The Chrysler Town & Country V, specifically the variant equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, was a mainstay of the American minivan market from 2008 to 2016. Representing the fifth generation of the Town & Country (and mechanically identical to the Dodge Grand Caravan), this iteration aimed to balance family practicality with a more refined driving experience and modern features. This particular engine and transmission combination occupied a mid-range position within the Town & Country lineup, offering a step up in performance from the base 3.3-liter V6 while remaining more accessible than potential future, higher-performance trims. It was designed to appeal to families prioritizing both power for highway driving and fuel efficiency for daily commutes.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chrysler |
| Model | Town & Country |
| Generation | Town & Country V |
| Type (Engine) | 3.6 V6 (287 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) | 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) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 209 km/h (129.87 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.4 kg/Hp, 135.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 166.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 287 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 79.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 353 Nm @ 4400 rpm (260.36 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Pentastar |
| 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 | 2115 kg (4662.78 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2744 kg (6049.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 629 kg (1386.71 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 930 l (32.84 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2340 l (82.64 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal | 16.72 UK gal) |
| Length | 5151 mm (202.8 in.) |
| Width | 1998 mm (78.66 in.) |
| Height | 1725 mm (67.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3078 mm (121.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1666 mm (65.59 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1647 mm (64.84 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Town & Country variant is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. Introduced in 2008, the Pentastar was a significant upgrade over the previous 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines offered by Chrysler. It features a 60-degree V-angle, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, and a multi-port fuel injection system. This configuration allows for a broad torque curve and relatively high horsepower output for a naturally aspirated engine. The engine code is generally identified as the ENJ. The six-speed automatic transmission (typically the 62TE) was chosen for its balance of efficiency and responsiveness. This transmission features a torque converter lock-up clutch to improve fuel economy at cruising speeds and offers a manual shift mode for driver control. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for both acceleration and highway cruising, prioritizing smooth operation and adequate power delivery for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Driving Characteristics
The 287-horsepower Pentastar V6, when paired with the six-speed automatic, provided a noticeable improvement in performance compared to the base engine options. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in around 9 seconds, making it competitive with other minivans in its class. While not a sports car, the Town & Country V offered sufficient power for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. The automatic transmission generally shifted smoothly, although some drivers noted a slight hesitation during downshifts. Compared to the manual transmission versions (available on other Town & Country trims), the automatic prioritized convenience over outright performance. The automatic’s gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy and comfortable cruising, resulting in a less engaging driving experience for those seeking a more sporty feel.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.6L V6 automatic trim typically included features such as power windows, power locks, air conditioning, a basic audio system with CD player, and cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as the Touring and Limited, added features like leather upholstery, a premium audio system, power sliding doors, a rear entertainment system, and alloy wheels. Optional extras included a navigation system, sunroof, and upgraded safety features. The interior design was functional and family-oriented, with ample storage compartments and comfortable seating for seven passengers. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use, with clearly labeled controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Town & Country V utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. The suspension was tuned for a comfortable ride, prioritizing smoothness over sporty handling. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard equipment. The steering was rack-and-pinion, providing reasonably precise steering feel. The vehicle’s weight, exceeding 4,600 pounds, necessitated a robust braking system to ensure adequate stopping power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Chrysler Town & Country V with the 3.6L V6 and automatic transmission was generally well-received by critics and consumers. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and improved performance compared to earlier models. Fuel economy was considered average for its class, with combined MPG figures around 21-22. Compared to the base 3.3L V6 engine, the 3.6L offered a significant boost in power and acceleration. However, it was slightly less fuel-efficient. The Town & Country V competed primarily with the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Dodge Grand Caravan. The Sienna often received higher marks for reliability, while the Odyssey was praised for its innovative features.
Legacy
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine proved to be a durable and reliable powertrain. While some owners have reported minor issues with the transmission, the engine itself has generally held up well over time. In the used car market, the 2008-2016 Town & Country V with the 3.6L V6 remains a popular choice for families seeking a spacious and affordable minivan. Its combination of power, practicality, and relatively low maintenance costs makes it a compelling option, even compared to newer models. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for transmission issues and ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained.
