Next-Gen Chrysler Minivans To Get 9-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Much of the news surrounding the next-generation Chrysler minivans has involved the location of their assembly, with Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne looking to secure government funds for the new vans. The latest report from Automotive News manages to dredge up some product details on the vans themselves.

Judging by the AN report, the new minivans will employ Chrysler mainstays like the 9-speed automatic transmission, the UConnect infotainment system and a revised Stow ‘N Go seating system. For the first time in roughly a decade, all-wheel drive will return, presumably the same system shared with the Chrysler 200 and Jeep Cherokee.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Kyree Kyree on Feb 18, 2014

    I don't get the point of an AWD minivan either. It seems to me like a purchase that would be made by someone who is too stubborn to just buy an AWD crossover...

    • Krhodes1 Krhodes1 on Feb 19, 2014

      What can a crossover do better than an AWD minivan? If you need to haul people, the Minivan has no peer. Ultimately crossovers are just minivans for people who won't admit that they actually need a minivan.

  • Zamoti Zamoti on Feb 18, 2014

    I think that the point of a AWD minivan is that it gets people OUT of a silly crossover that doesn't do well at hauling families. As an owner of a silly CUV with AWD, I can say that it's fantastic in the snow. Sadly, it converted itself to FWD (dead transfer case) and is total crap in the slippery stuff now. Where it (was) good in the snow, it is absolute rubbish at hauling kids and stuff. No room beyond 3rd row, hard to get in and out of (with child seats), etc. More AWD minivans would make the CUV pointless--which is probably why few are made.

  • DougD DougD on Feb 19, 2014

    Could someone please enlighten me, why do we need AWD on a minivan? I've been driving minivans for 14 years, Caravan for 5, I live in a hilly area in Canada (no shortage of snow and ice this year!!) I have snowtires on separate rims, never been stuck. In the summer the snows hide in the basement, I don't have to constantly drag them around all summer like AWD components. If driving conditions are so bad my 2WD van can't get through probably nobody should be driving. This year I've been passed by several SUV and Pickups in bad conditions, then later we see them in the ditch. I can see if you're a paramedic in Vermont and you must must get to work you just might need AWD, but how many of those drive minivans?

    • Dkazzed Dkazzed on Apr 05, 2014

      I agree. FWD + winter tires all the way. No year round gas premium with AWD systems. Plus people don't realize that AWD helps you accelerate better, but will not help whatsoever in braking situations. Hit a patch of black ice, you need the traction that premium or studded winter tires can provide whether or not you have FWD or AWD.

  • Flipper35 Flipper35 on Feb 19, 2014

    Because it is a lot easier to get your bass boat out of the water on a slippery ramp with awd instead of fwd. And it is tough to beat a minivan in usable cargo space.

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