Test Drive: 2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum

In addition to the Nappa leather upholstery, standard kit with the Limited Platinum trim includes three-zone automatic climate control, heated front and second-row seats, heated steering wheel, ambient surround interior lighting, keyless entry, pushbutton start, power sliding doors and tailgate, power windows (including power quarter vented windows), built-in rear window sunshades, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 115V power outlet, rearview camera, rear parking sensor system, blind spot detection system, cross traffic alert, and a nine-speaker touchscreen UConnect infotainment system with satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and remote USB port. I suppose I should comment on the infotainment system, but mostly I found it unremarkable – it sounds decent enough but perhaps lacks a little punch up front, and the interface is good once you get used to it, although it took me a while to figure out that the sound control menu is accessed not via the touchscreen but via a button marked “Audio”.

On top of all its standard equipment my test van had $5,220 worth of optional gear including a power sunroof ($1,395), towing package ($700), navigation package ($475), dual DVD/Bluray entertainment system with second- and third-row screens ($2,000), and the previously mentioned power folding third-row seat (well worth having at $650). All in all, it’s a list of equipment worthy of a luxury sedan and sure to keep the kids happy on even the longest road trips. So if the total as-tested price came to, say $42,000, I’d end this review here, saying that the Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum is well worth consideration, representing “a well thought-out and practical family minivan with a nice touch of luxury.”

2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited engine bay, driver’s seat, gauges, centre stack. Click image to enlarge

But that’s not exactly how the Town & Country prices out. Instead, if you went by its Monroney sticker, my loaded test van topped out at a lofty $55,610 including the $1,695 destination fee, and at that price it competes against an interesting array of family vehicles including, for instance, the Scion FR-S. Paired with a decently-equipped Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus (which includes the Stow ‘n Go seats) this combination of vehicles will keep both you and the kids happy for a grand total of $51,750 including all destination fees, leaving a few thousand dollars left over for the additional insurance and tires. Or you could spend just a bit more and get a Ford Fusion sedan paired with a base Toyota Sienna minivan for a grand total of $56,479 destination in. Or whatever other combination you can dream up.

Without calling Chrysler’s sticker prices purely fictional, however, the actual price you’ll pay for a van equipped the same as my test van should be a good deal less than the stickered price. Using Chrysler’s website to build an identical van shows a current total MSRP of $47,610 with all the same options and including destination fees. So while you could still perhaps opt for a Mazda5 paired with a Kia Forte Koup instead (for a combined total of $46,670 including destination), at that price the Town & Country Limited Platinum really does represent a well thought-out and practical minivan with a nice touch of luxury.

2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited. Click image to enlarge

Pricing: 2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum
Base Price: $48,695
Options: $5,220 (sunroof, towing package, navigation, DVD entertainment system, power rear seats)
Freight: $1,695
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $55,710

Competitors:
Dodge Grand Caravan
Infiniti QX60
Honda Odyssey
Kia Sedona
Mazda5
Nissan Quest
Toyota Sienna