2013 Chrysler Town & Country Expert Review

Reviewed by Staff Writer

Vehicle Overview

As the originators of the minivan segment, the 2013 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan defend the domestic front against the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, and Toyota Sienna. The Town & Country saw its last major update in 2011, which included revised interior and exterior styling and materials, more standard and available safety tech and infotainment features, and a retuned suspension, while the automaker's modern -- and more powerful -- 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 replaced a trio of outdated V-6 engines. The new engine, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic, produces 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is EPA-rated 17/25 mpg city/highway.

In our first drive of the revised 2011 model, we said, "Driving wise, the new Pentastar V-6 is more than adequate to lug the 2.5-ton minivan around. Coupled with the suspension upgrades, we were able to keep up with a BMW motorcycle on top of Mt. Tamapalis for a couple of corners. Hey, it felt heroic to do so in a minivan." Changes to interior materials as well as improved fit and finish impressed us: "It's difficult to over emphasize what a huge step in the right direction these new materials are. The seats are made of finer leather, and even the buttons seen nicer." With the new engine, the 2011 Town & Country

reached 60 mph in 8.1 seconds in our testing. The revised suspension improved handling and drivability "around our figure-eight course and in everyday driving" with "a nimble turn-in that's superior to some of Chrysler's new sedans." We concluded that "the T & C's interior is terrifically improved in appearance and material quality. It can finally hold its head up again its Japanese competitors, but with a style that's delightfully "American," as opposed to the more international designs of the Sienna and Odyssey… makes the Town & Country a player again - and just in time."

With the 2013 Town & Country, Chrysler added an available Blu-Ray DVD player with HDMI cable for video game systems, two rear-seat USB ports for charging electronic devices and higher-resolution rear-seat DVD screens. Trailer Sway Damping and power folding mirrors are now standard on Limited and optional on Touring L models. Leather seats and now standard on Touring models, while the 17-inch alloy wheels on the Touring L model is redesigned. The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country minivan has a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars) and is considered a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for cars built after November 2012.

New for 2013

A Blu-Ray DVD player is available. HDMI connection and USB charging ports as well as a higher-resolution rear DVD screens available for all models. Leather standard on all models, while Trailer Sway Damping and power-folding mirrors standard on Limited and available on Touring L.