Crossover SUVs are described as built on car-based platforms as opposed to the earlier host of SUVs built on truck platforms with their rear leaf springs and harsh, jittery ride. Examples of these are the Chevrolet Suburban, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Expedition and Excursion. They also are described as crossovers between minivans and full size SUVs.

Chrysler has added its own SUV crossover to the marketplace.

Indeed the Pacifica does not have the ground clearance of an SUV, but it doesn’t have minivan style sliding side doors either, and it does offer all-wheel drive. Chrysler calls it a sport tourer. It’s listed in Kelley Blue Book under station wagons.

Daimler Benz and Chrysler combined efforts to some degree in this new design. The Pacifica has a solid Mercedes-like feel to it, it has a Mercedes designed sophisticated rear suspension and has Mercedes-style front power seat controls on the inside of the front doors. The drivetrain is all Chrysler, with its 3.5 liter, 250 hp, V-6 all aluminum motor and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift.

On hard acceleration you get a more guttural sound from this engine than actual hard acceleration. Power is adequate, but with a fully loaded Pacifica, which has a base weight of 4,675 pounds, it could use a little more oomph. Except for the occasional intrusion from the engine, this is a quiet car.

The ride is very comfortable, yet firm and confidence inspiring. Handling on twisty roads is surprisingly good, enhanced no doubt by some subtle Mercedes engineering. The steering in the test car seemed a little stiff, especially at low speeds.

Unlike the blocky shapes of some of its competitors, the Pacifica is pleasantly streamlined — giving it an almost station wagon appearance. The interior has a rich look and feel and there are more systems, gadgets and luxury items on this vehicle than on most. The instrument panel is functional with the navigation display right in the middle of the speedometer, and a red speedometer needle that sweeps around with no visible arm or support — nice trick.

The optional stereo upgrade, at $700, plus $895 for the rear system, plus $500 for the DVD player, is excellent with a full bevy of surround sound speakers, six-CD in-dash player and tape deck. This tester’s granddaughter watched the movie “Stigmata” on the rear DVD player while being driven to El Cajon. The incredible sound was awe inspiring.

Sensible cup holders, front and back, enhance the dining experience in the car, and two power outlets up front with one in the back make cell phone charging and laptop work possible.

On the all-wheel-drive model, which is priced at $32,980, standard equipment includes all around anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, side impact restraint system, fog lights, keyless remote control entry, power everything, power adjustable foot pedals with memory, power driver’s seat, cruise control, load leveling and height control suspension, tire pressure monitor and aluminum wheels. A front-wheel-drive model is offered at $29,525.

Optional items include a cold weather group with four heated seats at $500, a convenience group for $305, a power liftgate for $400, a power sunroof for $895, hands-free communication for $275 and a navigation system for $1,595.

The power liftgate can be raised and lowered with the remote key.

It is easy to raise the price of this vehicle to around $40,000 which is somewhere in the pricing region of other luxury crossover SUVs.

Have no doubt this is a luxury SUV, more luxurious than its half brother from Mercedes, the ML 300 series. This is a very nice package that feels heavy and solid with a promise of long life.

The warranty is three years/36,000 miles, with seven-year/70,000 mile powertrain coverage. The EPA fuel consumption figures are city 17mpg/highway 22 mpg.

It appears from J.D. Powers and other surveys that Chrysler vehicle quality is improving while its owner’s vehicle quality is deteriorating; Chrysler now is getting a better rating in some surveys than Mercedes Benz.

You probably can negotiate a good deal on one of these since there is a $1,000 incentive discount available suggesting they are moving off the lots slowly. There are too many Chrysler dealers in the county to mention here, but I would suggest you take a look and test drive one of these.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.