For 2007, the Chrysler Pacifica receives a facelift, with a considerable number of new features, most notably the choice of two new engines: a 3.8-litre V6 replaces the 3.5-litre V6 of 2006, and there’s a new 4.0-litre V6 on the Touring and Limited models. The 4.0-litre uses a new six-speed automatic transmission.

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Along with a freshened exterior appearance, new standard features include electronic stability control, side curtain airbags and tire pressure monitoring system. YES Essentials stain-resistant fabric is now standard on the Base and Touring models. A new 8-inch rear video screen replaces the 7-inch screen, and there is an available rear backup camera. Finally, there are new exterior colours: Cognac, Marine Blue and Modern Blue.

The Pacifica is available in base form, with five-passenger seating and front-wheel drive; as the six-passenger Touring, in front- or all-wheel drive; and the six-passenger Limited, in all-wheel drive. The base model uses the 3.8-litre with four-speed automatic transmission and manual shift mode, while the Touring and Limited models receive the new 4.0-litre with six-speed automatic and manual shift mode.

Features on the base Pacifica include 17-inch steel wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 65/35 split-folding rear bench seat, YES Essentials cloth seats, sunscreen glass, heated mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning with manual dual-zone temperature control, power windows, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power seat adjusters, tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, CD/MP3 stereo with seven speakers and wheel-mounted controls, and tilt column.

The Touring adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, second-row individual seats, 50/50 split-folding third row seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, vehicle information centre, rear courtesy lamps, leather-wrapped wheel, garage door opener, fog lamps, and ten-way power driver’s seat. The all-wheel drive Touring also adds leather-faced first- and second-row seats.

The Limited adds 19-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, rear park assist system, leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats, wood and leather-wrapped wheel, auto-dimming rearview and driver’s exterior mirrors, heated first- and second-row seats, driver’s side memory, automatic headlamps, power-adjustable pedals with memory, power liftgate, six-disc CD/DVD stereo, power sunroof and premium tire pressure monitoring system.

Elegantly styled, the Pacifica is only slightly shorter than the Town & Country minivan, but it’s lower and wider. Its handling is more car-like than van-like, with a comfortable ride and now with better power and acceleration. The optional parking camera is a useful feature as the Pacifica suffers from poor rear visibility. The updated styling includes a new ridged hood that is intended to be Chrysler’s corporate styling feature, and it suits this model; the new standard safety features increase the value even as the price drops from 2006.