We bought an awd Pacifica a month ago and it's very impressive in real world ice and snow conditions, it sticks to the road very well, even with the factory highway tires.
@@jamespenner1412 How has it held up? We are in the market now. Still not sure which package. The Pinnacle is beautiful but expensive. We want to add the rear entertainment which the Pinnacle comes with so it closes the gap completely over the Limited and somewhat over the Touring L
@Lets DIY It it's been great!! Would definitely recommend it!! If it was me id go for the limited, so you still get to keep the stow n go seating. In my opinion the seats are still very comfortable to me.
@@jamespenner1412 thanks. I have to compare the Limited to the Touring L to see what the differences are. I only compared Touring L and Pinnacle previously (minus the quick pricing check I mentioned above between Limited and Pinnacle)
It looks like it's only the right front. Would be funny if the factory screwed up while building a car for press use. If so, that would be pretty embarassing.
@@pablochacon40 new car.. press vehicle... Snow on the ground. Someone curbed the bitch in the last test drive while it was snowing. Or maybe they ship it like that with one different rim but idk.
Totally agree that minivans are more versatile than 3 row SUV. Only thing AWD minivans are missing is tow rating. If minivan manufacture figures out a 4000-5000 lbs tow rating on paper, I think they could sell/steal more unit sales from SUV buyers.
It always confused me why minivans have been stuck at a max tow rating of 3500 pounds. Part of me thinks manufacturers don't configure minivans to tow as much as their crossovers cause they fear taking away one of the biggest reasons why people buy crossovers ovee minivans. When you consider that the hybrid sienna tows as much as the hybrid highlander, it makes me wonder why the gasoline highlander out-towed the gasoline Sienna 5000 to 3500.
This is the exact reason they don’t make minivans tow or have higher ground clearance. You don’t get more sales you trade your SUV sales for minivan sales. You need to keep them separate . It’s the same reason the Subaru Crosstrek doesn’t come in turbo otherwise you lose WRX/STI sales . This can be said about many manufacturers like the Toyota 86 and Toyota Supra . Why buy a $60k Supra if the $30k 86 has a turbo engine .
I had a co-worker with an 03 Chrysler minivan with AWD and it did amazing in the snow. Something about the even weight distribution or something made it work really well. Its limiting factor was ground clearance. And despite this one not being the best in the 3 wheel slip test, it would still most likely be good in the snow with proper tires.
Hey, Tommy, I love these tests. Very informative and I think useful. I would suggest that you chalk mark the wheels which would help show how much the wheel is spinning.
I noticed that too. Maybe the rims have sensors in them and the right front is missing the sensor? That would seem odd, but Chrysler sometimes does weird stuff.
So, the RIGHT FRONT WHEEL! ... and I think he did some kind of traction test... it wound not have been so bad if he had offered any explanation in the beginning.
There’s an old school trick to getting traction when needed. But this only works when the parking brakes effect the driven wheels, like rear wheel drive, with a parking brake in the rear. As the one wheel without traction gets all the power an spins freely, slowly apply the emergency/parking brake, sometimes that will end up sending some power across to the other driven wheel, just enough to get you moving! That worked especially well when I was a forklift driver, I amazed other forklift operators watching me helplessly spinning one drive wheel on an slippery wet floor, or on uneven surface with one drive wheel up off the ground, I would pull back on the parking brake lever, the spinning wheel would stop and I’d be free!! But in a lot of newer vehicles, the parking brakes are electric, that also stop the engine from sending power!
I love the TFL slip test. It really shows how AWD systems are performing. Also, I'd love to see a slip test on a Wrangler Rubicon - that would be a really short video.
@@samuelgarcia1464 exactly jeep and chrysler are not even designed by Americans anymore. On the moose test of a jeep it was an Italian speakingengineering team that showed up to correct the suspension despite the test being done in Canada. Made in America my a..
Merry Christmas! For a family hauler at a competitive price I think the van did a great job. The people who are likely to purchase these van’s are not recreation or professional drivers, when getting stuck they just going to floor it. I think the programming choices plays into that. Nice review,
Merry Christmas TFL from the UK, I really like your slip testing, the results achieved are sometimes surprising, one question though, have you ever tried the slip tests in reverse gear? As someone may need to reverse out of trouble, Does it make any difference to the traction control?
The wife and I bought the 2020 launch edition and love it. Our van has done well in the rain, like down pouring rain, no snow driving as of yet, though. Alot of cars and trucks don't really think the Pacifica has a good launch off the line but its almost as good as my 2015 200s v6.
You need to stay on the throttle for the traction control to figure it out and work is normal. If you are going to count on traction control to help in ice or off road on greasy mud you stay on the throttle a little no matter what and left foot brake to slow down until you are thru the low traction area.
I've owned a Durango for years and drove it every WE to ski resorts no matter the road conditions. This SUV is a beast and if this AWD tech is somewhat similar to the other FCA AWD like the durango, this Van will be awesome no doubt. If FCA releases an AWD-PHEV version with a little towing capacity (like 2K Lbs), this thing will be in my driveway. Quick question..do you think the traction control may consider the outside temperature in order to assume slippery roads ? Iin other words, may the results differ if you are 0 deg C or under ?
AWD system in the Durango is the same as the Grand Cherokee Quadra Drive I. It's a completely different AWD system than the Pacifica FWD biased AWD system and I'd take the Quadra Drive I system anyday over a FWD biased AWD system.
Likely no AWD version of the hybrid will be made in this generation as there is no room left for the rear AWD components. The transverse AWD system is also a lot different than the one in the longitudinal Durango.
I read at some point that the AWD is activated under different circumstances, like when the tire slip but supposedly if the windshield wipers are on it will automatically engage the AWD, I wonder if that would change the slip test because it wouldn’t have to wait to activate the AWD
I would really like to see this test done on more AWD systems out there. I'm thinking a lot of these FWD based AWD systems are more marketing than actual capability.
I'm not a minivan fan but. gotta say the pacifica really is beautiful. I once drove one in 2016 when I did a transfer for a car dealership. Was really impressed by what Chrysler came up with . Smooth driving , sporty but not sporty felt more like driving the Chrysler 200 .
I’m not a Chrysler fan in any way whatsoever but I’m kind of liking the look of the Pacifica - and that blue color with the dark wheels looks pretty cool. Next, maybe do the same test for the new Sienna and then take both minivans out to do some real traction testing in the snow. Keep up the good work.
TFL, I think you need to do a series of slip tests for trucks with the rollers (I know you already do them in snow), to show the difference between various drive configurations. I think it would go far to educate truck buyers on what they are getting vs what was marketed to them. You could do 2wd, 4x4 with open differentials, 4x4 with limited slip, and 4x4 with lockers. Show the difference between 4 auto, 4hi and 4lo as well on the rollers for each configuration. For kicks, throw in the Honda Ridgeline with its torque vectoring AWD (I know you technically have already demonstrated that system on the Passport and it was excellent, but it would be interesting to see it in the truck series). If you do this next year, you might even get to include the upcoming Ford Maverick (which is rumored to have the baby Bronco drivetrain) and the Hyundai Santa Cruz (with whatever it will have). Thanks for all you show in these, I hope you can entertain this suggestion as it would be very informative.
I admit, it would be very entertaining to see a "4x4" with open differentials spinning 3 tires and going nowhere on the 3 wheel test, and 2 tires and going nowhere on the diagonal test.
I live in Canada and the streets we drive on in the city are all ice, just like a skating rink. Is this AWD system considered part time AWD? Come to Winnipeg, Manitoba and then do a real condition test. I would hope you would use winter tires, studless and studded. In the Winter its -50 Celcius.
This test really illustrates the reality that AWD in 2020 is about implementation and software more than hardware. I would guess this has the same AWD hardware as the Renegade from their Tier I supplier GKN, with the addition of the disconnecting PTU. So why is one highly capable off-road while the other barely gets off the rollers? Programing and intended function. In the real world, this may be programmed to be more predictable and safe and less ideal in a test like this, i.e. max grip is less important than total vehicle stability, and NVH. What we need is some 3rd party or even the manufacture to start selling tunes for the AWD. I'd bet even this wimpy standard PTU/RDM system could be tuned to be slightly rear-biased and a little more fun. Throw in a few sway bar tweaks and you'd probably have a fun little wagon.
You may want to check the facts on the AWD system. It's an AAM ecotrac AWD system. AAM has stated and others have tested (me) that the AWD system is always active at low speeds and tapers off to FWD mode after getting up to speed. This AWD system is identical to the Active Drive 1 AWD used on the Cherokee KL, the difference is that there is no selec terrain control over the AWD or transmission
Now that we know that a lot of throttle is necessary I would love to see a retest with high throttle from the getgo! This would help to discover whether success was a time-based or a power-based function of the computer.
So is my Impala in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You don’t need AWD for snow.. and just about every car I see in the ditch is a 4x4 or AWD driven by people who thought the laws of physics didn’t apply to them. If you’re having trouble accelerating with front wheel drive.. it means you are going to have even more difficulty steering or braking with AWD.
@@Bartonovich52 True, and a 2 wheel drive pickup truck with no weight in the bed is a major pain in the ass, snow tires or not. Learned that the hard way. Don't get me started on lifted 4x4's with mud terrain tires in the snow hauling ass in snow/ski country during the winter.
@@floof4444 Yep. I relocated from the southwest to the northeast in the early 2000's with a Tacoma "pre-runner" 2WD drive that had a rear locker. Completely useless in the snowy/icy conditions of New England. I was no stranger to driving in snowy conditions on ski trips, but not in a 2WD truck. A trip to Lowes to toss four 50lb bags of play sand in the bed made it at least workable, yet still a pain in the ass. Tires and weight over the drive axle were key.
Hey...it made it....i believe you had other cars and suvs that failed the TFL slip test...so koodos to Pacifica....as always ....great job and Happy Holidays to you, your crew and family.
Tommy, these tests are very informative. Keep them going in 2021. I hear your dad and Mr Truck are hi over Asia doing 0 to 60 SMPH tests (Santa Miles Per Hour) Now jack the van up 4", put on 34" off-road tires, need to have side dumps for the exhaust and flames painted on coming out of the front wheel wells. Oh, and for Andre, fuzzy dice from the rearview mirror. For the Cherry on top, an 8track tape player with the Monkeys and Bobby Sherman blasting through the 4 watt 6x9 Tri-axial speakers placed in 1/2" plywood boxes just big enough to hold the speaker grills in place. Then just tossed into the very back just rolling around loose. OH I miss 1978 and the Dodge Powerwagon Stepside (The fastest production vehicle made that year.)
Have you guys done a TFL Slip Test on any of the modern Volvo’s with true AWD (not the ‘E-AWD’ hybrids)? I cant find one on UA-cam. I’m curious how the AWD system in my 2020 V90 Cross County would stack up against other FWD biased AWD systems like on this Pacifica.
I hate how all these car makers are putting really expensive torque vectoring differentials in their cars and then not programming them to work correctly. The RAV4, Acura RDX, and this Pacifica all struggle with basic traction tests. I’m guessing that these diffs are so expensive and complex, they don’t want warranty claims, so they just deprogram them. Ultimately, your paying extra just for the “torque vectoring” marketing without the capability.
I’m shocked that this is the ONLY video out of the millions of videos on UA-cam that show a Chrysler Pacifica on a roller test….. There are several other minivans that now have all wheel drive. Seeing is how you’re the only one doing these roller tests on video, can you do a roller test on the other all wheel drive minivans? Thank you
I believe trac off is better in the manual it states that when turning trac off the Bld (brake lock differential) stays active but doesn’t limit torque.
If these didn't cost so much, I think they would be a great alternative to a crossover. It will take 4-6 years for them to be practical to purchase in the used market.
I don’t think you guys ever did one on the previous Gen sienna awd. It’s a more traditional AWD system so I’d like to see how it performs compared to the new hybrid AWD systems
Great test, I have a 2019 Pacifica Sport in the Detroit area without AWD and it is horrible in the snow. I absolutely love my Pacifica Sport (perfect vehicle for my Golden Retrievers) and I am considering buying a 2022 with AWD.
With the Jeep brand and history of Chrysler’s AWD systems, I’m not surprised that this system performed fairly well. My guess is the second iteration of the AWD Pacifica will perform even better.
That is because LSD systems are based off inertia so when you give it a lot of throttle, it engages the inertia, which then engages the LSD so often spin both tires thus getting you unstuck with just one tire on the ground
As far as throttle input as long as it gets off that’s all most people want. A lot of people tend to floor in those situations and momentum plays a key role to . This awd is good to say the least
This appears to be the Limited AWD model equip with the S package. As such buyers are given the option between the standard 18” wheel (on the rear) and the optional 20” wheel (on the front). As others have mentioned, it’s probably a press vehicle which explain why it’s demonstrating the options. Just a guess, but that’s my .02 cents.
This was a good video to highlight how AWD systems that do not have torque vectoring struggle using the simpler brake traction control. This is roughly similar to 4WD Hi setting on a pickup/SUV. The Honda, Buick, and Audi AWD systems are still the benchmark.
It doesn't really matter how much work, as you put it, that had to be done, cause in the real snow and icy weather is where it makes a difference!!! I'd rather have to work at it a little and get unstuck than to be buried nose first in snow....or an inch or so in the mud like I was in 2009 in Crawford, Mississippi like I was in my 2008 Dodge Caravan that I once owned. Nothing is perfect. You proved your point! The AWD worked! That's all that matters. Those who like it can feel good about buying one! If I weren't on a fixed income, because of my disabilities, I would buy one. But, I will just hold onto my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.
I wish the middle row seats fold to become a coffee table with recessed cup holder like my old 2005 sienna. Glad it's not the only awd van in market now
I think the Pacifica did as well as one can expect from a minivan. Not a Rubicon but that’s not it’s purpose. I think this test demonstrates that in a few inches of snow, you would be perfectly fine and perform better than with FWD only. Once a few inches became 6 or 8, then you’d want a more substantial all wheel drive or true 4x4.
That mini-van did do much better than my Uncle's old Willys Jeep did with the old part time four wheel drive. The Willys Jeep had open differentials. So if even one wheel on both ends spins, the Jeep would go nowhere.
I currently drive a 14 caravan i wish dodge and chrysler should've kept awd on all the minivans and now they come out with this after 15 16 years 😢 but the van did pretty good in the test I be scared of damaging the transmission 😮
Minivans have to be the least sexy videos on UA-cam but I found this valuable. I'm 99% sure our next vehicle purchase is a minivan (50% Toyota, 45% Honda, 5% this). We're in the Northeast and awd would be nice, but I think overall quality is more important to us.
Merry Christmas to all of you at TFL. You guys are an asset to the motoring public! Love your reviews and honest opinions you provide. Too bad with the Land Rover. I really don't know why your dad loves those money pits. Oh well, to each his own!
I LOVED the slip test just a few bugs to work out of it, BUT..... Please Chrysler up Grade the sound systems speakers to Bose Speakers so we really can rock our music inside Van / Car, I'm waiting on the 2022 model.
If it wouldnt of got of the rollers I would of not been impressed, since it made it off in every scenario I'd say it did good even if it took a bit of throttle to do it.
@@tundrav8georgia Toyota hybrids only send about 100 lb-ft of torque and won't pass all of the tests. Sh*t! Even mechanical RAV4 will have problems as will Lexus. Pure junk!
@@normt430 Having worked at both a Chrysler and Toyota dealership I can say for a fact that Toyotas are much better than the shitboxes that FCA make. Plus I don't make as much on the endless warranty repairs of FCA products!
@@doge3760 complete horseshit. Toyota warranty work is very common. My neighbor is a master mechanic for the local Toyota dealer. If you truly worked at a Toyota dealership you’d know that the new Toyota’s are nothing like the reliable ones from the 2000 and before.
7:11 it looks like not the only rear left wheel is pushing van due to AWD, but the front left is no longer on rolling tubes and it has traction with the body of rollers.
To make a more informed decision on which AWD vehicle might be better for me, I would like to see how many turns it takes each wheel to get off the rollers. Maybe a strip of white tape or chalk on each tire to record each vehicle model for each test. Just my two cents. P.S. it would also be really cool to have guests days so that fans could visit.
I'm about 20 min from Boulder if you ever need a real family test drive of this van. You think this van could go off road, on any scale? I would love to see what is the best family overlander. I got 4 little kids and been looking around so we can take the whole family off road.
One thing you could consider is that an average driver will not gently accelerate on a road with little to no traction. They're gonna freak out and stomp the hell out of that gas pedal to get going, so Chrysler probably designed the system around that idea and to react accordingly. That said, I liked that your review showed that Chrysler could improve the reaction time of the AWD system. Perhaps other companies can do the same for theirs. BTW, what's with the different rims??? 😆
Hi from ottawa canada! You did a good job. Acutally you are the only one who did this test for pacifica awd. I am very interested to get that one. After seeing your video, i starts a little bit worry about it. Yes, it is awd, but not very powerful/smart awd....how can i do?
I think it's just a matter of the build/ engineering. Yeah it would be better if it came off sooner but ok, so you have to give it a little more oomf. I would be curious to see if the computer would "learn" in time or if it changes after it broken in. I think it did pretty well for a family minivan. I'd like to take it out on snowy roads or on slushy snowy highways. 👍😉
Merry Christmas TFL crew, enjoying vids leading to Christmas have great Christmas 🎄
Would love to see a snow driving comparison of the AWD Pacifica vs. AWD Sienna.
The Pacifica would run rings around the new Sienna AWD!
@@normt430 until it breaks down!
@@AG-rk5hj I'm on the PacHy FB page. They don't break down and one highest rated by Consumer Reports.
@Cletus Ross then why would it break down? They just came out in 2017 so there are a few years of good history.
@Cletus Ross you just straight up hating bruh
We bought an awd Pacifica a month ago and it's very impressive in real world ice and snow conditions, it sticks to the road very well, even with the factory highway tires.
What trim level did you go with? We are looking at the new Pacificas and leaning towards the Limited AWD
@@mike_a13 went with the touring L awd, very nice, had the 360 cameras, leather, DVD, and stow n go, yes the limited is quite a bit nicer
@@jamespenner1412 How has it held up? We are in the market now. Still not sure which package. The Pinnacle is beautiful but expensive. We want to add the rear entertainment which the Pinnacle comes with so it closes the gap completely over the Limited and somewhat over the Touring L
@Lets DIY It it's been great!! Would definitely recommend it!! If it was me id go for the limited, so you still get to keep the stow n go seating. In my opinion the seats are still very comfortable to me.
@@jamespenner1412 thanks. I have to compare the Limited to the Touring L to see what the differences are. I only compared Touring L and Pinnacle previously (minus the quick pricing check I mentioned above between Limited and Pinnacle)
What’s up with the different front rims vs rear rims on that thing
It looks like it's only the right front. Would be funny if the factory screwed up while building a car for press use. If so, that would be pretty embarassing.
It’s the new trend like kids now wearing different color socks 🧦 on
@@pablochacon40 new car.. press vehicle... Snow on the ground. Someone curbed the bitch in the last test drive while it was snowing. Or maybe they ship it like that with one different rim but idk.
The color is identical so this could be a repeating trend of the 70’s
If it was a press vehicle, they probably sent it that way showing two rim options
Totally agree that minivans are more versatile than 3 row SUV. Only thing AWD minivans are missing is tow rating. If minivan manufacture figures out a 4000-5000 lbs tow rating on paper, I think they could sell/steal more unit sales from SUV buyers.
It always confused me why minivans have been stuck at a max tow rating of 3500 pounds. Part of me thinks manufacturers don't configure minivans to tow as much as their crossovers cause they fear taking away one of the biggest reasons why people buy crossovers ovee minivans. When you consider that the hybrid sienna tows as much as the hybrid highlander, it makes me wonder why the gasoline highlander out-towed the gasoline Sienna 5000 to 3500.
Because it’s all about the money and that will Take sales from their bigger ticket items such as cross-overs and trucks.
But they don't want to do that, because SUVs make them more money.
The other thing minivans are missing is ground clearance. I take your point though, minivans are superior to 3 row CUV's in almost every way.
This is the exact reason they don’t make minivans tow or have higher ground clearance. You don’t get more sales you trade your SUV sales for minivan sales. You need to keep them separate .
It’s the same reason the Subaru Crosstrek doesn’t come in turbo otherwise you lose WRX/STI sales . This can be said about many manufacturers like the Toyota 86 and Toyota Supra . Why buy a $60k Supra if the $30k 86 has a turbo engine .
These tests deserve a channel of their own! Keep them coming!
There is European one, very nice tests.
I had a co-worker with an 03 Chrysler minivan with AWD and it did amazing in the snow. Something about the even weight distribution or something made it work really well. Its limiting factor was ground clearance. And despite this one not being the best in the 3 wheel slip test, it would still most likely be good in the snow with proper tires.
Hey, Tommy, I love these tests. Very informative and I think useful. I would suggest that you chalk mark the wheels which would help show how much the wheel is spinning.
If you get into slippery conditions with the Pacifica, GUN IT! 😀 Merry Christmas TFL!
Hey Tommy did you notice on the mini van it had a different rim, on the right hand front and maybe different size?
Good spot
I noticed that too. Maybe the rims have sensors in them and the right front is missing the sensor? That would seem odd, but Chrysler sometimes does weird stuff.
That is a new design trend now in the auto industry.
That was the first thing I noticed also. Very distracting!
So, the RIGHT FRONT WHEEL! ... and I think he did some kind of traction test... it wound not have been so bad if he had offered any explanation in the beginning.
There’s an old school trick to getting traction when needed. But this only works when the parking brakes effect the driven wheels, like rear wheel drive, with a parking brake in the rear. As the one wheel without traction gets all the power an spins freely, slowly apply the emergency/parking brake, sometimes that will end up sending some power across to the other driven wheel, just enough to get you moving! That worked especially well when I was a forklift driver, I amazed other forklift operators watching me helplessly spinning one drive wheel on an slippery wet floor, or on uneven surface with one drive wheel up off the ground, I would pull back on the parking brake lever, the spinning wheel would stop and I’d be free!! But in a lot of newer vehicles, the parking brakes are electric, that also stop the engine from sending power!
I love the TFL slip test. It really shows how AWD systems are performing. Also, I'd love to see a slip test on a Wrangler Rubicon - that would be a really short video.
Why is the right front a different rim? Even a spare would be matching ??
Once I saw that, that’s all I could focus on, trying to figure out what was happening.
@@slscamg Chrysler Build Quality!
Not a Chrysler its a fiat
I came here for this 😂
@@samuelgarcia1464 exactly jeep and chrysler are not even designed by Americans anymore. On the moose test of a jeep it was an Italian speakingengineering team that showed up to correct the suspension despite the test being done in Canada. Made in America my a..
Merry Christmas!
For a family hauler at a competitive price I think the van did a great job.
The people who are likely to purchase these van’s are not recreation or professional drivers, when getting stuck they just going to floor it.
I think the programming choices plays into that.
Nice review,
Merry Christmas TFL from the UK, I really like your slip testing, the results achieved are sometimes surprising, one question though, have you ever tried the slip tests in reverse gear? As someone may need to reverse out of trouble, Does it make any difference to the traction control?
The wife and I bought the 2020 launch edition and love it. Our van has done well in the rain, like down pouring rain, no snow driving as of yet, though. Alot of cars and trucks don't really think the Pacifica has a good launch off the line but its almost as good as my 2015 200s v6.
That first gear is crazy low. Zooom
My wife has a 17 pacifica, and we are considering the awd when we trade in 1-2 yrs. This was very informative. Thank you.
That Pacifica Hybrid with fed incentives is enticing. One of the best too!
@Grogu Djarin Mazda does similar as their AWD syatem is about as bad as they come.
Please do a slip test on the new sienna AWD!
We bought a plug-in hybrid Pacifica and it’s been amazing. I wish AWD would have been an option when we bought it.
@@RalphieTheCat We don’t need awd, but it is nice when driving in the snow.
Great test, did you do this for the Sienna?
2018 Pacifica is great...negative problems. Will be getting a 2021 next year! Love to drive these vans!
You need to stay on the throttle for the traction control to figure it out and work is normal. If you are going to count on traction control to help in ice or off road on greasy mud you stay on the throttle a little no matter what and left foot brake to slow down until you are thru the low traction area.
I love my 2020 launch edition that I just got the end of November it handles western NY winter well so far
I've owned a Durango for years and drove it every WE to ski resorts no matter the road conditions. This SUV is a beast and if this AWD tech is somewhat similar to the other FCA AWD like the durango, this Van will be awesome no doubt. If FCA releases an AWD-PHEV version with a little towing capacity (like 2K Lbs), this thing will be in my driveway. Quick question..do you think the traction control may consider the outside temperature in order to assume slippery roads ? Iin other words, may the results differ if you are 0 deg C or under ?
AWD system in the Durango is the same as the Grand Cherokee Quadra Drive I. It's a completely different AWD system than the Pacifica FWD biased AWD system and I'd take the Quadra Drive I system anyday over a FWD biased AWD system.
you'd be in a ditch before this van figured out which wheel needed more power.
@@trippplefive I own a new awd Pacifica and its actually very impressive for handling of ice I was blown away
Likely no AWD version of the hybrid will be made in this generation as there is no room left for the rear AWD components.
The transverse AWD system is also a lot different than the one in the longitudinal Durango.
Why have a crappy mild hybrid when you can have a HELLCAT??
I read at some point that the AWD is activated under different circumstances, like when the tire slip but supposedly if the windshield wipers are on it will automatically engage the AWD, I wonder if that would change the slip test because it wouldn’t have to wait to activate the AWD
I would really like to see this test done on more AWD systems out there. I'm thinking a lot of these FWD based AWD systems are more marketing than actual capability.
Majority of fwd based awd systems aren't able to pass only the test when just one rear wheel has grip.
This system is what's used on the Cherokee KL it works extremely well. ua-cam.com/video/6xeFPSf4IXA/v-deo.html
I'm not a minivan fan but. gotta say the pacifica really is beautiful. I once drove one in 2016 when I did a transfer for a car dealership. Was really impressed by what Chrysler came up with . Smooth driving , sporty but not sporty felt more like driving the Chrysler 200 .
I’m not a Chrysler fan in any way whatsoever but I’m kind of liking the look of the Pacifica - and that blue color with the dark wheels looks pretty cool.
Next, maybe do the same test for the new Sienna and then take both minivans out to do some real traction testing in the snow. Keep up the good work.
Can you please do awd testing on palisade or telluride aswell.
I’ve never seen this test before… cool concept. The van did far better than I would expect
Merry Christmas Team TFL! For 2021 I am looking forward to the Slip Test on the GR Yaris.
Merry Christmas ☃️🎄
boi GR Yaris, needs rocket testing
GR Yaris isn’t coming to the states
Lmao yeah okay. High school boys are all on the edge of their seats waiting for that test.
@@haroldbeauchamp3770 That's funny, didn't we just watch this video which was presented by a high school boy or one barely out of high school?
TFL, I think you need to do a series of slip tests for trucks with the rollers (I know you already do them in snow), to show the difference between various drive configurations. I think it would go far to educate truck buyers on what they are getting vs what was marketed to them. You could do 2wd, 4x4 with open differentials, 4x4 with limited slip, and 4x4 with lockers. Show the difference between 4 auto, 4hi and 4lo as well on the rollers for each configuration. For kicks, throw in the Honda Ridgeline with its torque vectoring AWD (I know you technically have already demonstrated that system on the Passport and it was excellent, but it would be interesting to see it in the truck series). If you do this next year, you might even get to include the upcoming Ford Maverick (which is rumored to have the baby Bronco drivetrain) and the Hyundai Santa Cruz (with whatever it will have). Thanks for all you show in these, I hope you can entertain this suggestion as it would be very informative.
I admit, it would be very entertaining to see a "4x4" with open differentials spinning 3 tires and going nowhere on the 3 wheel test, and 2 tires and going nowhere on the diagonal test.
I live in Canada and the streets we drive on in the city are all ice, just like a skating rink. Is this AWD system considered part time AWD? Come to Winnipeg, Manitoba and then do a real condition test. I would hope you would use winter tires, studless and studded. In the Winter its -50 Celcius.
havent watched the other pacifica vids yet, but why is the front right rim mismatched?
This test really illustrates the reality that AWD in 2020 is about implementation and software more than hardware. I would guess this has the same AWD hardware as the Renegade from their Tier I supplier GKN, with the addition of the disconnecting PTU. So why is one highly capable off-road while the other barely gets off the rollers? Programing and intended function. In the real world, this may be programmed to be more predictable and safe and less ideal in a test like this, i.e. max grip is less important than total vehicle stability, and NVH. What we need is some 3rd party or even the manufacture to start selling tunes for the AWD. I'd bet even this wimpy standard PTU/RDM system could be tuned to be slightly rear-biased and a little more fun. Throw in a few sway bar tweaks and you'd probably have a fun little wagon.
"We pulled ourselves off" just beautiful
You may want to check the facts on the AWD system. It's an AAM ecotrac AWD system. AAM has stated and others have tested (me) that the AWD system is always active at low speeds and tapers off to FWD mode after getting up to speed. This AWD system is identical to the Active Drive 1 AWD used on the Cherokee KL, the difference is that there is no selec terrain control over the AWD or transmission
Now that we know that a lot of throttle is necessary I would love to see a retest with high throttle from the getgo! This would help to discover whether success was a time-based or a power-based function of the computer.
Power based it looks like
That test was perfect. I give it a 10 out of 10. It's a minivan 🚐... what more can you ask for... at least it got unstuck dolo
It would nice if it did have a lock differential switch.
Probably be a great family hauler in snow country with 3 peak rated or dedicated snow tires.
So is my Impala in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
You don’t need AWD for snow.. and just about every car I see in the ditch is a 4x4 or AWD driven by people who thought the laws of physics didn’t apply to them.
If you’re having trouble accelerating with front wheel drive.. it means you are going to have even more difficulty steering or braking with AWD.
@@Bartonovich52 True, and a 2 wheel drive pickup truck with no weight in the bed is a major pain in the ass, snow tires or not. Learned that the hard way. Don't get me started on lifted 4x4's with mud terrain tires in the snow hauling ass in snow/ski country during the winter.
@@zonacrs I agree. Can't tell you how many times my ranger got stuck just for the no rear weight reason alone
@@floof4444 Yep. I relocated from the southwest to the northeast in the early 2000's with a Tacoma "pre-runner" 2WD drive that had a rear locker. Completely useless in the snowy/icy conditions of New England. I was no stranger to driving in snowy conditions on ski trips, but not in a 2WD truck. A trip to Lowes to toss four 50lb bags of play sand in the bed made it at least workable, yet still a pain in the ass. Tires and weight over the drive axle were key.
@@zonacrs mhmm
This is half entertainment and half useful.... cool to watch. thanks for making this video!
A great test and the Mini-Van did great . You need to try the Lemon(Defender) on this test it would be good for a laugh.
That's great the van passed the test. Sure it can do better but for a minivan I think that's great results
Hey...it made it....i believe you had other cars and suvs that failed the TFL slip test...so koodos to Pacifica....as always ....great job and Happy Holidays to you, your crew and family.
The average driver this AWD should be fine I would think. It’s like an old school open diff. Slip test the world!
So much better than Toyota AWD systems!
@@normt430 Nope the Camry AWD is better than this shitbox
Tried the Camry AWD in the snow and I slid into a pole
@@hotwheelinroblox7348 ...because of the tires. Nothing to do with the car or awd system.
@@hotwheelinroblox7348 seems like it’s a driver skill issue and not the car
Yes! Thanks for the slip test! Look forward to more of these!
This feels like a setup! That minivan has different rims with probably different tires on each corner! Thinking twice about you guys now!🤔
Tommy, these tests are very informative. Keep them going in 2021. I hear your dad and Mr Truck are hi over Asia doing 0 to 60 SMPH tests (Santa Miles Per Hour) Now jack the van up 4", put on 34" off-road tires, need to have side dumps for the exhaust and flames painted on coming out of the front wheel wells. Oh, and for Andre, fuzzy dice from the rearview mirror. For the Cherry on top, an 8track tape player with the Monkeys and Bobby Sherman blasting through the 4 watt 6x9 Tri-axial speakers placed in 1/2" plywood boxes just big enough to hold the speaker grills in place. Then just tossed into the very back just rolling around loose. OH I miss 1978 and the Dodge Powerwagon Stepside (The fastest production vehicle made that year.)
Have you guys done a TFL Slip Test on any of the modern Volvo’s with true AWD (not the ‘E-AWD’ hybrids)? I cant find one on UA-cam. I’m curious how the AWD system in my 2020 V90 Cross County would stack up against other FWD biased AWD systems like on this Pacifica.
I tested V90 Cross Country D5 from 2018, great result.
I hate how all these car makers are putting really expensive torque vectoring differentials in their cars and then not programming them to work correctly. The RAV4, Acura RDX, and this Pacifica all struggle with basic traction tests. I’m guessing that these diffs are so expensive and complex, they don’t want warranty claims, so they just deprogram them. Ultimately, your paying extra just for the “torque vectoring” marketing without the capability.
I would really like to see the slip test on used vehicules. Like a 2010 rav4 AWD by exemple. I would like to see how older cars could do
I did a lot of tests of older cars, the oldest was from 1988.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers glad you commented. Love your channel. Keep up the good work.
@@haroldbeauchamp3770 Thanks 🙂
Anyone explain why the rims are different ? 😅
The factory probably put on the wrong one.
I’m shocked that this is the ONLY video out of the millions of videos on UA-cam that show a Chrysler Pacifica on a roller test…..
There are several other minivans that now have all wheel drive. Seeing is how you’re the only one doing these roller tests on video, can you do a roller test on the other all wheel drive minivans? Thank you
I believe trac off is better in the manual it states that when turning trac off the Bld (brake lock differential) stays active but doesn’t limit torque.
If these didn't cost so much, I think they would be a great alternative to a crossover. It will take 4-6 years for them to be practical to purchase in the used market.
Dumb question but why are the front rims different from the rear?
I don’t think you guys ever did one on the previous Gen sienna awd. It’s a more traditional AWD system so I’d like to see how it performs compared to the new hybrid AWD systems
Great test, I have a 2019 Pacifica Sport in the Detroit area without AWD and it is horrible in the snow. I absolutely love my Pacifica Sport (perfect vehicle for my Golden Retrievers) and I am considering buying a 2022 with AWD.
With the Jeep brand and history of Chrysler’s AWD systems, I’m not surprised that this system performed fairly well. My guess is the second iteration of the AWD Pacifica will perform even better.
Love our Pacifica hybrid. Has been beyond expectations for fuel mileage too
That is because LSD systems are based off inertia so when you give it a lot of throttle, it engages the inertia, which then engages the LSD so often spin both tires thus getting you unstuck with just one tire on the ground
As far as throttle input as long as it gets off that’s all most people want. A lot of people tend to floor in those situations and momentum plays a key role to . This awd is good to say the least
This appears to be the Limited AWD model equip with the S package. As such buyers are given the option between the standard 18” wheel (on the rear) and the optional 20” wheel (on the front). As others have mentioned, it’s probably a press vehicle which explain why it’s demonstrating the options. Just a guess, but that’s my .02 cents.
I have a 2015 Chrysler 300S AWD and it is a tank in snow ice and Mud it doesnt care how deep the snow is it just goes
why not engage the reverse gear? different weights distribuition is a variable. this render the test closer to real life scenarios.
The point is...It DID WORK as advertised.
Happy New Year. Enjoyed the test. Did what it had to do. Broke loose.
This was a good video to highlight how AWD systems that do not have torque vectoring struggle using the simpler brake traction control. This is roughly similar to 4WD Hi setting on a pickup/SUV. The Honda, Buick, and Audi AWD systems are still the benchmark.
Have you tested the 2021 Toyota Sienna AWD?
It doesn't really matter how much work, as you put it, that had to be done, cause in the real snow and icy weather is where it makes a difference!!! I'd rather have to work at it a little and get unstuck than to be buried nose first in snow....or an inch or so in the mud like I was in 2009 in Crawford, Mississippi like I was in my 2008 Dodge Caravan that I once owned. Nothing is perfect. You proved your point! The AWD worked! That's all that matters. Those who like it can feel good about buying one! If I weren't on a fixed income, because of my disabilities, I would buy one. But, I will just hold onto my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.
I wish the middle row seats fold to become a coffee table with recessed cup holder like my old 2005 sienna.
Glad it's not the only awd van in market now
I think the Pacifica did as well as one can expect from a minivan. Not a Rubicon but that’s not it’s purpose. I think this test demonstrates that in a few inches of snow, you would be perfectly fine and perform better than with FWD only. Once a few inches became 6 or 8, then you’d want a more substantial all wheel drive or true 4x4.
That mini-van did do much better than my Uncle's old Willys Jeep did with the old part time four wheel drive. The Willys Jeep had open differentials. So if even one wheel on both ends spins, the Jeep would go nowhere.
Could you do a similar slip test on the 2021 Toyota Sienna AWD?
I currently drive a 14 caravan i wish dodge and chrysler should've kept awd on all the minivans and now they come out with this after 15 16 years 😢 but the van did pretty good in the test I be scared of damaging the transmission 😮
Minivans have to be the least sexy videos on UA-cam but I found this valuable. I'm 99% sure our next vehicle purchase is a minivan (50% Toyota, 45% Honda, 5% this). We're in the Northeast and awd would be nice, but I think overall quality is more important to us.
Why is the front right wheel different
Merry Christmas to all of you at TFL. You guys are an asset to the motoring public! Love your reviews and honest opinions you provide. Too bad with the Land Rover. I really don't know why your dad loves those money pits. Oh well, to each his own!
About the diagonal test. Add 2 more no roller equipped pads to level the car.
I LOVED the slip test just a few bugs to work out of it, BUT..... Please Chrysler up Grade the sound systems speakers to Bose Speakers so we really can rock our music inside Van / Car, I'm waiting on the 2022 model.
If it wouldnt of got of the rollers I would of not been impressed, since it made it off in every scenario I'd say it did good even if it took a bit of throttle to do it.
Agreed. Minivans are still as practical as ever but psychology has worked its magic on most ppl.
Happy to see some competition for the Toyota Sienna. AWD in a minivan makes sense. I just wish Honda would catch on.
Have you done the sienna AWD roller test yet? It would be interesting to compare.
It will fail as do all Toyota Hybrid with electric on the rear wheels.
@@normt430 wrong lol thanks on the joke
@@tundrav8georgia Toyota hybrids only send about 100 lb-ft of torque and won't pass all of the tests. Sh*t! Even mechanical RAV4 will have problems as will Lexus.
Pure junk!
@@normt430 Having worked at both a Chrysler and Toyota dealership I can say for a fact that Toyotas are much better than the shitboxes that FCA make. Plus I don't make as much on the endless warranty repairs of FCA products!
@@doge3760 complete horseshit. Toyota warranty work is very common. My neighbor is a master mechanic for the local Toyota dealer. If you truly worked at a Toyota dealership you’d know that the new Toyota’s are nothing like the reliable ones from the 2000 and before.
7:11 it looks like not the only rear left wheel is pushing van due to AWD, but the front left is no longer on rolling tubes and it has traction with the body of rollers.
Loved this honest test, subscribed
Good work. So is the van.
To make a more informed decision on which AWD vehicle might be better for me, I would like to see how many turns it takes each wheel to get off the rollers. Maybe a strip of white tape or chalk on each tire to record each vehicle model for each test. Just my two cents. P.S. it would also be really cool to have guests days so that fans could visit.
I would love to see a Lexus GS AWD tested like this.
I would love to see in minivan with all-wheel drive and stow and go seating where all of the seats fold into the floor.
I'm about 20 min from Boulder if you ever need a real family test drive of this van. You think this van could go off road, on any scale? I would love to see what is the best family overlander. I got 4 little kids and been looking around so we can take the whole family off road.
How about testing older awd vehicles? Older Toyota Sienna, older Hyundai and Mitsubishi.?
Why right wheel has a different rim?
I have an 2007 awd pacifica limited. It's great in the snow.
One thing you could consider is that an average driver will not gently accelerate on a road with little to no traction. They're gonna freak out and stomp the hell out of that gas pedal to get going, so Chrysler probably designed the system around that idea and to react accordingly.
That said, I liked that your review showed that Chrysler could improve the reaction time of the AWD system. Perhaps other companies can do the same for theirs.
BTW, what's with the different rims??? 😆
Hi from ottawa canada! You did a good job. Acutally you are the only one who did this test for pacifica awd. I am very interested to get that one. After seeing your video, i starts a little bit worry about it. Yes, it is awd, but not very powerful/smart awd....how can i do?
I’ll take one. Better looking then my 2016 grand caravan
It seemed like a lot of suspension travel on the front when it came off the ramp, maybe it is just me.
I think it's just a matter of the build/ engineering. Yeah it would be better if it came off sooner but ok, so you have to give it a little more oomf. I would be curious to see if the computer would "learn" in time or if it changes after it broken in. I think it did pretty well for a family minivan. I'd like to take it out on snowy roads or on slushy snowy highways. 👍😉