The Dodge Grand Caravan, widely regarded as the first minivan, is a tried-and-true family transporter that provides excellent overall usability thanks to advancements such as optional seats that fold into the floor. It is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that gives 283 horsepower and six-speed automated transmission. A power-adjustable driver’s seat, second-row Stow ‘n Go seats, and red accent stitching are all included in the mid-level SE Plus grade.

About Dodge
Automobile manufacturer Stellantis, with headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, owns the Dodge brand. It was established in the early 1900s by brothers Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge as the Dodge Brothers Company machine shop. In 1914, they started producing automobiles under the “Dodge Brothers” name.

Dodge Grand Caravan – Features

Engine and Performance
There is only one available powertrain, regardless of model level: a naturally aspirated 283-hp V-6 coupled to a six-speed automated transmission. The tried-and-true powertrain has no secrets to reveal, but rather offers familiarity above all else. When the driver presses the accelerator all the way down, the Dodge Grand Caravan’s engine, despite its pedestrian heritage, emits an unexpected baritone growl. It rarely fusses and shifts smoothly, with the exception of when it hesitates to downshift during passing maneuvers.

Similar to the ride quality, handling is unremarkable except for the sporadic, forceful jolting. For a top-heavy vehicle, body roll is masterfully controlled, and the Grand Caravan feels poised through turns and at ease when cruising.

Interiors
Minivans are among the most useful cars for moving people and goods, and while that is still true of the Grand Caravan, it is truer of its competitors. That’s okay because the Grand Caravan has a strong exterior, ample cargo room, and lots of small-item storage space all throughout the cabin.

When not in use, the Dodge Grand Caravan’s clever back seats fold into underfloor storage bins, transforming the vehicle into a hollowed-out freight carrier. The Chrysler Pacifica and the Grand Caravan both feature the amazing Stow ‘n Go technology. The available second-row folding seats neatly tuck away into underfloor storage bins, while the standard folding third row retracts into a hollow behind the seat.

Technology
There aren’t many infotainment functions available in the Dodge Grand Caravan. The touch screen has outdated graphics and reacts slowly to inputs. There are few possibilities for smartphone connectivity because neither Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are offered, nor is there a USB connector or Bluetooth in the base model.

A 6.5-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, navigation, satellite radio, a DVD player and rear-seat entertainment system, as well as wireless headphones, are some of its infotainment features. Tri-zone manual climate control, remote start, and tri-zone automatic climate control are additional standard features.

Safety
When choosing a minivan, safety is frequently a top priority. Unfortunately, the Dodge Grand Caravan’s safety credentials are compromised by subpar crashworthiness ratings and a lack of driver-assist technology. It received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), however, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not give it a Top Safety Pick designation. Standard traction and stability control and seven airbags are two main safety features.

Trim levels
There are three trim levels for the Dodge Grand Caravan: SE, SE Plus, and SXT.

The SE version comes standard with a rearview camera, 6.5-inch touch screen, six speakers, cloth upholstery, tri-zone manual temperature control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote keyless entry, and third-row Stow ‘n Go seats.
The SE Plus trim features voice control, fog lights, an eight-way power driver’s seat, premium cloth upholstery, second-row Stow ‘n Go seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and satellite radio.
The top-of-the-line SXT trim has a power liftgate, power sliding back doors, and leather interior with suede inlays. Both the front seats and the steering wheel may be heated.

The Dodge Grand Caravan is an excellent minivan with plenty of space for both passengers and goods.