Blog Auto Review

The Chrysler - the inventors of the minivan - is bringing modern design to the segment with the 2013 Town & Country S model. Debuting at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show, the Chrysler Town & Country S is the latest "S" model in the Chrysler line-up, joining the 200 sedan and convertible and 300 sedan. The Chrysler Town & Country S gets exterior and interior enhancements as well as some standard equipment commonly associated with top-line models.

Available in Brilliant Black, Deep Cherry Red, Stone White or Billet Silver, the 2013 Town & Country S gets revised trim that adds contrast to the minivans typically bright exterior treatment. A black chrome grille is combined with black-background Chrysler Winged badges front and rear, a black rear fascia step pad, "S" model badging, 17-inch aluminum wheels with polished face and black-painted pockets and blacked-out headlight bezels (delayed availability).

The interior features a monotone black interior unique to the Chrysler Town & Country S. It starts with the Black Torino leather seats with an "S" logo embroidered in the seat backs and black Ballistic cloth seat inserts. The seats also feature grey stitching as do the door armrests. Piano Black gloss appliques are found on the instrument panel and on the spokes of the black leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the Chrysler Winged badge on the wheel matches the black background-look of the exterior badging. Finishing interior touches include a black headliner and upper consoles, black center console and an "S" logo in the instrument cluster.

The segment-exclusive dual-screen Blu-Ray DVD system with HDMI input, two USB recharging ports, a 12v outlet and a 115v two-prong outlet is standard. This system, new for 2013, allows rear seat passengers to view standard and Blu-Ray DVDs or to play a high-definition video game system on the new, higher definition, screens. Wireless headphones allow back seat passengers to enjoy this state-of-the-art system without forcing front seat passengers to hear the accompanying audio.

The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country S also features a performance suspension that adds a new level of handling dynamics to the driving experience, yet still provides a comfortable ride thats expected in a luxury minivan.

Town & Countrys award-winning powertrain delivers best-in-class horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is a two-time "Wards 10 Best Engine" winner and produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The V-6 is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transmission. A fuel economizer mode helps the driver maximize fuel efficiency, and premium, lower-rolling-resistance tires, and low-drag brake calipers and rear bearings make great fuel economy possible. Chrysler Town & Country achieves 17 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 25 on the highway.

The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country offers over 40 available safety, security and technology features, providing customers the safety they expect to ensure peace of mind when traveling. Standard safety features include ParkView rear back up camera, front seat-mounted air bags, a driver-side inflatable knee blocker, advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side-curtain air bags for all three rows, and electronic stability control, including Brake Assist and all-speed traction control. Optional on Touring and standard on Touring L and Limited models is the SafetyTec Group consisting of rain-sensitive windshield wipers, Smartbeam headlamps, ParkSense rear park assist system, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.

New for 2013 is standard trailer sway damping that monitors a towed trailers behavior and automatically uses Town & Countrys anti-lock braking system to mitigate any swaying motions.