row Stow ‘n Go seating storage
       
    •    Rear Drive Module: Houses electronically controlled wet clutch that manages torque to rear wheels; second-generation one-speed drive module optimized for weight and low-speed drag torque reduction
       
Other mechanical changes resulting in improved driving dynamics include the addition of a rear sway bar and revised tuning for the front and rear suspension. Ride height is increased 0.78 inches (20 millimeters).

Pacifica’s seamless, fully automatic AWD system is the only one in the segment capable of transferring 100 percent of the available engine torque to the rear wheels, or whichever wheels have more available traction. The Pacifica AWD system, the most capable AWD in the class, is also able to sense and stop the drive shaft from spinning when AWD is not required, a class-exclusive feature in the segment that improves efficiency.
 
The AWD system also employs a brake-lock differential system to help enhance traction, with fully automatic torque distribution between each wheel. If one wheel on an axle loses traction, the system applies the brake to the low-traction wheel, redirecting torque through the differential to the wheel with more traction. The 18-inch brake package for AWD features larger vented front and solid rear rotors and calipers with more capacity.

The AWD system engages automatically, based on a variety of sensor inputs that signal when enhanced traction is beneficial. For best traction performance, AWD is engaged when the Chrysler Pacifica begins to accelerate from a standing stop. Other inputs that signal AWD engagement include:

    •    Cold exterior temperature
    •    Use of windshield wipers
    •    Slip detected at the front wheels
    •    Heavy acceleration at certain vehicle speeds, such as overtaking during passing
    •    Electronic stability control activation
    •    Abrupt steering or sudden throttle inputs
    •    Rough road conditions/grades
   
When the Chrysler Pacifica’s drivetrain detects that AWD is not needed, it disconnects the PTU and rear drive module automatically to stop the drive shaft from spinning, reducing driveline drag and improving efficiency.