With the snow melting and the temperature hovering at a tropical 5°C (41°F), life in Calgary feels a whole lot better than during the extreme cold snap we endured in February.
A couple of weeks consistently below -20°C (-4°F) were enough to convert our e-Hybrid back to a regular gasoline Pacifica for almost all of the time, even after preconditioning the cabin and battery before leaving the house. As such, our winter average fuel consumption increased to a seasonal high of 10L/100km (24mpg US), but with warmer weather now established, we’re back below 7L/100km (34mpg US) and still falling. It’ll soon be time to reset the computer for spring.
Since the last update, Baymax has delivered his first expensive repair bill, albeit through no fault of the car. Stone chips are an inevitability on Calgary’s gritted winter roads but unfortunately, we took a shot to the driver’s side window, which produced a sizeable crack. Our dealer, Crowfoot Dodge Chrysler recommended GlassMasters autoglass, so the car went to have the pricey replacement pane fitted. It took just a little over an hour and the service was great, although I’m not convinced the seal is quite as good as before. There seems to be more wind noise, but I need to assess it for a while longer because we’ve had such high winds here lately!
A couple of weeks consistently below -20°C (-4°F) were enough to convert our e-Hybrid back to a regular gasoline Pacifica for almost all of the time, even after preconditioning the cabin and battery before leaving the house. As such, our winter average fuel consumption increased to a seasonal high of 10L/100km (24mpg US), but with warmer weather now established, we’re back below 7L/100km (34mpg US) and still falling. It’ll soon be time to reset the computer for spring.
Since the last update, Baymax has delivered his first expensive repair bill, albeit through no fault of the car. Stone chips are an inevitability on Calgary’s gritted winter roads but unfortunately, we took a shot to the driver’s side window, which produced a sizeable crack. Our dealer, Crowfoot Dodge Chrysler recommended GlassMasters autoglass, so the car went to have the pricey replacement pane fitted. It took just a little over an hour and the service was great, although I’m not convinced the seal is quite as good as before. There seems to be more wind noise, but I need to assess it for a while longer because we’ve had such high winds here lately!
In February I also had the opportunity through my work to test the 2021 Toyota Sienna. The new model is only available with a hybrid powertrain, making it the PacHy’s closest rival in the minivan market, if not a direct one. Its exterior makeover has raised a few eyebrows – for me, the Pacifica still has a classier look – and it now rides on the same TNGA platform as the RAV4, Highlander and other Toyotas. My test vehicle was an XSE, which is ostensibly the sporty option, with 20in rims (FWD only) and a firmer suspension tune.
Personally, I didn’t feel that there was very much about it that was sporty, nor is there any need for a van to feel like a sports car. In fact, I missed the Pacifica’s excellent on-centre steering feel and the instant torque of the e-Hybrid. But the Sienna is still a very good vehicle. I especially liked the longer-travel second-row seats, which open up useful flexibility to maximize passenger space or cargo volume, and the practical storage options between the front seats. Here's a link to the full review.
Personally, I didn’t feel that there was very much about it that was sporty, nor is there any need for a van to feel like a sports car. In fact, I missed the Pacifica’s excellent on-centre steering feel and the instant torque of the e-Hybrid. But the Sienna is still a very good vehicle. I especially liked the longer-travel second-row seats, which open up useful flexibility to maximize passenger space or cargo volume, and the practical storage options between the front seats. Here's a link to the full review.
In the first week of March, we reached 5,000km (3,100 miles) since we bought the Pacifica, which seems to be a good moment to reflect on the ownership experience so far. It’s still relatively early days, but we’ve no major complaints. It’s good to drive, it’s been reliable, and the kids love it. They’re especially happy that our 3-month free trial of Sirius XM was recently and inexplicably reactivated! I’ve become a huge fan of the silent running and I’ve not missed filling up at the gas station in cold weather.
Fuel-wise we’ve put a total of 216 litres (48 gallons US) into the car to cover those miles, which coincides almost exactly with our first six months of ownership, giving an average gasoline consumption of 4.3L/100km (55mpg US). That’s a great figure through a winter, although the numbers are slightly skewed given that we covered more miles – and therefore took greater advantage of battery-only running – when the weather was warmer.
Thanks for reading and see you next time.
Fuel-wise we’ve put a total of 216 litres (48 gallons US) into the car to cover those miles, which coincides almost exactly with our first six months of ownership, giving an average gasoline consumption of 4.3L/100km (55mpg US). That’s a great figure through a winter, although the numbers are slightly skewed given that we covered more miles – and therefore took greater advantage of battery-only running – when the weather was warmer.
Thanks for reading and see you next time.