2016 Chrysler Town & Country Touring: Your Home Away from Home

2016 Chrysler Town & Country Touring: Your Home Away from Home
2016 Chrysler Town & Country. (Courtesy of Chrysler)
4/30/2016
Updated:
5/4/2016

The Town & Country offers you just about anything you need when it comes to style, roominess, and comfort, while allowing you to stay connected and entertained.

Town & Country can achieve an EPA rated mileage of 25 mpg on the highway, once you have activated the Eco mode button in the center stack.

The 3.6 L Pentastar VVT V6 engine is married to a 62TE 6-speed automatic transmission and boasts a Best-in-Class 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, yet still gets splendid mileage.

My Town & Country had one remarkable standard feature called “Stow ‘n Place” Roof Rack System that can carry up to 150 pounds of cargo. It’s so convenient having collapsible crossbars that can fold flat and attach to the side rails when not in use, to improve aerodynamics.

Outside, the Town & Country is easily recognizable. The chrome grille, unique wing badge, and large headlights announce its approach.

A black rear bumper step pad provides easy in-out movement. Deep-tint sunscreen glass and 17-inch aluminum wheels complete the ensemble. Low rolling resistance tires, low-drag brake calipers, and rear bearing enhance fuel efficiency, while the performance suspension add a new level of handling dynamics, helping to provide a comfortable ride expected in a luxury minivan.

Town & Country has the most innovative seating and storage in its class. The “Stow ‘n Go” second- and third-row seats fold individually into floor bins, allowing you to go from seven seats to two, or any combination in between. With all seats stowed (not removed), the Town & Country becomes a flat cargo floor providing 143.3 cubic feet of storage. Easy for loading and you don’t have to remove the seats.

The interior of the 2016 Town & Country. (Courtesy of Chrysler)
The interior of the 2016 Town & Country. (Courtesy of Chrysler)

Now when seats are in the upright position, the in-floor bin stores all kinds of stuff. Plenty of room for laptops, purses, backpack or sports equipment. With a touch of the button the leather trimmed 60/40-split-third row folds directly under the floor.

The third-row seats can be flipped down toward the rear bumper and becomes tailgate seats. Great for watching the kids play ball or just admiring a beautiful sunset.

A Remote Start System, Radio 430 audio package with CD/DVD/MP3 player, ParkView backup camera, 6.5-inch touchscreen, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio are all standard features. 

While the three-zone auto temperature control keeps everyone cool and comfortable, power windows allow fresh air in and power door locks keep mischief out.
 
Town & Country is a large and comfortable vehicle. And although it is 203-inches bumper-to-bumper, 67-inches tall, and has a 121-inch wheelbase, it is easy to park, manoeuvers well through crowded city traffic, all the while getting great mileage.

Even in a challenging curve there is little roll, with the vehicle holding well and plenty of torque on the straight-away.

All passengers sit tall on wide seats. Everything the driver needs is close at hand and easily reachable. Even with a recently injured leg, I found getting in and out was never upsetting.

The aluminum clock located in the front between the air conditioning vents was easily read, as the abundance of open storage was so conveniently located.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Touring model is $31,875. There is an optional equipment package for $1,500 that includes equipment like: power sun roof, heated second and third row seats, and a mini overhead console.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected]