2007 Chrysler Pacifica Sport Utility Vehicle Reviews & Ratings

Still, Pacifica offers more cargo space than mid-size sport-utilities such as the Lexus GX450 (77.5 cubic feet) and Mercedes M-Class (72.4).

In any trim level, the Chrysler Pacifica makes a very versatile vehicle. We consider it an excellent choice as the sole or primary vehicle for growing families. It handles more like a car than the typical sport-utility vehicle, and it makes a comfortable daily driver for hauling people or stuff to soccer practice or home from the building store. The Pacifica accelerates with gusto, thanks to a torquey new V6 engine, and available all-wheel drive adds security in snow country. It also has enough towing capability for a small trailer or camper

The 4.0-liter V6, used in all but the base front-drive model, is new for 2007. This single cam engine delivers only an incremental increase in horsepower and torque (it's now rated 255 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque). But the new engine is much, much smoother for 2007 and more pleasant to operate than the engine it replaces. Moreover, it's matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, which improves performance in all respects. The gear ratios in the six-speed improve acceleration at low speed, yet reduce rpm at high speed, decreasing interior noise and improving highway fuel economy (up from 22 to 24 mpg on all wheel-drive models, according to the EPA).

With the new engine, the 2007 Pacifica feels more responsive than previous models, and its substantial curb weight is less obvious. The transmission shifts down a gear smoothly and quickly, making quick merges or left-turns across traffic a no-sweat proposition. Moreover, the Pacifica cruises quietly at high speed, with no indication that the V6 is working hard to keep up.

The all-wheel-drive system works transparently, and it helps the Pacifica sail through corners rain or shine with the secure feeling of a good sedan. Under normal conditions, the system sends all of the power to the front wheels. But it can transfer up to 90 percent of the power to the rear wheels whenever the front wheels lose grip, whether it's because the road is wet or because the driver has floored the accelerator.

We found the Pacifica AWD delivered confident handling in the dry weather of California's wine country, swooping into curves with the accelerator floored. It also made quick work of slush and snow during winter in the upper Midwest. All a driver has to do is keep a light, steady foot on the gas pedal. The all-wheel drive and its control system take care of the rest, sending power to the tires that are gripping best and keeping the Pacifica rolling forward through the muck.

We were impressed with the handling, particularly in Northern California, where the paving is excellent, the roads are twisty and interesting, and the traffic is relatively light. The steering is not race-car communicative or direct, but it's better than the steering in many minivans and SUVs. The thick steering wheel feels good in the hands, and the suspension is tuned just right for a family vehicle: supple enough for a smooth, compliant ride, yet firm enough to control excessive lean or wallow. The isolated front and rear subframes, the long wheelbase and wide stance all work toward a comfortable, stable ride, and they limit the amount of road jolting that vibrates up through the chassis and into the passenger cabin.

The four-wheel disc brakes are large enough to handle the Pacifica's substantial weight, delivering sure, fairly short stops. We gave them a workout, and they responded every time without fade or smell or any sign of distress. ABS is standard on all models, and it's now comes with Brake Assist. This electronic system can tell when the brakes are applied full force, and it keeps them on full force even if the driver lightens pressure on the pedal as events develop ahead.

The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica is available in three trim levels, all of which offer front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. All come with a V6 engine and automatic transmission.

The base Pacifica FWD ($24,460) is powered by a 3.8-liter overhead-valve V6, delivering 200 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque through a four-speed automatic. This model seats five, with a three-place, folding second-row bench seat, and comes with 17-inch steel wheels and hubcaps. Standard features include sunscreen glass, dual-zone temperature control, rear window wiper/washer, power locks and windows, eight-way power driver's seat, AM/FM audio with CD, Infinity speakers and steering-wheel controls, multiple 12-volt power outlets and cruise control.

The Pacifica AWD ($27,550) adds an engine upgrade and all-wheel drive. It's 4.0-liter overhead-cam V6 delivers 255 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic. Chrysler's all-wheel drive system varies power delivery front to rear to maximize traction.

Touring FWD ($27,600) and Touring AWD ($30,250) get the 4.0 V6 and six-speed automatic. Touring models come with seating for six, in a 2/2/2 bucket-seat layout, and add more features. Standard equipment includes automatic dual-zone temperature control with cabin air filtration, a Vehicle Information Center video display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, HomeLink universal door opener, a power front passenger seat, 17-inch alloy wheels and body color door handles.

Option packages for the base Pacifica and Touring models include a Leather Seating Value Group ($1,935), with leather heated seats and a roof rack, and an Entertainment Group ($865) that adds a MP3 capability and a rear-seat DVD system with eight-inch screen and remote. Stand-alone options include heated first- and second-row seats ($550), ParkSense rear parking assist ($285), a power moonroof ($895), 385-watt Infiniti Intermezzo audio upgrade ($700), Sirius satellite radio ($195), UConnect hands-free communication ($360), High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights ($550) and 17-inch ($785) or 19-inch chromed aluminum wheels ($1,235).

The Pacifica Limited FWD ($33,775) and Limited AWD ($35,825) are the luxury models. They feature the 2/2/2 seating and nearly all the amenities, including leather seats with position memory for the driver, heated front and second-row seats, power adjustable pedals, power-liftgate, six-CD changer, automatic headlights, power moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, ParkSense rear back-up system and 19-inch chromed wheels.

Safety equipment has been significantly upgraded for 2007. In addition to multi-stage front airbags, all Pacificas come standard with curtain-style head protection airbags for all outboard seats, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) skid-management system, emergency brake assist for the antilock brakes (ABS), and traction control. These features were previously optional on some models. A ParkView rear back-up camera ($595) is now optional. The Pacifica has done very well in government crash tests, earning a five-star rating for front and side impact from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and four stars for rollover protection.