Chrysler Pacifica Only Minivan to Win Top Safety Pick

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently finished its latest round of tests, and of all the vehicles it evaluated, only one minivan stood out as the organization’s Top Safety Pick+: the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

While Chrysler is known for putting safety first and foremost in its vehicles, the outcome surprised even experts as the minivan is also the newest on the market. 

The Pacifica earned best possible scores in tests for small and moderate overlap front impact, side impact, roof strength, head restraints and seating. It also earned a Superior rating for its front crash prevention system. In tests, it was able to avoid collision at both 12 and 25 MPH. 

What else contributed to the Pacifica’s success? Its 100 standard and available safety features have something to do with it. Here’s a breakdown of the safety features that make this the perfect minivan for your family: 

Basic Safety Features
The 2017 Pacifica comes equipped with side airbags, which include head curtain airbags for all three rows of seating and front seat-mounted torso airbags. It also has dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, as well as airbags located in the lower instrument panel to help prevent or mitigate knee injuries in the event of frontal crashes. The minivan’s airbag occupancy control protects children seating in the front (which isn’t recommended) in the case of a collision. 

The Pacifica has outboard front lap and shoulder safety belts with height adjusters and pretensioners, because positioning can be a critical factor for seatbelts. Drivers should always ensure that they and passengers are wearing their seatbelts appropriately.

All models of Pacifica also come standard with electronic stability control,
antilock brakes with Driveline Traction control, low tire pressure warning, child safety locks and daytime running lights. 

Advanced Damage Control 
You can’t ace an exam just by doing the bare minimum, so Chrysler included some advanced safety features in the Pacifica as well. 

One piece of technology is the rollover sensor, which deploys side curtain airbags in the case of a rollover. Its front anti-roll bar helps to prevent rollover from ever happening. 

The ParkSense Rear Park Assist System with Stop gives drivers a view from all angles, thereby avoiding collision when driving in reverse, and also detects objects nearby. Perimeter and approach headlights also improve visibility.
 
Safety technologies that are available on the Pacifica include Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning Plus, 360 Surround View Camera and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go.

Finally, the Pacifica also comes with 5 years or 100,000 miles of Roadside Assistance, which sends help whether you've gotten a flat tire or circumstances are dire.

In its tests, the IIHS evaluated models made after August 2016.