The Lancia Voyager 3.6 Pentastar V6 Automatic, produced from November 2011 to August 2015, represents a significant iteration of Lancia’s large minivan offering. This model, based on the Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan platform (internally designated as the RW generation), was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a blend of American practicality and Italian styling cues. It occupied the top end of the Voyager lineup, providing a more powerful and refined experience compared to the lower-trim diesel variants. The 3.6 Pentastar V6, paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, was positioned as the premium choice for buyers prioritizing performance and a smoother driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lancia |
| Model | Voyager |
| Generation | Voyager (RW) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.6 Pentastar V6 (283 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | November, 2011 |
| End of production | August, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.8 l/100 km (14.9 US mpg, 17.9 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg, 26.2 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 252 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 208 km/h (129.25 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.4 kg/Hp, 135.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 283 Hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 344 Nm @ 4400 rpm (253.72 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | ERB |
| Engine displacement | 3604 cm3 (219.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12.6 l (13.31 US qt | 11.09 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2091 kg (4609.87 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2690 kg (5930.43 lbs.) |
| Max load | 599 kg (1320.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 934 l (32.98 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 4100 l (144.79 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal | 16.72 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 68 kg (149.91 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 65 kg (143.3 lbs.) |
| Length | 5218 mm (205.43 in.) |
| Width | 1998 mm (78.66 in.) |
| Height | 1750 mm (68.9 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3078 mm (121.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1663 mm (65.47 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.1 m (39.7 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Threaded twist beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 330×28 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 328×12 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Voyager 3.6 Pentastar V6 is the ERB engine, a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine is a member of Chrysler’s Pentastar family, known for its relatively lightweight construction and smooth power delivery. It features a 60-degree V-angle, aluminum cylinder heads, and a cast iron block. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, and the engine utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The six-speed automatic transmission, a Chrysler 62TE unit, was specifically calibrated for the Pentastar V6, offering smooth shifts and optimized gear ratios for both highway cruising and acceleration. This transmission featured a torque converter lock-up clutch to improve fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.6 Pentastar V6 Automatic Voyager offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the diesel options available in Europe. The 283 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque provided brisk acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 8.2 seconds. While not a sports car, the Voyager felt confident during highway merging and overtaking maneuvers. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort and fuel economy over aggressive shifting. The front-wheel-drive configuration contributed to predictable handling, but the Voyager’s size and weight were always apparent in corners. Compared to the manual transmission versions (not widely available in Europe), the automatic offered a more relaxed driving experience, but at the expense of some driver engagement.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.6 Pentastar V6 Automatic typically came with a generous level of standard equipment. This included features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system, alloy wheels, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels added features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium sound system, and navigation. Optional extras included a dual-pane sunroof, rear-seat entertainment system, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection.
Chassis & Braking
The Voyager’s chassis was designed for comfort and practicality. It utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a threaded twist beam suspension in the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The suspension tuning prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The steering was hydraulically assisted, providing a light and easy feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lancia Voyager 3.6 Pentastar V6 Automatic was generally well-received by critics, who praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. However, its fuel economy was a common criticism, being significantly lower than that of the diesel variants. Compared to other large minivans on the European market, the Voyager offered a unique blend of American practicality and Italian styling. The diesel versions were more popular in Europe due to lower fuel costs and stricter emissions regulations, but the Pentastar V6 appealed to buyers who prioritized performance and refinement.
Legacy
The Lancia Voyager 3.6 Pentastar V6 Automatic, while not a high-volume seller, remains a desirable option in the used car market for those seeking a spacious and well-equipped minivan with a powerful gasoline engine. The Pentastar V6 engine has proven to be relatively reliable, although regular maintenance is crucial. Common issues include oil leaks and occasional sensor failures. The six-speed automatic transmission is generally durable, but fluid changes should be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Today, these Voyagers represent a unique offering, blending American engineering with a touch of Italian flair.
