CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY

If you haven't driven a Town & Country since its transformation in 2011, it's worth some time behind the wheel. The revamped suspension provides excellent road manners, with precise steering,...

minimal body roll and a velvety ride. Chrysler's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 has power in reserve and can move a fully loaded Limited model without making you wish for a HEMI V8. The engine and transmission work fairly seamlessly, never feeling overburdened or indecisive, and the dash-mounted gear selector is easy to master. Noise levels inside the Town & Country are quiet enough to make conversation easy among all three rows. In addition to the comprehensive Uconnect infotainment system up front, Chrysler's flagship minivan offers dual, independent rear video screens that allow second- and third-row passengers to watch two different DVD movies, play different video games or even watch the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network Mobile via SiriusXM Backseat TV.

Heated Steering Wheel
A feature offered on no other minivan, this small convenience is greatly appreciated on mornings when the thermometer dips into single digits. Chrysler minivans have long been a showcase of innovation, and now the Town & Country offers the refined appearance to match. Soft-touch trim and chrome-trimmed instruments' elegant LED lighting complement standard leather on the first two rows of seats as well as the manually tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Standard power front seats are supportive yet supple, and Chrysler's Stow 'n Go second-row bench remains the industry benchmark, with easy folding and under-floor storage when the seats are in use. The third row can be flipped 90 degrees for tailgate-party seating. It's easy to lose count of the many bins, cubbies and power ports, though a 115-volt household-style outlet is a standout.

Standard Equipment

Chrysler's entry-level 2012 Town & Country Touring comes well-furnished, with 8-way power front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and 3-zone air conditioning. Power windows are featured in all three rows, the rearmost being flip-open vents. The CD/DVD/MP3/SiriusXM audio features a large touch screen, a hard drive and steering-wheel controls, and there is a rear DVD system with a 9-inch screen in the second row. The smooth 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety systems include 3-row side-curtain airbags, front side-impact airbags, a driver's knee airbag, electronic stability control, Brake Assist and a rearview camera.

The Chrysler Town & Country offers a single drivetrain configuration: the new-for-2011 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Pentastar is easily Chrysler's most enjoyable V6 to date and may even rank as one of the best V6 engines on the market. Smooth, powerful and fairly fuel-efficient, its 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque are a welcome improvement for the Town & Country, allowing it to finally compete with the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. In addition, the Pentastar is Flex Fuel compatible, meaning it can run on a combination of gasoline and E85 ethanol. 3.6-liter V6 283

horsepower @ 6,400 rpm, 260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (gasoline), 12/18 (E85)