The new 2017 Pacifica minivan has already been released to Chrysler dealerships, and the first-drive reviews are already up.

According to The Oakland Press, Fiat Chrysler heavily upgraded and tweaked the new family vehicle. Previous minivans are often thought of as boxy, heavy-driven "soccer mom mobiles." However, the 2017 Pacifica holds all the improvements of being a 6th-generation minivan, from the flared-up sides and stylized end grilles, comfortable and luxurious interiors, down to the tweaked under-the-hood components.

Tthe 2017 Pacifica carries the latest FCA drivetrain, a 3.6-liter V-6 paired up with a nine-speed transmission gearbox. The 2017 Pacifica can go 28 miles per gallon on the highway driving portion of the Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy tests.

The balance between performance and stability is also one of the main features of the new minivan. The industry observer notes that in terms of handling and over-all ride, the Pacifica easily bested the 2016 versions of the Dodge and Chrysler minivans, and even contends with competitors like Honda and Toyota.

The positive first-drive reviews are good news to Chrysler, who in order to meet the deadline, stepped up production and hired at least 1,200 more workers for its Windsor production plant. In addition, it is speculated that Chrysler has shelled out more than $2.6 billion for this investment.

However, the pressure is also on to make the new Pacifica a huge hit. According to speculations, Chrysler is planning to discontinue the Dodge Grand Caravan, supposedly the company's most successful minivan to date. This means that the 2017 Pacifica will need to outshine sales of some of its lineup cousins. Last year alone, the Dodge Grand Caravan had more than 97,141 units sold in the U.S., while Chrysler has sold 93,848 Chrysler Town & Country minivans.

Already available in Chrysler showrooms, the 2017 Pacifica has a $28,595 price tag without the destination charge.