Select a year
- Highs Low cost, good amount of interior room, can out-tow most rivals.
- Lows Outdated design, cheap interior materials, antiquated technology.
- Verdict The Grand Caravan's main selling point is generous space for people and cargo at a cut-rate price, but it's outperformed by rivals in most areas.
Overview
The Grand Caravan is now 10 years old and serves primarily as a low-cost alternative to the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and other minivans from competing manufacturers. The aged, blocky van’s former class-leading virtues are now in the distant past. Even its cargo space—a minivan staple—has been outdone by more modern rivals. Aside from unbeatable pricing, it still has a few redeeming qualities, such as brawny towing capacity and fold-into-the-floor second- and third-row seating. On the other hand, families will want more in-car technology, and those focused on safety will quickly lose interest in the Grand Caravan’s weak offering of active safety features.
What's New for 2017?
Few things change for the Grand Caravan for 2017. The biggest revision is the scaling back from six trim levels to four: SE, SE Plus, SXT, and GT. All trims now come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a backup camera, while SE Plus models get Dodge’s popular Blacktop appearance package as standard fare.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SE: $27,090
- SE Plus: $29,790
- SXT: $32,490
- GT: $35,490
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the Grand Caravan’s stubby hood is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 283 horsepower. The six-speed automatic transmission could react more quickly to commands for extra power, and since its rivals offer fuel-saving eight-, nine-, and 10-speed automatics, the Grand Caravan’s transmission seems outdated. But overall, the Dodge's standard powertrain is easygoing and agreeable. Its towing capacity one-ups most of its rivals, but only slightly. Real-world acceleration is satisfactory, and the Grand Caravan blends acceptable cornering capability with a comfortable ride. The suspension soaks up most bumps just fine, although larger ones do cause some jolting to shudder through the cabin. Body roll is managed admirably for such a top-heavy vehicle, and the Grand Caravan feels poised through corners and relaxed when cruising.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
If the Grand Caravan’s plasticky interior trim and uninspired cabin design seem outdated, that’s because they are; the van was last redesigned in 2008. A high seating position provides a clear view forward, but passenger space is no match for modern rivals. Since it’s the value van, the Grand Caravan does without frills in most of its iterations. Even the top-spec GT model has no ventilated front seats or memory settings for the driver. Not many vehicles are more practical than a minivan for cargo carrying, and while that’s still true of the Grand Caravan, it’s truer of its competitors.
Infotainment and Connectivity
We applaud Dodge for offering an infotainment system as standard equipment, but in this case, the system is so antiquated that even a basic AM/FM radio would be simpler and more satisfying to use. Most features are optional, and neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay is available. All Grand Caravans come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and an early version of Fiat Chrysler’s Uconnect software. And we do mean early. The menu layout is confusing, on-screen buttons are tiny and hard to actuate while driving, and the system seems clumsy, especially compared to the latest version in the new Chrysler Pacifica.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Dodge Grand Caravan’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
