Model tested: Dodge
Grand Caravan Crew
MSRP for model
reviewed: $43, 445 (Base price $39,995)
Competition in its
class: Honda Odyssey • Kia Sedona • Nissan Quest • Toyota Sienna
If one were to compare the nuts and bolts of the 2011 Dodge
Caravan and the 2011 Town & Country – which I reviewed just prior to the
Caravan – they would likely conclude that they are basically one in the same.
The interior cabin space and engine size are virtually identical, save a few
different emblems, but once you sit inside, it’s evident that these two
vehicles are aimed at different consumers.
While many of the same options, which come standard in the
Town & Country, are available in the Caravan, the Caravan sits at a more attractive
price point for those who are in search of a comfortable and spacious ride yet
don’t necessarily need – or want – all the additional features.
The Dodge Grand Caravan family comes in four trim options: SE, SXT, Crew and
R/T with the SE price point at a quite comfortable $19,995 (with the Canada
Value Package!). The Crew trim package
includes: 8-way adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, fog lamps,
Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, an Electronic Vehicle Information
Centre, and much more.
With optional packages, which are now my must-have
favourites: the Driver Convenience Group (includes Bluetooth Hands-Free, heated
front seats, heated steering wheel, and UConnect Voice Command) the Power
Convenience Group (includes power lift gate and power side sliding doors) and
the Dual Screen DVD Entertainment System (includes two 9-inch screens for the
second and third row seating, a 6.5-inch touch screen, ParkView rear back-up
camera and many more items) I am a very happy chauffeur driver.
(Side note: I dread going back to driving my own cars where
I have to manually open the doors for
my kids and physically lift my own
tailgate (so not a euphemism for anything else). Not to mention: I have to look behind me to see if I’m going to
hit something. It’s a hard life, yo.)
You know, aside from the whole It’s a minivan!-thing, I was pleasantly surprised by the Caravan.
The ride was smooth and very comfortable with good pick-up in traffic and
maneuverability in smaller parking lots. The cargo room and Stow-N-Go™ seating
make for very versatile storage options – and easy if you’re in a pinch and
need some space quickly. The second row passenger seating stows easily for access
to the third row seating, which is unexpectedly comfortable and roomy.
Let’s talk about storage, but this Caravan has some. The
all-new Super Console houses 120V power and 12V charger in conveniently placed
locations, which are out of sight, great for charging items and them not, being
visible. The dual glove compartment-type storage, which includes a USB port in
the upper one, is great because well, one glove compartment is never really
enough. I would have preferred to see the USB port in the Super Console as I
found it a littler far from the driver’s reach in the glove compartment and
more frequently forgotten when it’s waaaaay over there.
There is an ample amount of cup holders for those straggling
bottles or cups which seem to take forever
to find their way to the trash (or recycling, of course); I think I counted
eight or 10, including two larger cup holders in the front which are capable of
holding up to 1 litre bottles. There is no reason to have empty paper cups or
plastic bottles littering the car floor anymore!
Dodge has revamped the Caravan’s exterior hoping to give it
a more bold appearance to appeal to those style-conscious buyers. Though I find
its exterior very similar to its predecessors, it does include simple
body-style upgrades that give it a sportier and more rugged look. The lift
gate, spoiler and tail lights have been redesigned giving the back-end of the
Caravan a more defined appearance, which looks great in comparison to the
traditional rounded tailgates.
Overall, the Caravan is a great functional family vehicle,
which doesn’t compromise on style.