The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released fuel economy ratings for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan that can achieve 28 mpg on the highway — a 12% improvement over the outgoing Town & Country.

The Pacifica can also achieve 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg in combined driving cycles, the EPA has found. The EPA hasn't released fuel economy ratings for the Pacifica Hybrid model.

The gasoline Pacifica is powered by FCA's 3.6L V-6 Pentastar engine, which has been upgraded for this application. The fuel economy ratings have been achieved with engine technology such as two-step variable-valve lift, cooled exhaust-gas recirculation, and weight reductions. The V-6 delivers power through a 9-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission with a 9.81 ratio spread and calibration designed to improve vehicle launch and deliver smooth shifts.

FCA has implemented "aggressive weight-reduction strategies," and the minivan weighs about 250 pounds less than the 2016 Town & Country's 4,652-pound curb weight.

FCA will offer stop-start later in the year, prior to the launch of the Pacifica Hybrid, which should provide 30 miles of EV driving, according to FCA.