Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept is All About that #VanLife
Overlanding is all the rage these days. It's the hot automotive adventure. Folks are clamouring to grab lifted, outfitted vans and explore the uncharted (or posh campsite depending on the individual). Chrysler, the inventor of the minivan and one of the few manufacturers still offering a vehicle in that segment, has taken notice.
Not a brand to miss an opportunity, at the Overland Expo Mountain West in Colorado, Chrysler has introduced the Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept. Based on Chrysler's family hauler, the ruggedized all-wheel-drive van features an Arktos matte-finish paint colour with Foreshadow accents. The suspension has been lifted 2.75-inches (6.9 cm) up front, and 2.5-inches (6.3 cm) in the rear. That should give the van a respectable 7.5-inches or so total ground clearance.
Looking the Part
Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept: All the Details
To handle uncertain surfaces, 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires are mounted on 18-inch Foreshadow wheels. The roof has gone full overlanding with a Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform roof storage rack, roof-mounted auxiliary TYRI LED lighting, and a roof-mounted ARB retractable awning. Other exterior updates include Baja Designs LP4 LED fog lamp pods, a protective wrap on the lower-body panels, and necessary Mopar splash guards.
Living the #VanLife
The Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept is based on the Limited trim version of the van, with an interior colour scheme called Cement Gray that features Liquid Titanium accents. The leather seating surfaces are Katzkin while the seatbelts are bright orange. The steering wheel is also unique, with dimple perforation and paddle shifters
The third-row seats are jettisoned in favor of a cargo floor panel that can be used as a storage space and makes sleeping in the van more comfortable. In an effort to save space and keep weight down, the van also has a space-saver spare tire.
To keep one’s gear from smashing around while traversing rocky trails, a second set of tie-downs behind the second-row seats has been added. There’s also Mopar all-weather floor mats and Chrysler-branded stackable totes. In back is a 115-volt / 450-watt outlet and a Mopar roadside first-aid kit.
If They Build It, Will They Come?
“We’ve been following van life for years, and we know adventurers really value the versatility the Pacifica delivers,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO. “Our Chrysler design studio nailed the brief and really dove in. They lifted the suspension, added useful, functional features, including a roof-mounted Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform rack, TYRI LED lighting and ARB retractable awning, and tailored the cabin for sleeping to create this Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept as a test bed. We’re excited to get feedback from the van-life adventurers on our newest concept of the most awarded minivan ever.”
Although it's just a concept for now, we could envision a toned-down version of this Pacifica being available in the future.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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They should make it, something different and cool for a change!