Chrysler's Newest Concept Is the Elevated Minivan You Didn't Realize You Needed | Carscoops

      Chrysler is reviving the cool factor in minivans with its new 2.5-inch lift and robust 31-inch tires.

      Chrysler has unveiled the tough Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept, suggesting a potential rugged variant designed to compete with the Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition. This concept includes extra lights, an elevated suspension, and 31-inch tires.

      As crossovers have contributed to the decline of the minivan, it’s expected that the few remaining models have begun to resemble SUVs. This trend has evolved over many years, exemplified by the Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition, which boasts all-wheel drive and a heightened suspension.

      Chrysler is now joining the competition with the fresh Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept, one of the most exciting vans in recent years, set to debut at Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado.

      Created for the overlanding and van-life enthusiasts, the Pacifica features a raised suspension that lifts the vehicle by 2.75 inches (70 mm) at the front and 2.5 inches (64 mm) at the rear. Perhaps more impressively, it rides on 18-inch wheels fitted with 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires.

      While the engineers perfected the stance, the designers excelled as well, applying a two-tone exterior with Arktos matte paint and a protective lower wrap that resembles cladding. Additionally, the team designed an appealing grizzly bear badge instead of resorting to a basic sticker.

      Enhancing its exterior features is a Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform equipped with auxiliary lights and a retractable ARB awning. This setup also includes a full-size spare tire and recovery boards, as well as Mopar mud flaps and Baja Designs yellow fog lights.

      Based on the luxurious Pacifica Limited, the interior captures attention with its two-tone Katzkin leather seats accented with orange piping. This theme also carries through to the seat belts, contrast stitching, and sporty steering wheel.

      As the minivan is intended for overnight use, the third-row seats have been removed and replaced with a large flat cargo area, offering a sleeping surface and space for camping gear.

      Other features include a 115-volt outlet, stackable storage bins, and all-weather floor mats, accompanied by extra tie-downs and a roadside first-aid kit.

      The powertrain consists of a well-known 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 287 hp (214 kW) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

      As for a production version, Chrysler has yet to confirm if the Grizzly Peak will be made available for sale. However, the notion seems plausible, especially as Chrysler's showrooms now feature just one main product, given that the Voyager and Pacifica are virtually identical. A rugged version could add much-needed variety to the lineup and attract interest beyond the usual family segment.