[generaltso]

Has anyone seen any reference from Chrysler indicating what generation of Uconnect is in the 2017 Pacifica? They have stated that the 4th generation of Uconnect will have Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The Pacifica does not have those, so it would seem that it's not 4th gen. But the 3rd generation Uconnect that you see in some 2016 Chrysler products still has the recessed resistive touch screen. It's almost like the Pacifica might have a combination with the brains of a 3rd gen, but the screen of a 4th gen? I'm hoping that it's actually a full 4th gen system and a future software update will bring Carplay, but I think Chrysler would be advertising that if it was their intent. Most reports from articles I've seen indicate that Carplay and Android Auto will be added for the 2018 model year. But then what version of Uconnect is actually in the 2017?

 

[7:07]

From Allpar News

Launched with the Pacifica, UConnect 4 works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect your phone and have it take over the car’s screen; it also enables Siri and takes over the steering wheel controls. The new system has a better processor, so it starts up faster, and it also has higher-resolution graphics and new imagery, as well as gesture controls (e.g. pinch and swipe). This system is used on the Dodge Charger and Challenger, Chrysler 300, and the Pacifica, and is likely to appear in any new launches or updates.

 

[generaltso]

The problem with Allpar is that they report on all kinds of speculation, and then don't always go back and update that to facts once things are released. I still see some reports on Allpar stating that the Pacifica will be available with an AWD system that uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels.

 

[7:07]

Here is the official press release: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=17620&mid=1

It would be very annoying if the Pacifica's Uconnect system is considered generation 3.5 instead of 4 and we don't end up getting Android Auto/Apple Car Play. The Pacifica's unit has the appearance of the 4th gen Uconnect, so let's hope it's just a software update away from having these new features.

 

[PacificaLimited]

YouTube video of integration

 

[generaltso]

Here is the official press release: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=17620&mid=1

It would be very annoying if the Pacifica's Uconnect system is considered generation 3.5 instead of 4 and we don't end up getting Android Auto/Apple Car Play. The Pacifica's unit has the appearance of the 4th gen Uconnect, so let's hope it's just a software update away from having these new features.

Did you notice that the Pacifica is omitted from that press release? It specifically says that it will debut in the 2017 Charger, Challenger, and 300. I've seen at least a couple of articles saying that Android Auto/Apple CarPlay will be added to the Pacifica for 2018 (not that I can seem to find them at the moment).

 

[generaltso]

https://youtu.be/r4t7Czz9MKg

That video shows "pinch to zoom" in the nav map. I know that Uconnect 3 did not have that, so it should be pretty easy to tell if we've got gen 3 or gen 4 brains. Can somebody with nav try to pinch to zoom on the map and report back?

 

[BrettP]

Pinch to zoom does NOT appear to work on my 2017 Pacifica Uconnect NAV

 

[generaltso]

Pinch to zoom does NOT work on my Uconnect NAV

That's what I figured. I also noticed in the video that the "Where To?" screen looks quite different. I really believe that we ended up with Uconnect 3, with a 4th gen screen. I bet Uconnect 4 just wasn't quite ready for production in time. But since the new screen is already part of the design, it will be easy for Chrysler to use the new radio unit for the 2018 model year. I wonder if we'll be able to buy a 2018 radio for a DIY swap if that's the case.

 

[cue003]

I don't think the 2017 is a true 4th gen either. I think they rushed the get the car out and cut some corners in the uconnect Dept. Next year will probably be correct. Time will tell.

 

[cue003]

So 2018 Pacifica will probably get the faster uconnect gen 4 unit.

 

[generaltso]

So 2018 Pacifica will probably get the faster uconnect gen 4 unit.

I think that's quite likely.

 

[Damoncaravanman]

Here is the answer:

Damon,

Finally got the answer. The Pacifica currently has a 3rd generation Uconnect system with some enhancements such as the disassociated screen. Unfortunately there are hardware changes associated with the 4th generations systems to accommodate Android Auto and Car Play; therefore the third generation systems will not be able to do a software update and receive Android Auto and Car Play .

Matt

 

[generaltso]

Here is the answer:

Damon,

Finally got the answer. The Pacifica currently has a 3rd generation Uconnect system with some enhancements such as the disassociated screen. Unfortunately there are hardware changes associated with the 4th generations systems to accommodate Android Auto and Car Play; therefore the third generation systems will not be able to do a software update and receive Android Auto and Car Play .

Matt

Thanks Damon, that's what I suspected. So close, yet so far.

 

[irpilot]

Thanks Damon, that's what I suspected. So close, yet so far.

Unfortunately there isn't a guarantee for 2018 MY either. Customer service escalated a request when we were deciding to wait or order because Android Auto was a big deal for us and an engineer from Chrysler called us back and he said that it's not even guaranteed for the 2018 MY and like was stated in this thread, will not be backwards compatible for gen 3. By the tone in his voice, I got the feeling that it's not looking good for 2018. We ordered our van after that conversation. We'll probably trade it in after 3 years for a newer one if this one works out well for our needs. Hopefully they'll have it sorted out by then. It's a shame because somehow the 4th gen is already available in the Maserati line up.

 

[generaltso]

Unfortunately there isn't a guarantee for 2018 MY either

Certainly no guarantee. But since it's already in the 2017 Charger, Challenger, and 300, making its way to the 2018 Pacifica seems likely. Especially since they're already using the disassociated capacitive screen.

 

[7:07]

Well that's depressing. We were cross-shopping the Kia Sedona and were told even the 2015 models would receive Android Auto/Car Play as an update, as they already have the required hardware. FCA is dropping the ball.

Thanks for the info.