Battery life for long term owners

I've had mine since Nov 2017, and now have 20,500 miles. Since the last recall/software update, it now reports 33-34 electric miles on a full charge. At first I thought it meant I was going to get less mileage on battery, but it's been consistent, providing 28 - 34 miles on a charge, depending on weather, or sitting parked while on the phone with hvac on. I have no regrets buying it and only have a few nitpiks: 1) I have the Platinum model and it came with the 17" wheels/tires option (-$175 on sticker). They're easy to keep clean, the wheel design is such I don't have to worry about curb rash, but they have the Yokohama's on them - would have preferred Michelins that came with the 18" wheels. But the tires are wearing evenly, and I'll likely get 40-50k miles out them; 2) the sliding doors now sound like they need to be lubricated when they're opening - when they close they sound fine. I'll have the dealer check it out next time I'm there. 3) the 2017's don't have Android Auto - which I liked using in previous vehicles; 4) when I fill up with gas, I have to trickle the gas in or the gas nozzle auto-shutoffs. It could be that particular station - I'll have to try another one to see if it's really a problem.

Things I love: 1) the Unconnect system, even if it's the older gen than what's in the 2018/19's. One particular feature I use a lot is sending Nav destinations to it from my phone! 2) Didn't think I would use the panoramic sunroof a lot, but in the winter/cooler weather when it's sunny out, I'll open the shade and let natural sunlight help warm the interior, or keep in warm when I'm out and about. In the summer, I keep it closed, plus pull up all the window visors in 2nd/3rd rows. Find that it doesn't so hot parked in the sun.

Things I wish Chrysler would do: 1) use the plug-in hybrid tech in other vehicles. Offer a 4 cyl in place of the V6 (2.0 ltr turbo?) Likely save a couple hundred lbs, maybe better pure-hybrid mileage? 2) Where's the crossover that could be used on the Pacifica platform? Spread the cost of the hybrid tech out among more vehicles to get the price down. They're talking about a plug-in Wrangler, but what about the other SUV's? I'm sure the hybrid system is scalable to fit smaller/larger vehicles. 3) Put it in the Ram 1500! That would be perfect!

Bond007 said:

I don’t see a problem with continued production of the journey and GC along with the new car.

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The problem is one of what is called 'commonality' or component sharing. It's the basis of auto manufacturering profit for most of the last century. In effect, basic components are shared across a wide range of product lines. GM used to be a master of this by skillfully disguising that all the divisions shared at least some common (but well hidden) parts like roofs and window glass, from Cadillac down to Chevrolet.

In that regard, time is running out on the Grand Caravan and Journey as newer platforms and drivetrains enter the picture. They're clinging to life now mainly due to the continued use of the Pentastar V6 engine in most other FCA products. But, at some point, even that is going to be replaced.

Even now, the GC and Journey are continuing to use an archaic 5-speed automatic because it would be too expensive to re-engineer them for the Pacifica's 9-speed. I'm not positive, but I think they're the only FCA products that still use it.