Climbing into the Chrysler Pacifica is easy because it is relatively low to the ground. The first impression inside the Pacifica is one of spaciousness and luxurious appointments. The bucket seats are thick and deep with enormous side bolsters that may not be comfortable for some larger frames, but fit this 6-foot, 4-inch tester like the proverbial glove.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a thick, chunky, small-diameter wheel giving the impression you're directing the movement of something substantial. Redundant controls are mounted on the steering wheel for the cruise control and sound system. There's just enough brushed nickel-plating inside, on the shifter surround, the ventilators, and the door handles, to brighten up the interior without it looking gaudy.
The instrument panel is done as one swooping enclosure that goes from the back of the left door around to the back of the right front door. The dash features a major hood and a minor hood to keep the sun off the instrument faces. Under the sweeping hood, there's an interesting-looking set of instruments and controls, and right in the center of the speedometer, there's the small navigation screen, exactly where it should be for safest use. The DVD-based nav system is set up and run by a circular switch panel to the right of the steering wheel. Chrysler's new system is one of the easiest we've encountered, far simpler than the Mercedes-Benz system.