Review: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Shows Off Solid CarPlay Integration With Uconnect Infotainment System

[monaarts]

It’s almost like you didn’t even read the article, so I pulled a few quotes for you.

“Offering both hardware and on-screen controls. The physical knob and buttons make it easy to adjust the mode, temperature set points, fan speed, and defrosters nearly by feel.”

“If you prefer to operate CarPlay on the Pacifica without using the touchscreen, you can use the hardware Browse/Enter knob below the display to scroll through the interface and select items”

I did read the article but I’m referring to other controls. I think just about every car has physical controls for climate control but when it comes to things like changing volume, touch screens suck - and that’s what this looks like it has.

 

[HiVolt]

I’m actually surprised Apple allows the Uconnect status and menu bar to remain visible while the CarPlay interface is active. Seems to me like that would be against iOS design guidelines...

Apple is a guest in the car infotainment business. They can make the rules, but the manufacturers can just tell them to fly a kite.

The slow uptake on CarPlay is precisely what happened, Apple had too many rules. I'm sure that's exactly what happened, Apple realized they had to relax their requirements, and the result is a beautiful integration in the uConnect system, and hopefully others will follow.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

Shoehorn CarPlay into your car, have MacRumors do a full review of your car where <10% of it is about CarPlay!

I like how much glowing praise MacRumors gave to Uconnect, while the most positive thing they have to say about CarPlay is that it's very easy to exit back to Uconnect.

 

[britboyj]

Have to say, while I'm not the biggest fan of the Chrysler family of vehicles in general, their touch-screen interface system seems to be among the best. Very quick and responsive.

Do yourself and try a Tesla touch screen. Everything else sucks. (To be fair, so does the lack of CarPlay for text/etc., though Tesla's navigation is far superior to Apple Maps).

 

[WestonHarvey1]

I love how the upgrade option to get CarPlay in my 2017 Pacifica is "buy a new Pacifica"

 

[vipergts2207]

I did read the article but I’m referring to other controls. I think just about every car has physical controls for climate control but when it comes to things like changing volume, touch screens suck - and that’s what this looks like it has.

One of the photos clearly shows a big knob labeled 'volume'. There's also another knob for tuning and the aforementioned non-touch control of the head unit. Also, several cars have touch only-controls, even for climate. I believe Volvo is one and Tesla is another. I agree though, hiding every function behind a touchscreen is stupid and potentially dangerous. That is obviously not the case here though, plenty of physical controls to take advantage of.

It would've been far cooler if they had reviewed the Uconnect in a Challenger or Charger Hellcat instead of the Pacifica though. What driving 797s horses must be like.. The Mustang I rented was the GT V8 model, and that was quick, even with only a little over half the HP of the new RE Hellcats.

 

[macduke]

Who in their right mind under age 60 buys a Chrysler? I'm eagerly awaiting the next review of a frikin' Buick.

 

[ryanmcv]

I did read the article but I’m referring to other controls. I think just about every car has physical controls for climate control but when it comes to things like changing volume, touch screens suck - and that’s what this looks like it has.

Umm, there is 100% a physical volume control knob. Look again. There are also steering wheel controls for volume and radio station adjustment.

I love how the upgrade option to get CarPlay in my 2017 Pacifica is "buy a new Pacifica"

Not entirely true. Infotainment.com sells the UConnect 4C that can easily be installed on 2017 Pacificas. There is even an installation video. It's not cheap, but it's certainly cheaper than buying a new Pacifica.

https://www.infotainment.com/collec...on-vp4-ru-radio-upgrade?variant=9337471434788

 

[D.T.]

I have this exact Uconnect setup in my ‘18 Jeep Grand Cherokee and it works great! I’m hoping Apple has some UI and interface Carplay tweaks coming in iOS 13. The potential for CarPlay could be amazing in 1-3 years if the proper attention is allocated to it within Apple! Jeep hit a home run with this new Unconect/CarPlay 4C! The 8.4 new high res screen is much much better than the old Jeep Nav from 2014-2017.

I have a 2018 Jeep with the same system as well and I absolutely concur. After having used CarPlay in other makes such as Honda, the Uconnect implementation is by far the best overall that I've seen thus far.

Yeah, we have a '18 DD/RT, and the Carplay implementation is outstanding: excellent display with the 8.4", responsive, I love how it shows the car controls (vs. having to switch out of the CP UI on some other system). The iOS uConnect app is pretty solid too, like the daily system check, tire pressure, fuel levels, etc.

 

[groovyd]

The Uconnect 4 system is great. Probably should use something before blindly bashing it.

who needs to use something when you can clearly see it is awful?
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If by “old school” you mean simple, functional, and intuitive, then you’re right! The Uconnect 4C is excellent. I have this exact unit in my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and it is by far the best infotainment system I’ve used in any car.

I travel regularly and have probably rented a modern car from every major car brand in the past year. No other infotainment system I’ve used recently comes close to the intuitiveness and responsiveness of the Uconnect 4C. Honestly, if you think the Uconnect is bad, you should do some research on the systems from Toyota, Chevy, and others.

I’m sure Tesla’s interface is great, but I’ve never used it. Tesla is certainly making waives, but Chrysler and others aren’t going anywhere.

even just when something is called an infotainment system I already know it's bad... lol

 

[Altis]

Do yourself and try a Tesla touch screen. Everything else sucks. (To be fair, so does the lack of CarPlay for text/etc., though Tesla's navigation is far superior to Apple Maps).

They're certainly nice in terms of display quality. However, they don't work with gloves (not a huge deal in cases where you can warm up the car before setting off).

The real problem there, IMO, is having way too much crammed into the display. I much prefer having dedicated buttons/knobs for certain features like fan speed, audio volume, etc... I mean windshield wipers have to be selected through a series of taps on the screen in the Model 3, even.

 

[Aston441]

Ah yes Chrysler... the same company that begged Canadian Government for a loan of what... $8B ten years ago... only to re-brand under a new name and avoid paying a single dollar back... So fart you Chrysler!

D/C merger almost killed both companies lol. Mercedes is only now mostly recovered.
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They're certainly nice in terms of display quality. However, they don't work with gloves (not a huge deal in cases where you can warm up the car before setting off).

The real problem there, IMO, is having way too much crammed into the display. I much prefer having dedicated buttons/knobs for certain features like fan speed, audio volume, etc... I mean windshield wipers have to be selected through a series of taps on the screen in the Model 3, even.

Tesla interface is awful.

My favorite cars to drive have NO touch scree controls and EVERYTHING is managed by tactile knobs and switches so I never have to take my eyes off the road.

The only thing I want to see when I'm driving, really driving, is the road.

 

[WestonHarvey1]

Not entirely true. Infotainment.com sells the UConnect 4C that can easily be installed on 2017 Pacificas. There is even an installation video. It's not cheap, but it's certainly cheaper than buying a new Pacifica.

Wow... that's... wow! Pretty sure I'd break my car though.