How much does a Dodge Caravan weigh? 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.
How Much Does a Dodge Caravan Weigh?
The Dodge Grand Caravan curb weight is between 4,146 and 4,510 lbs.
For example, the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan with the Grand Caravan SE trim has a curb weight of only 4,146 lbs. while the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan with the Grand Caravan Crew trim has a curb weight of 4,510 lbs.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
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.
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.
Which Used Dodge Grand Caravan Trim Is Right for Me?
The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan is available in three trims: SE, SE Plus, and SXT. All come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. We don’t recommend the Grand Caravan, but if you’re going to get one, skip the bare-bones base trim and look for an SE Plus, which gains second-row Stow ‘n Go seats, Bluetooth, and a USB port.
- Dodge Grand Caravan SE: Standard features in the SE trim include third-row Stow ‘n Go seats, cloth upholstery, tri-zone manual climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote keyless entry, a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch touch screen, and a six-speaker stereo.
- Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus: The SE Plus trim adds second-row Stow ‘n Go seats, premium cloth upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, voice command, and fog lights.
- Dodge Grand Caravan SXT: The top-of-the-line SXT trim gains leather upholstery with suede inserts, a power liftgate, and power-sliding rear doors. It’s available with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
What Does Dodge’s Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?
Dodge offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles five years old or less and with fewer than 75,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Dodge extends the original new-car powertrain warranty to seven years from the original sale date or 100,000 miles.
CPO vehicles also get a three-month/3,000-mile Maximum Coverage Care warranty. Additional benefits are available, including a 90-day SiriusXM satellite radio trial subscription, a Carfax vehicle history report, 24-hour towing and roadside assistance, and a car rental allowance. There are mileage and model restrictions too.
Dodge has one of the worst CPO warranties among affordable carmakers, according to our analysis. Kia, Hyundai, Chevy, Ford, Honda, and Mazda are all better.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Dodge Caravan and a Grand Caravan?
Grand caravan is bigger, has a higher wheelbase and has extra doors at the back besides having options of more powerful engines and a 6 speed automatic transmission.
Is a Dodge Caravan a SUV or minivan?
Debuting in 1984, Dodge Caravan redefined the family van. Grand Caravan followed in 1987, and for more than three decades, these Dodge Brand minivans took countless families out on the open road.
How heavy is a family caravan?
The average Tare Weight of a caravan is 2,370kg, which is the empty, unloaded weight (empty water tanks and before any accessories are added). The average ATM (fully loaded weight) of a caravan is 2,942kg.
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