The Chrysler Pacifica, a popular minivan for families, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure passenger safety. Introduced in 2017 as a replacement for the Chrysler Town & Country, the Pacifica platform also underpins the Chrysler Voyager, available to fleet buyers starting in 2020. This article focuses on the safety performance of the Chrysler Pacifica, relevant to models including the 2020 version, based on evaluations by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Initially, during a driver-side small overlap frontal crash test on an early model, a door hinge issue was identified. The driver door detached from its hinges. Chrysler promptly addressed this by strengthening the upper hinge and reinforcing the door hinge pillar. Subsequent tests on models manufactured after August 2016, reflecting these improvements, demonstrated significantly enhanced structural integrity. The safety ratings discussed below are specifically for 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica models built after August 2016, ensuring they incorporate these crucial safety enhancements. To verify the manufacturing date of a specific vehicle, refer to the certification label located on the driver’s side door or the adjacent B-pillar.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, built post-August 2016 and used for the reported test, achieved a “Good” overall rating in the small overlap frontal test. This assessment considers various factors critical to driver safety.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small overlap frontal test driver-side | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/thigh | Good |
| Lower leg/foot | Good |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
The structural performance was rated “Acceptable,” with key injury measures for the driver being rated as “Good” across all categories, including head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot. This indicates a robust level of protection for the driver in a similar real-world crash scenario.
Analysis of the dummy’s position after the crash revealed that the driver’s survival space was maintained effectively. This is crucial as it indicates the vehicle structure held up well, preventing excessive intrusion into the occupant compartment.
Furthermore, the frontal and side curtain airbags performed as intended, working in coordination to protect the head from contacting жесткие structures or external objects, minimizing potential head injuries.
Measurements taken after the test confirmed that the driver’s space was reasonably well-maintained, and the risk of injuries to the legs and feet was low. Detailed technical measurements from the test are available for further review, providing in-depth data on occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury metrics.
In conclusion, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, and similar models built after August 2016, demonstrates a strong safety profile in small overlap frontal crashes, offering reassuring protection for drivers and families. The “Good” ratings and structural improvements highlight Chrysler’s commitment to safety in their minivan lineup.
