The Chrysler Town & Country V, specifically the variant equipped with the 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 177 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission, was a mainstay of Chrysler’s minivan lineup from 2008 to 2016. This generation (often referred to as the fifth generation) represented a significant shift for the Town & Country, moving away from the more utilitarian focus of earlier models towards a more family-oriented, feature-rich package. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Town & Country lineup, it provided a balance between affordability and comfort, appealing to families seeking a spacious and practical vehicle without the premium price tag of the higher trim levels. It was a key competitor in the North American minivan segment, battling against the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chrysler |
| Model | Town & Country |
| Generation | Town & Country V |
| Type (Engine) | 3.3 V6 (177 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 177 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 278 Nm @ 4000 rpm (205.04 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EGA |
| Engine displacement | 3301 cm3 (201.44 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 12.6 l (13.31 US qt | 11.09 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1966 kg (4334.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2585 kg (5698.95 lbs.) |
| Max load | 619 kg (1364.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 671 l (23.7 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 5144 mm (202.52 in.) |
| Width | 1953 mm (76.89 in.) |
| Height | 1750 mm (68.9 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3078 mm (121.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1626 mm (64.02 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Town & Country variant is the 3.3-liter EGA V6 engine. This engine, a member of Chrysler’s robust V6 family, utilizes a naturally aspirated configuration with a single overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain. The EGA engine employs multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports, optimizing combustion efficiency. The 9.4:1 compression ratio strikes a balance between power output and fuel economy. Paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic transmission. While not the most modern transmission by today’s standards, it was a reliable unit designed for smooth operation and durability. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for everyday driving, prioritizing comfortable cruising and adequate acceleration rather than outright performance. The engine’s front-wheel-drive configuration contributes to its fuel efficiency and provides reasonable traction in most weather conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 177-horsepower output and four-speed automatic transmission deliver adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 9.5 seconds, making it suitable for merging onto highways and navigating city streets. The automatic transmission provides smooth shifts, but can feel somewhat dated compared to more modern transmissions with more gears. The engine delivers its peak torque at 4000 rpm, meaning that drivers need to apply a reasonable amount of throttle to access its full power. Compared to the higher-output 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 offered in other Town & Country trims, this 3.3-liter version feels noticeably less powerful, especially when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. However, the 3.3L offered a more economical option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency over outright speed.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.3L automatic Town & Country typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and cloth upholstery. Safety features included ABS brakes and multiple airbags. Optional extras included upgraded audio systems, leather upholstery, power-sliding doors, a rear entertainment system, and alloy wheels. The trim level often dictated the availability of these options, with higher trims offering more standard features and a wider range of customization possibilities. The interior design was functional and family-friendly, with ample storage compartments and comfortable seating for seven passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The Town & Country V utilized a front-wheel-drive chassis with an independent front suspension and a twist-beam rear suspension. The front suspension provided a comfortable ride, while the rear suspension helped to maximize cargo space. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS was standard, providing enhanced braking control in emergency situations. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort and ride quality, rather than sporty handling. The relatively modest weight of the vehicle, around 4334 lbs, helped to mitigate the effects of the less powerful engine.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally viewed the 3.3-liter Town & Country as a practical and affordable option for families. However, the engine’s performance was often criticized as being underwhelming, particularly when compared to the more powerful engines offered in competing minivans. Fuel economy was considered average for the segment. Compared to the higher-trim Town & Country models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6, the 3.3-liter version offered a lower price point but sacrificed performance. The Dodge Grand Caravan, often priced lower, provided a similar level of practicality but with a less refined interior. The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna were generally considered to be more refined and reliable, but also came with a higher price tag.
Legacy
The 3.3-liter V6 engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be a relatively reliable powertrain. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and transmission fluid services. The four-speed automatic transmission, while dated, is generally durable if properly maintained. In the used car market, the 3.3-liter Town & Country represents an affordable entry point into minivan ownership. While it may not offer the same level of performance or features as newer models, it remains a practical and spacious vehicle for families on a budget. Its simplicity and relatively low maintenance costs contribute to its continued appeal in the used car market.
