Automotive
Chrysler just let its minivan off the leash. The new Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept breaks cover at Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado, a gathering built around dirt, camp coffee and DIY travel. The three day event runs August 22 to 24, which makes this the perfect stage to show an AWD family hauler that is suddenly thinking about trailheads as much as school drop-off.
The stance tells the story first. Chrysler’s design studio bumped the suspension 2.75 inches up front and 2.5 inches in back, then stuffed the arches with 31 inch BFGoodrich KO2 all terrains on 18 inch Foreshadow wheels. A Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform sits up top, flanked by TYRI auxiliary lighting and an ARB retractable awning for fast shade at camp. Baja Designs LP4 pods live in the lower fascia, and the lower body wears protective wrap with Mopar splash guards to ward off pinstripes and gravel rash. The concept also gets a matte Arktos paint finish with Foreshadow accents that suits its new backcountry mission.
Inside, Grizzly Peak leans into the van life brief. The third row bows out in favor of a flat cargo floor panel, creating a configurable sleep and gear zone, and Chrysler adds a second set of tie downs behind the second row plus a 115 volt, 450 watt power outlet in back for fridges or camera batteries. The cabin gets a Cement Gray and Liquid Titanium theme with Katzkin leather, orange seat belts, a sport wheel with dimple perforation and paddle shifters, and a handful of useful Mopar bits like stackable totes, all weather mats, a space saver spare and a roadside first aid kit.
If you are wondering why a minivan is moonlighting as an overlander, the logic checks out. The Pacifica already has available all wheel drive and the kind of packaging that road trippers love, so starting with the segment’s familiar family favorite and adding clearance, grip and camp friendly storage is an easy way to speak to the booming van life crowd. The production model’s available Trailer Tow Group is rated to pull up to 3,600 pounds, handy for a small trailer or pair of dirt bikes.
As with most tidy concept ideas, the only question is whether customers can actually buy it. Chrysler is calling Grizzly Peak a test bed and is actively seeking feedback from adventurers, which sounds like a toe in the water rather than a green light. There are no production details yet, but the formula feels right. If Chrysler packages a similar off road appearance and hardware bundle for dealers, families who split weekends between soccer fields and forest roads might finally have a one vehicle solution that does both without drama.
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Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
