Can’t wait until the end of this year to get your hands on a refreshed 2021 Chrysler Pacifica with all-wheel drive? If you can live without the 2021 model’s aggressive face-lift and other upgrades, you can order a Pacifica with four driven wheels right now. Due to strong demand, FCA is offering its new all-wheel-drive system as an option on the current pre-refresh Pacifica via the special 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition.
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition is based on the Touring L model, and comes equipped with the same part-time AWD system that will be available on the 2021 model. That system utilizes a Power Transfer Unit at the nine-speed automatic transmission to split torque and send it rearward through a three-piece driveshaft and wet-clutch rear differential. Depending on conditions, the system can send up to 100 percent engine torque to either axle or split power between axles as needed. When extra traction isn’t called for, the system disconnects the PTU and runs in front-wheel-drive mode.
Crucially, just like the upcoming refreshed model, the 2020 Pacifica AWD Launch Edition preserves what is arguably the Pacifica’s best selling point: its Stow ‘n Go seating. The driveshaft is designed in such a way to still allow the middle seats to disappear into the floor with a few pulls of some levers and straps. The AWD Launch Edition also comes with the S appearance package, which upgrades the interior with McKinley leather seats in black with Light Diesel Grey stitching.
Outside, the 2020 Pacifica AWD Launch Edition sports the same front and rear fascias the minivan debuted with, but adds blacked out badging, darkened headlight “eyebrows,” black chrome grille surrounds and exterior trim, and 18-inch wheels painted in a new “Foreshadow” black.
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition is priced starting at $41,735 and is available for order now. The AWD Launch Edition is scheduled to arrive in the third quarter of this year—three months before the new model gets here, give or take.
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