I used the vacuum in the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle and there’s no going back

I spilled some dirt on purpose onto the floor of a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle.

I’m involved in a community garden project and, by “involved” I mean I stand around a lot and hope the weeds growing near my tomato plants eventually dry up and die due to lack of watering. (we have a drought in my area right now.)

When you test cars for so many years, you look for ways to try out features in uncommon ways and yet also won’t cause a lasting impact. 

There was that one time I drove a Jeep Wrangler through about three feet of mud (sorry, Jeep), but for the most part, I’m more into the everyday commuter habits and testing cars in a way normal people would. 

Most of us don’t have a three-foot mud pit near our homes like I did back then. Many of us do garden.

Fortunately, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle has a built-in vacuum that (must resist dad joke, can’t help it, sorry) doesn’t suck. In a few seconds, I found the cord, scooped up the errant dirt, and went back to my gardening. 

A woman using the Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle's built-in vacuum to clean up some crumbs.
Credit: Chrysler

Having a vacuum like this is a wonderful addition. I recall that Honda added something similar, and I also recall thinking it wouldn’t work that well for piles of dirt. I was happy to see the results, and imagined if I had little kids I might use it on a daily basis. Not sure if I want to test what would happen if I hoovered up a few pieces of candy or army toys.

As usual, I thought about adding another vacuum in the back and what would it be like if a future Pacifica even had some sort of deep cleaning vacuum as well. Throw your dirty clothes into a mini washing machine? Wash up your camping utensils in a sink? Maybe, maybe not. It’s cool when there’s an innovation like this that is actually helpful but doesn’t get in the way.

The Pinnacle version adds some nice extras, too. I noticed the seats are comfortable and plush, with some nice stow areas and even pillows you can use for resting your weary head on long trips (if you are sitting in the back). The storage in the back is also easily accessible because you can fold up the seats with a quick button press.

Mostly, I liked the vacuum. I wondered how often the owner might need to clean out the compartment, and if that would get tedious. It’s easier to use than having to drive up to the local car wash, and for me, it meant I could focus on gardening instead.