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- Highs Cheap cost of entry, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, it's really just cheap.
- Lows Ancient design, thirsty V-6 engine, thinly cushioned second-row seats.
- Verdict Good enough for a vacation rental but not much more.
Overview
Rumors of the Dodge Grand Caravan's death have been greatly exaggerated, as the old van is sticking around at least for the 2020 model year. It's the cheapest way to get yourself into a new minivan, but before you do, we'd recommend really asking yourself if that's what you want. The Grand Caravan is, quite literally, from another decade and offers zero driver-assistance features that are commonly standard among its more modern rivals. The same can be said of its infotainment system, which lacks both an intuitive interface and competitive hardware. What the Grand Caravan offers, though, is a handy and hard-working interior with standard Stow 'n Go second row seats, a durable (read: plasticky) interior, and a bargain price.
What's New for 2020?
Left to languish for yet another model year, the 2020 Grand Caravan soldiers on with the most minor of updates: the midrange SE Plus model now comes standard with second-row captain's chairs, an eight-way power driver's seat, and red accent stitching to contrast the black upholstery. A Blacktop Appearance package is now optional on both the SE Plus and SXT models. Otherwise, the Grand Caravan is unchanged for 2020, but Dodge has announced that it will be discontinued after this model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
If you're considering a Grand Caravan versus one of its more modern rivals, you're likely looking for a deal, so we'd play it cheap and go with the mid-range SE Plus. It's still pretty basic, but it offers essentials such as automatic headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, and Stow 'n Go second-row seats. If you're looking for more, it'd be wise to look elsewhere; the Chrysler Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey both cost more but offer modern driver-assistance features and more luxuries than this budget van.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Regardless of trim level, there is but one powertrain option: a naturally aspirated 283-hp V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Offering familiarity above all else, the proven powertrain has no secrets to tell. Although of pedestrian pedigree, the Grand Caravan's engine emits a surprisingly baritone growl when the driver is deep into the throttle. Sadly, the exhaust note doesn't translate into surprising performance, as the Grand Caravan returned the slowest zero-to-60-mph time of all the recent minivans we've tested. That said, it's more than adequate for the task at hand. While the six-speed transmission suffers a little gear envy with the eight-, nine-, and 10-speed automatics offered by competitors, it shifts smoothly and rarely makes a fuss, the exception being its reluctance to downshift during passing maneuvers. Likewise, the ride quality and handling are innocuous with the exception of the occasional harsh jolting of the chassis from larger road imperfections. Body roll is managed admirably for a top-heavy vehicle, and the Grand Caravan feels poised through corners and relaxed when cruising.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Considering the amount of gray whiskers on its carryover powertrain, it comes as no surprise that the Grand Caravan's EPA fuel-economy estimates lag behind those of most of its more modern rivals. It did especially poorly in our real-world highway fuel-economy test, registering just 22 mpg—less than its 25-mpg EPA rating—at a steady 75 mph for 200 miles. Adding insult to inefficiency, the Chrysler Pacifica, the Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Sienna all beat their EPA estimates by at least 2 mpg in the same test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Not many vehicles are more practical than a minivan for people and cargo carrying, and while that's still true of the Grand Caravan, it's truer of its rivals. And that's okay, since the Grand Caravan offers a commanding outward view, plenty of cargo space, and ample small-item storage throughout the cabin. The Dodge's party piece? Its trick rear seats that can fold into underfloor bins when not in use and convert the Grand Caravan into a hollowed-out cargo hauler. The Grand Caravan shares the brilliant Stow 'n Go system with the Chrysler Pacifica. While the standard folding third row retracts into a cavity aft of the seat, the available second-row folding seats disappear neatly into underfloor storage bins. With all seats folded, a large, flat load floor makes for easy carrying of bulky cargo—and no heavy seats need to be yanked out to effect the transformation.
Infotainment and Connectivity
We applaud Dodge for offering an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch screen and auxiliary input as standard equipment, but in this case, less would have been more. The system is so antiquated that even a basic AM/FM radio would be simpler and more satisfying to use. Most of the popular infotainment features are optional, and, remarkably for a 2020 model, neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay capability is available at any trim level.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
Safety is often a key consideration for minivan shoppers, but unfortunately the Grand Caravan's safety chops are hindered by lackluster crashworthiness results and a dearth of driver-assist tech. Awarded a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it failed to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Although it earned a Good rating in most of the IIHS's tests, a Poor result in the small-overlap test is disappointing. It could be worse, but its rivals all do a lot better. Less forgivable is the absence of driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:
- Standard seven airbags
- Standard traction and stability control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
In keeping with the Grand Caravan's minimalistic theme, warranty coverage is limited to Dodge's standard 3-year or 36,000-mile limited and 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Maintenance is on the owner's dime from day one forward.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
