Video: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica: Hands-Free Sliding Doors

The Chrysler Pacifica's available hands-free sliding side doors seem like the kind of feature that a lot of parents would want, but we wanted to put it to the test to see whether it's a true parent helper or not. Hands-free lift gates are available on many different vehicles, the Pacifica included, but this is the first minivan to offer hands-free sliding side doors. Just like a hands-free lift gate is designed to make it easier to open the lift gate when your hands are full, having hands-free sliding doors means you don't have to fumble for the key fob to unlock and open the door when you're carrying a sleeping child or bags of groceries. It seems like a good thing, right? But, does it work? Unlike some hands-free systems that are difficult to use because of finicky sensors, the Pacifica's power sliding doors reliably open after making a swift kicking motion underneath the van at the leading edge of the door. However, making another kicking motion under the van won't close the door. So if your hands are full, you must use the key fob, the button on the A-pillar, or the available button on the exterior door handle to close the door. With any luck, you should be able to reach one of them, even if your hands are somewhat full. Pacifica's hands-free sliding side doors are optional on the Touring L Plus trim level and included on the Limited trim. Both of these trims are upscale versions of the family hauler that started around $40,000 or more, but we hope this feature trickles down to less expensive versions in the coming years. It's a feature that's well worth having.