fiat chrysler automobiles is marking the debut of its original minivans back in 1984 with new 35th anniversary versions of the 2019 chrysler pacifica, pacifica hybrid and dodge grand caravan minivans. debuting at the 2019 chicago auto show, the vans feature special exterior and interior design cues, along with additional features. they're slated to hit dealerships in the summer.
the vans' exterior changes are relatively subtle. the pacifica and pacifica hybrid get a 35th anniversary badge, as well as a liquid chrome and gloss-black version of chrysler's wing badge on the grille and liftgate. the grand caravan also gets 35th anniversary badging, as well as a chrome grille and 17-inch silver wheels.
there are more extensive changes inside. the pacifica and pacifica hybrid feature an all-black interior, perforated nappa leather upholstery, cranberry wine accent stitching and embroidered front floormats. the grand caravan also gets an all-black interior with cranberry wine accents and embroidered floormats along with piano-black accents.
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as for 35th anniversary features, the pacifica touring l trim level adds memory for the driver's seat, a dvd rear entertainment system and 18-inch wheels. the touring l plus trim also adds a driver's-seat memory feature plus a panoramic sunroof. the high-end limited model gains 20-inch wheels. for the pacifica hybrid, the touring l model adds a premium stereo and built-in navigation, while the limited gains 18-inch wheels.
grand caravan changes include stow 'n go second-row bucket seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat for the se trim. navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and second-row sunshades are added to the sxt.
the pacifica is an impressive van that won our best of 2017 award when it was new and, more recently, our family car of the year award in both 2018 and 2019. the grand caravan, meanwhile, still uses fca's previous-generation minivan architecture, and while it is slightly less expensive, it also lacks much of the pacifica's overall refinement.
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