Morgan Hill Chrysler - Is All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Worth It for Families around Scotts Valley, CA?
For families who split time between coastal errands and mountain drives, choosing available all-wheel drive on the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica can be a smart upgrade. The system continuously monitors traction and distributes torque between the front and rear wheels to help keep you composed on damp morning commutes, gravel turn-ins to trailheads, or brisk nighttime descents. On stretched-out trips, Electronic Stability Control assists by making subtle brake and throttle adjustments to help you stay on your intended path, adding a layer of calm when the road narrows or curves unexpectedly.
Pair AWD with the proven 3.6L Pentastar® V6 and a refined 9-speed automatic, and you get a confident, quiet drive that still feels light on its feet. Inside, Uconnect® 5 with a 10.1-inch touchscreen provides wireless Apple CarPlay® support and Android Auto™ compatibility via Bluetooth®, so navigation, playlists, and calls are always within easy reach. Families can add available dual 10-inch HD touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV Built-in to keep second-row passengers happily occupied, and the available FamCAM interior camera provides quick visual checks on kids or pets in the third row. This tech-forward interior makes AWD-equipped Pacifica models especially compelling for longer routes where comfort and distraction-free driving matter most.
- When AWD shines most: Rainy coastal mornings, steep or unpaved approaches, mixed-surface parking lots, and curvy two-lane drives where traction can change quickly.
- What to pair with AWD: Consider available ParkSense® Front Park Assist and the 360° Surround View Camera for tight parking; add hands-free power sliding doors and liftgate for easy loading after sports or beach days.
- Interior comfort to consider: Available heated and ventilated front seats, optional heated second-row seating, and the available 19-speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System for a quieter, more premium cabin on long stretches.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does AWD change interior space or seating?
No. The Pacifica’s available AWD does not reduce passenger capacity or the flexibility of the Class-Exclusive available Stow ‘n Go® Seating and Storage System. You can still fold second- and third-row seats into the floor to open up cargo space when needed.
Can I still get the same tech with AWD?
Yes. Uconnect® 5, available 4G LTE Wi?Fi® Hotspot through Chrysler Connect, available rear-seat Amazon Fire TV Built-in, and the available FamCAM interior camera are all compatible with AWD-equipped models, depending on your chosen trim and packages.
What about safety features with AWD?
The Pacifica includes the most standard safety and security features in its class across drivetrains, including Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking, LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist, and Rear Cross Path Detection. Adding AWD simply enhances traction for changing road conditions.
Ultimately, if your routes regularly include Highway 17 grades, slick neighborhood streets after coastal drizzle, or mixed-surface access points to parks and trailheads, AWD can deliver meaningful peace of mind for you and your passengers. Visit our showroom to compare AWD and FWD Pacifica models back-to-back—test tight parking with available ParkSense® features, try the available 360° Surround View Camera, and evaluate ride quality on the same roads you drive every week. Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is serving Scotts Valley, Los Banos, and Gustine with experts who will help you match features to your daily routine, from traction needs to family tech and entertainment options.