Pros:
- Attractive low entry-level pricing in the minivan segment.
- Plenty of cargo space and storage options.
- Reliable tried-and-true V6 engine.
Cons:
- Ride quality feels a bit rough.
- Reputation for reliability could be improved.
- The infotainment system feels dated.
Would we buy one? No.
Vehicle Type: Three-row, four-door minivan with seating for 7.
Price Range: Base start pricing is $27,645 MSRP going to $35,890 MSRP, before options. All pricing includes a $1,395 destination charge.
Powertrain: A 3.6-liter V6 making 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is the sole powertrain for all models.
There is one drivetrain across all trims, front-wheel-drive with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Competitors: Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Durango, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sedona, Chevrolet Traverse.
Overall Score: 7.2/10
Safety Features: 6/10
The Grand Caravan has basic standard safety features, including airbags, traction control, a rearview camera, and stability control. Advanced driver safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert, and those are available with the Safety Sphere package.
Some rivals include standard advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, remote start, and lane departure warning, which are all noticeably missing from the Grand Caravan.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2018 Dodge Caravan four out of five stars in crash tests, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety IIHS gave mixed results with the Grand Caravan receiving an overall 'Good' rating.
Value: 9/10
The Dodge Grand Caravan has always been an affordable new car, and 2018 offers a reasonably priced base model. Consumers looking for a Dodge Grand Caravan for sale should find good deals on the 2018 model year.
For 2018 the Dodge Grand Caravan is available in four trims: SE, SE Plus, SXT, and the GT.
The Dodge Grand Caravan SE starts at $27,645 MSRP. The SE Plus starts at $30,345. The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT starts at $33,145 MSRP. And finally, the Dodge Grand Caravan GT start pricing is $35,890 MSRP.
Not much has changed for the 2018 Dodge caravan, so we would stick with a SE Plus and save some money for future model years to see what innovations are ahead if the Grand Caravan is continued. The Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus includes extras like the upgraded cloth upholstery, the second-row Stow-'n-Go Captains Chairs, attractive Blacktop styling, and the Uconnect Hands-free package is our choice for the 2018 Grand Caravan lineup.
Tech Features: 7/10
Standard on all trims starting with the base is a 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, keyless entry, tri-zone climate control air conditioning, and a rearview camera.
The SXT trim level adds automatic headlights, a power driver seat, and a navigation system.
Upgrading to the GT trim will get a heated steering wheel, a nine-speaker audio system with satellite radio for an improved entertainment system with USB ports, fog lamps, daytime running lights, and heated leather seats.
A Uconnect Hands-free option package adds Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to stream music and make phone calls wirelessly.
For more robust infotainment system features, you may want to look to rivals like the Toyota Sienna minivan that features a larger touchscreen.
Practicality: 8/10
Storage solutions and cargo space are some of the Grand Caravans' strengths.
The far rear cargo space in the Dodge Caravan is big at 33 cubic feet. The third-row rear seat can be folded for 83.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats down coming to a generous 133 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Stow-n-Go third-row seat makes good use of space for smart storage solutions in bench seats.
The second-row seat and third-row seating are lacking in comfort, especially on longer trips. Luckily, this can be remedied with bucket seat upgrades for the second row that come standard on the SE Plus trim and up.
Styling & Design: 8/10
The exterior and interior design are relatively similar to the prior model year for the 2018 Grand Caravan. If you are looking for high luxury trappings or sporty styling, the Grand Caravan may not be your first choice. If you are looking for affordability and practicality, it will work great.
The SE Plus, SXT, and GT trims get amenities like leather seats, a roof rack, and the Blacktop style package with blacked-out exterior trim details.
Driving Experience: 7/10
Acceleration is handled fine with the powerful V6 in the 2018 Grand Caravan. The 6-speed automatic transitions through the gears smoothly and doesn’t strain with a load of passengers aboard. A flaw in the Grand Caravans character is it lacks a softness in its suspension, leading to a rigid ride quality over rougher roads. The Chrysler Pacifica might be another minivan to consider if you are looking for improved driving dynamics and a smoother overall ride.
If you are looking for more traction for poor weather driving conditions, the Toyota Sienna offers all-wheel-drive, while the Dodge Grand Caravan SE only offers a front-wheel-drive option.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a practical and affordable workhorse in the minivan segment and performs well for the family-oriented demographic.
Fuel Efficiency: 7/10
The Dodge Grand Caravan offers one V6 engine and front-wheel-drive as the only option with no hybrid or plugin electric models available. Rivals like the Chrysler Pacifica have a better fuel economy than the Grand Caravan.
The Grand Caravan equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 and FWD gets 17/25/20 mpg city/hwy/combined according to EPA estimates.
