TFL static review...


driving embargoed for now.

 

Hey man, sweet Stellantis you got there.

 

Interesting that you should post this thread - I'm actually considering one of these! I'm going between the gas model and the plug-in hybrid (the plugin range makes a lot of sense for my daily applications)

I find this to be a very well-engineered product which offers a nice driving experience. They had some issues on initial roll-out but now very good product. I have also a 2018 Odyssey which I'm not happy with because of engine knocking and I've had no success getting the problem resolved.

 

Pretty excited for the Pacifica updates. We just swapped out our 2019 Odyssey for a great deal on a 2020 Pacifica Hybrid, with the full intention of getting the 2021/22 Hybrid once those incentives crank up sometime a year or so from now.

 

The minivan people are at it again. I drove a base Grand Caravan as a service rental while my truck was in the shop for service, and I gotta say, despite a total lack of options (I didn't even know hubcaps on steel wheels were a thing anymore ), it seemed well built and fairly easy to use/drive.

 

How do you like your 2020 PacHy?

Is there a big different between the 2020 and 2021 models (i.e. other than exterior design, LED lights, standard Adv. Safety tech etc.)

I'm actually just considering the 2021 base Touring model because it has everything I need (minus the Tri-pane panaromic roof - wish that were an option because I really like it).

Now alternatively, if the incentives are super high on the current generation, I might consider a more well loaded 2020 model. Any thoughts?

 

So as everybody knows, my 2017 Pacifica was a reliability disaster, but so far my 2020 seems much more solid. On the Pacifica forums though there are still some issues on the 2020s.

I would have waited for the AWD 2021 but the main issue I didnt was concern over a new AWD system and a new uConnect system given my issues with my other Pacifica.

As far as a minivan goes though, its a nice product...as long as you get a reliable one.

 

the new uconnect 5 apparently is all android, which could help. i love that it does android auto wirelessly too.

 

I dunno. A large % of my issues with my 2017 came from the infotainment, so I'm a little weary of an all new system

 

Unusual, but not quite dead. You'll still find them on some small and/or entry level vehicles.
That's one reason why some auto parts stores still sell the plastic aftermarket wheel covers cheap....and why some companies allow you to order factory-replicas/

 

One thing I don't like in the 2021 is the new console. One of the things we like about a minivan is the easy space of not having a connected console, makes it easy to deal with fast food bags, etc.

 

LED headlights are nice upgrades, as are the wireless charger with wireless phone connectivity, but for us, more important feature we'd want "back" from our Odyssey is the interior camera. Our daughter is still rear facing and will be for some time. The CabinWatch in the Odyssey was awesome, and the FamCam in the Pacifica looks great as well. For us, it's just waiting for the discounts. Love the tri-pane roof.

Looking at current discounts, our PacHy MSRP was over $52K and we bought it for $42.5 out the door, after the Fed tax rebate, that puts it effectively at $35K. Got ~$36K for our Odyssey, and judging from overall resale values, I'm guessing we'll be able to get at least $35K on our PacHy in a year or so when the facelifted Hybrid gets incentives cranked up. So, I THINK we'll be able to get about a year or so of usage from the 2020 for little to no loss in effective value. And leverage another Fed Rebate if they still have them.

 

2021 Pacifica added the interior camera

Congrats on pulling the trigger on the Pacifica!

 

I take it that's for keeping an eye on Junior in back without having to constantly turn around?

 

Thanks! Definitely some tradeoffs with the Odyssey, but couldn't pass up the deal on the hybrid and excited to try something new.