In the last couple of years, it’s been reported that the market’s appetite for minivans is coming back. Is this a sign for a 2023 Chrysler Town and Country to make a comeback?
Back when the all-new Chrysler Town and Country was released in 1990, it was deservedly defined as an up-to-date minivan—but the history line of this full-size station wagon can be traced back to the 1930s. Despite its capable V6 powertrain, flexible cabin, and a lengthy list of standard features, the model was unfortunately phased out of production after the 2016 model year with the Pacifica as its replacement. Fast forward to a few years later, is there a chance for a 2023 Chrysler Town and Country to make a comeback?
The Chrysler Town and Country History
Before getting into the 2023 Chrysler Town and Country, let’s discuss its history first. The minivan Chrysler Town and Country was produced and distributed by Chrysler from 1990 to 2016. Overall the third minivan model from the brand, the vehicle actually shared a nameplate with the prior flagship station wagon from Chrysler that was retired in 1988. It lasts for five generations as the flagship upscale minivan that, size-wise, sits beyond the long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Grand Voyager.
When it was discontinued after the 2016 model year, the Town and Country was replaced by the new Pacifica. Throughout its 75 years of service, a total of more than 12 million sales were achieved. The nameplate is also officially the longest-produced model under Chrysler and overall the second only behind the Chevy Suburban in the history of the automobile industry.
The Chrysler Town and Country Overview
The Town and Country nameplate had been used by Chrysler for its family car model, under various auto body styles throughout the years, ever since 1941. It only became a minivan after it was brought back in 1990.
The minivan Town and Country was revealed for the first time in 1989 with the automobile market beginning to lean on the comfortable and convenient family haulers. Even since it was introduced, the model has positioned itself as one of the most preferred picks in the segment by providing generous space for numerous car occupants.
The minivan model was introduced for the first time to the market along with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. It was produced at the company’s St. Louis, Missouri, manufacturing plant and until these days, even after its discontinuation, is still known and considered as the company’s most upscale vehicle in the segment.
The New Pacifica as What the 2023 Chrysler Town and Country Could’ve Been
So, is there actually a chance for the 2023 Chrysler Town and Country to be produced? Most likely no, unfortunately. The discontinuation of this model had been planned and revealed since 2012, and it was only in 2017 that it was finally replaced by the Pacifica—which is a former nameplate of Chrysler’s crossover—that was introduced at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.
In a way, the Pacifica is what a future Town and Country would’ve been. Styling-wise, the new minivan takes inspiration from the 2012 Chrysler 700C concept car. It offers a generally more attractive styling compared to the boxier Town and Country.
Appearance is also not the only plus point of the Pacifica. It also provides a plug-in hybrid variant, the Pacifica Hybrid, that combines the 3.6L V6 powertrain in the ICE-version with a dual electric motor that replaces the transmission and runs like the electrification of the CVT in the regular Pacifica. The electric powertrains are powered by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery that can go 30 miles solely on its electric power. It is claimed by the company to have an 80 MPGe rating.
The new Pacifica also presents a more technologically advanced cabin which is what the 2023 Chrysler Town and Country might’ve offered if it continues to be in production. Some of the notable features are including hands-free liftgate and sliding doors, a built-in vacuum, surrounding-view camera monitoring, parking assistance, and an infotainment system powered by the latest UConnect UI.