2017 Chrysler Town & Country to Go All-Wheel Drive

Stephen Elmer
by Stephen Elmer

Chrysler plans to add all-wheel drive to its next-generation minivan.

Chrysler also plans to offer a plug-in hybrid version of the new Town & Country, which may play a big part in how the all-wheel drive system is packaged. “You have two choices: you either trade the Stow ‘n Go or you go with electric motors in the back. It’s not that complicated. We’re exploring both,” said FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne.

SEE ALSO: Chrysler Town & Country Plug-In Hybrid Specs Revealed

A traditional all-wheel drive setup would require a driveshaft running to the rear wheels, which would get in the way of the stow and go seats which fold into compartments in the floor. If offered, the electric motors would likely be tied into the plug-in hybrid setup, which means that traditional gas-engine buyers may not have the all-wheel drive option available to them.

Marchionne also said that electrification will be coming to more models, prioritized by which units need the most help with fuel efficiency. Starting with a plug-in hybrid minivan was the “most beneficial” according to Marchionne.

The next-generation Chrysler minivan is expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January of 2016.

[Source: Automotive News]

Discuss this story at our Chrysler Minivan Forum

Stephen Elmer
Stephen Elmer

Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>

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 2 comments
  • Smartacus Smartacus on May 21, 2015

    Would a driveshaft get in the way of both stow-and-goes? or just one?

  • Mark Mark on May 27, 2017

    pretty sure pictures are of a dodge durango.... chrysler town and country wouldnt say dodge on the back.

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