2017 Chrysler Pacifica Earns Top Ratings in Crash and Safety Tests

The all new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is upping the safety game for minivans earning the segments first Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Its the highest safety rating a vehicle can receive from the IIHS, and one that takes into consideration how the vehicle performs in a number of crash situations. It received a “good” rating in the Institutes five crash tests, but the front small overlap crash test results only applies to Pacificas made after August 2016, as changes were made to prevent the driver door from opening during a small overlap crash.

See Also: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Priced from $29,590

Chrysler made some adjustments to the vehicle after an IIHS test demonstrated this critical issue, which could result in the occupants being ejected from the car. The IIHS notes that Fiat Chrysler strengthened the upper hinge and reinforced the joint between the door hinge pillar and inner body panel in front of the pillar. These changes helped the car earn its good front small overlap crash test result.

The Pacifica is the successor to the Chrysler Town and Country, and is currently the benchmark for minivan safety. The Honda Odyssey and Kia Sedona were both tested by the IIHS this year and earned Top Safety Pick ratings.

Helping the Pacifica earn its Top Safety Pick + Rating is its optional front crash prevention system, which helped vehicle avoid collisions at speeds of 12 MPH and 25 MPH, enough to earn it a Superior rating in this portion of the test.

UPDATE: The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica also received a 5-star crash rating from the NHTSA, the highest possible rating. The minivan got top scores in all three crash tests and checks all the boxes in regards to safety technology the government agency recommends.

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