Dec 05 2016

A non-Minivan Driver’s 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Review #DrivePacifica

This review of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is a compensated sponsored campaign with FCA US. However, all photos and opinions expressed within are my own.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has made me fall in love with a minivan!

I never thought I would do it. Never. Ever. But I am smitten. Before I get into the nitty gritty of this Limited edition’s details here’s a sneak peek why:

Backstory on the Chrysler Pacifica

You may remember the Chrysler Pacifica as a mid-size crossover. I know I do.

The very first Pacifica I saw was back in 2005. My husband had a friend who owned one.

I remember thinking how advanced it seemed with its interior features. And how I had a tinge of buyer’s remorse having just purchased my own crossover before seeing the Pacifica.

It was sleek then, and even in its new form, it’s sleek now. I love sleek cars.

In 2008, they stopped producing the Pacifica, re-introducing it this year as a luxury minivan.

Can I just say, although I’m far from a minivan mom, I’m in love.

Chrysler Front grille — The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica in Granite Crystal Metallic.

Fuel Economy on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica

At 22 combined city/hwy miles per gallon, I got a lot of mileage out of a tank of gas. Two separate school drop-offs back and forth, two grocery store trips, intermittent errands, and a drive to see a friend in D.C. were all achieved on 1 tank of gas.

It was a lot of driving but thankfully, the Pacifica is a smooth ride.

Side view of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica — Very sleek look and a smooth drive. Is it bad that I try to find the reflection of the car in a window as I’m passing by to see how we look? LOL! Anyone else do that?

Guess what? That driving is gonna go even further.

Fiat Chrysler North America just announced in a press release that they’ve finished production of the industry’s first electric minivan with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

With a full tank of gas, I drove roughly 380 miles in this 3.6L V6 24V VVT engine with 9-speed FWD automatic transmission. With a 16-kWh lithium ion battery and a full tank of fuel,Tim Kuniskis, head of passenger car brands estimates drivers will get 566 miles out of the hybrid Pacifica.

Whether hybrid or traditional, you get a nice amount of driving out of a tank of gas with the Pacifica. Perfect for any busy traveling mom (or dad).

Winter has no home in the 2017 Pacifica

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Heated Wheel — Two-toned leather interior complete with heated steering wheel that takes all of 2.1 seconds to warm up!

Every part of your body will keep warm in this car. And when it’s hot outside, you have the option of ventilated seats.

Oh! And the heated features aren’t only for the driver and front passenger.

2017 chrylser pacifica — My oldest reclining in the rear enjoying the warmth.

My 12-year old jumps in the front seat of our regular car because he wants that heated seat comfort. In the Pacifica, he can get it no matter where he sits.

Front, middle or back row.

The features in the Pacifica are a glimpse into the future of cars.

From the lane-correct feature to the dial gear shift, this vehicle makes me feel kinda old. Well, it definitely makes my normal ride look like we’re still rolling in the stone ages.

This is how you shift into gear.

Chrysler Pacifica Steering — Turn dial gear shift on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is like whoa! Totally different

Sensors all around the car keep you “aware” of your surroundings. The Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection feature works VERY well.

I like that this is a feature that I’m seeing standard on most new cars.

Most of us try to be conscientious drivers but accidents happen. The 2017 Pacifica has all sorts of camera and sensor technology to keep precious cargo safe.

Pacifica Rear Camera — Rear view cameras and parking assist (on a rainy day) .

I knew about the rear sensors but I didn’t know about the front sensors until I got too close to a car in front of me in the Chick Fil A drive-thru.

Chrysler Pacifica Front Sensor — Front collision sensors on the car are extremely useful.

“Beep!” Okay, Pacifica. I hear you girl!

Hands-free sliding doors are officially on my Christmas wish list

The doors …oh those lovely sliding doors.

Automatic sliding doors in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica are awesome. (Cute boy with Star Wars crocs not included)

At a touch of a button I can automatically open the doors for the kids to get in and out. Oh how I love that about the Pacifica.

My eight-year old has autism. He’s still not adept at opening and closing car doors.

Having an automatic sliding door makes managing the in-out car process a breeze. That and the hands-free liftgate too!

It’s especially useful on rainy days when you just want everyone to hop in the car so that you can run in the vehicle and keep as dry as possible.

That’s exactly what we did. And I was able to control the door without being physically on it to do so. All the seat buckling happened from inside the car.

This minivan is lit!

Everywhere I turned, there was light in the Pacifica. I counted 11 lights throughout the vehicle. (There may be more).

Aside from the usual suspects in the front and second row seats, here were other areas where I saw a light:

the third row seating area
the trunk space
the driver/passenger door area where you would store a drink
the front row console
the glove compartment

And then there’s the storage….

I’d have to say that there’s so much storage in this vehicle it makes you want to take a long road trip to test how you could max out every nook and cranny for luggage and other accessories.

Chrysler Pacifica trunk space — Deep trunk space is a god send when you have to make a long overdue grocery run. BTW, see all the lights?

There’s storage for your sunglasses, storage for your cups, storage for your groceries, storage for the seats, storage for your purse, storage for your umbrella and storage for just about anything you can think of as long as it fits.

My Favorite Features

Touch-screen with SiriusXM, apps and Navigation

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Navigation — I was impressed when the tunnel came up on the navigation screen. That’s different!

Surround sound system

2017 Chrysler Pacifica equalizer — The surround sound system in the Pacifica is hot! Using the touch screen I can fade the sound from the front all the way to the rear. Convenient when a horrible song comes on that my pre-teen loves.

Panoramic Moon roof

Gorgeous interior leather seats

My least favorite feature

There’s not much that I didn’t like about the new Pacifica. All the bells and whistles were music to my family’s ears.

What I had a hard time adjusting to, a feature I did not like, was the Lane Departure Warning Plus that offered driving “correction” if you veered out of the lane.

If you don’t drive straight and perfect, this will trigger for you constantly. And how many of us drive in a seemingly perfect straight line?

You can easily disengage the feature with a click of a button. After driving the minivan for a day and a half that’s exactly what I did. I felt it pulled the car too much while it was engaged, to the point where I might auto correct too much.

I think it comes in super handy if you are driving while you’re feeling kinda sleepy. But honestly, if that’s the case, you probably shouldn’t be driving.

Studies have shown that if you’re driving when you’re sleepy is akin to driving while drunk. It’s best to NOT.

Lane correction or not.

How much does the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited cost?

So, I showed you a lot in this vehicle. You’re probably wondering how much does the Pacifica cost?

Glad you asked.

This particular model retails for $46,460. The base price is $42,495. What comes as optional equipment on this vehicle includes:

20-inch x 7.5-inch aluminum wheels
245/5OR20 BSW All Season Tires
Locking lug nuts
Advanced SafetyTec Group
Park Sense Front and Rear Park Assist with Stop
360-Degree Surround View Camera System
Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist with Stop
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & go
Full Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus
Lane Departure Warning Plus
Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control
Advanced Brake Assist
Hands-free Doors and Liftgate
17-inch Inflatable Spare Tire
Inflatable Spare Tire Kit with Sealant
KeySense

I may not be a minivan mom but this 2017 Pacifica Limited and I go well together. What do you think? Could this be the car for YOUR family? Let me know.

Me in the Pacifica — We look good together.

Want to see the Chrysler Pacifica in my Flipboard magazine? Check it out:

View my Flipboard Magazine.

Mom’s Guide To the 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo #DriveKia

The 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo is a family-friendly mid-size sedan

I was provided with a Kia Optima SX Turbo to drive for the week in order to conduct this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I had a chance to test drive a red Kia Optima SX Turbo for a week this summer, courtesy of Drive Shop and Kia. Not only did it impress my 12-year old son but I was also impressed by its comfort, features, and speed.

The 2.0 L 4 cylinder engine got us to our destination FAST. Well, that and the Turbo feature.

Here is an overview video of our experience in the Kia Optima SX Turbo on Periscope:

I wasn’t surprised that I’d like the SX Turbo. Although a huge departure from our ride in the Kia Sorento, we were happy to go sporty as a family. And although not impressive on gas at 26 mpg combined city/hwy, we were able to get through the week on a tank.

That’s always my fuel budget goal.

Remember that rear-camera I glossed over in the video? Here is a little more in-depth coverage of how the Kia Optima SX Turbo’s cameras can assist you backing up and pulling into a parking space.

We took a Sunday family drive to Solomon’s Island, a little over an hour from our house and couldn’t have been happier with the space, smooth drive, and comfort we felt inside the Optima SX Turbo.

Automatic Locks, Keyless Entry perfect for bag carriers

I’m notorious for digging for keys in my purse. It was so refreshing not to have to do that with the keyless entry.

Other refreshing features in the car included ventilated seats:

The panoramic moon roof:

Comfortable steering:

And ample trunk space for tons of groceries:

The 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo starts at $29,940 MSRP. Optional equipment brings the sticker price up to $38,000.

For the family that wants a bit of sport in their life at a reasonable price, the Kia Optima SX Turbo is worth considering.

Apr 26 2016

What’s New In The 2016 Mazda CX-5

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a sleek fuel-efficient cross over vehicle that’s fun to drive. What’s new in the 2016 CX-5 ranges from exterior updates to interior upgrades and drive system enhancements. Although driving the Mazda 6 was sexy, crazy and cool I much rather being higher up on the road. Guess I’m just an SUV kinda girl.

But let’s take things one step at a time, shall we?

With SKYACTIV Technology, the Grand Touring AWD model is nothing short of a suped up family SUV.

2016 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Efficiency

At 26 MPG city/highway, and gas prices at less than $2.00 per gallon I spent only $18 to fill the tank. With two separate school drop-off and pick-ups those are fuel-economy numbers I can get behind.

Since I drive a lot It’s important that a vehicle can support my driving habits. Mazda estimates average annual fuel costs at $1750 which is higher than what I’m spending now on gas for a 2005 Ford freestyle.

At current gas prices in Maryland, we’d probably average 39% less than Mazda estimates.

But I digress. So what’s new in the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

New Features in the Mazda CX-5

Exterior wise, the grille is more refined than the 2015 model. And the 19-inch alloy aluminum wheels were redesigned. Other updates were made to the dash, the center stack and console, an electric parking break and reduced cabin noise.

The 2016 also received new trim accents, more comfortable front and rear seats. A new range of Mazda I-Activesense advanced safety technologies which include Driver assist features such as:

Radar cruise control
Smart Brake support
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Okay! So now that we’re done with all the boring stuff and I’ve covered some of what’s new in the 2016 Mazda CX-5, let me tell you what I like most about the SUV and how she drives.

The wide sunroof is perfect for letting wind and sunshine in. An accurate in-dash GPS system excellent for helping me not get lost. Bose speakers are ideal for drowning out loud kids and for blasting Prince. Parchment interior color leather seats are perfect for styling, profiling and matching similarly colored purses. They are NOT perfect for messy little boys.

Blind spot monitoring is great for safe driving against people who want to sneak up on your left. 184 horsepower Sport mode is perfect for speeding by people who want to sneak up on your left but with fuel efficiency.

Starting at $21,795 for the basic model, even at a $32,340 sticker price for the model I drove the 2016 Mazda CX-5 fits within my budget and won’t put me in the poor house. The features for the Grand Touring AWD model with optional equipment would give me what I need to chauffer comfortably and roll the way I want to roll.

Check out the standard equipment and optional equipment below for more details on what you get with this vehicle.

I test drove the 2016 Mazda CX-5 for this review. However, all opinions, sly comments, and drooling expressed within are my own.