2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Review: The End Of The Road

The "grand" in the Dodge Grand Caravan's nameplate isn't an indication of its value or bearing any longer, but more of its senior age. The fifth-gen minivan has been around for more than a decade now, and its age has caught up to it in more than just its appearance. Over the years, the Grand Caravan has fallen from grace; what started as one of the most practical and versatile family haulers out there, is now matched by the competition - if not utterly surpassed - in terms of aesthetics, comfort, conveniences, technologies, and even safety standards. Nevertheless, despite its age, the Grand Caravan's heart still pumps strong: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with outputs of 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Grand Caravan isn't expected to make it into the 2021 model year with its discontinuation having already been suspected some time ago - Dodge has already discontinued sales of the aging minivan in 12 American states, a clear indication of its coming demise. With that in mind, the attraction of the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and perhaps even the Toyota Sienna, vastly expands as not only prospering alternatives but better minivans overall.

What's the Price of the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan?

For all of its faults and shortfalls, the Dodge Grand Caravan still holds some appeal in more than just it's practicality and versatility - it's competitively affordable too. With a starting MSRP of $27,290 on the base-spec SE model, it's one of the most affordable minivans out there with only the Chrysler Voyager coming in a little cheaper. The SE Plus model, with its additional features, comes in with an MSRP of $30,090; for a few more features and conveniences, the top-of-the-line SXT model is available at a sticker price of $32,790. All prices are excluding any tax, registration or licensing fees, and exclude Dodge's destination charge of $1,495.

Handling and Driving Impressions

As is expected from a minivan purposed with transporting passengers and their cargo, the Grand Caravan's construction is wholly based around delivering a comfortable ride. The minivan manages to remain compliant and stable throughout most scenarios as its balanced suspension absorbs most typical road imperfection and undulations that would be encountered on a daily basis. More substantial obstacles will send a noticeable shudder through the cabin, but no more or less prominently than its competitors. Engine and outside noise are adequately isolated from the cabin, and the overall experience is up to class expectations.

We note the Grand Caravan's suspension as balanced- while the ride quality it delivers is good, it also manages to keep the minivan composed and stable through the bends. Despite being a boxy and weighty vehicle, the Grand Caravan never feels overly top-heavy and doesn't exhibit too much body roll when taken through turns. There are adequate levels of feedback provided through to the driver via the steering wheel and accelerator and brake pedals, which together, make the Grand Caravan a rather pleasant and relaxed minivan to cruise down a straight or scoot around town in. Its size and shape don't necessarily make for easy maneuverability in tighter spaces, however.

Verdict: Is the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan A Good Minivan?

Over the last decade, the Dodge Grand Caravan has fallen behind significantly in terms of advancing design, modern technologies, and current safety standards - all paramount factors for a segment purposed with routinely hauling passengers. Even its highly practical and versatile Stow 'n Go seating and storage system has been matched or outclassed in newer minivans, some of which are offered at similar prices as well. There's not much more to say about the Grand Caravan then: it's ridiculously outdated and, at this point in time, completely unworthy of any family's hard-earned money. We'd recommend literally any other minivan over the Grand Caravan, and with its discontinuation on the horizon, it's best to shop elsewhere.

What Dodge Grand Caravan Model Should I Buy?

With the SE Plus coming outfitted with a selection of meaningful feature upgrades, including a remote start system, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go second-row captain's chairs, it's the model we feel keeps its value proposition over the competition, while also carrying some appreciable features over the base-spec SE. We also like the addition of the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as the Uconnect voice command and Bluetooth capabilities, which are added to the infotainment setup. Apart from that, the SE Plus is also fitted with a few better exterior and interior constituents than the SE, including alloy wheels.

2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Comparisons

2020 Dodge Grand Caravan vs Chrysler Pacifica

With the Chrysler Pacifica having debuted in 2017, it's already a promising alternative to the decade-old Grand Caravan. In fact, the Pacifica is the class's best-ranked minivan on CarBuzz, and at a starting MSRP of only $34,045, we'll state right now that it's the vehicle of choice here. Its powertrain comprises a slightly more powerful V6 that's chained to a nine-speed auto, this makes the Pacifica the more fuel-efficient option with gas mileage figures of 19/28/22 mpg. In terms of practicality, the Pacifica is as, if not more, inclined to impress, also coming equipped with the Stow 'n Go seating and storage system. Features are plentiful in the Pacifica as well, and its infotainment setup far more up to today's standards in quality and functionality. The Pacifica has also been ranked as a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and returned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, partly attributed to its greater selection of standard-fit driver-assist technologies. Put simply, the Pacifica is better than the Grand Caravan in every way.

2020 Dodge Grand Caravan vs Toyota Sienna

At just over $31,000 for the base-spec model of the Toyota Sienna, it's a bit more expensive than the Grand Caravan, but from behind the wheel, it feels that way too, presenting a noticeably more premium impression overall. Also, the Sienna comes equipped with a far more polished powertrain, a V6 and eight-speed auto, together powering either an FWD or AWD system. That's more gear ratios, meaning better fuel economy (19/26/21 mpg), and the option of AWD traction, which isn't offered for the Grand Caravan at all. The Sienna takes the cake for practicality too, offering upwards of 39 cubes of cargo room behind the rear-most seats. Points are given to the Sienna for its vast selection of features too, a more contemporary infotainment system with greater functionality, and a significantly better driver-assist and safety consignment, including Toyota's Safety Sense suite of driver aids. If it isn't clear to you, the Toyota Sienna is well worth the few extra dollars.