Item: 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
Author: Justin Cupler

Overview

The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan exists in the same fashion as, say, an iPhone 6 in an iPhone X world. It’s not the latest generation in the FCA portfolio and it's behind in its tech and performance, but it remains just as capable as ever. Factor in the lower price and the Grand Caravan represents an appealing value.

What's New for 2019

The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan drops the top tier GT trim, though most of the key features remain available through the SXT trim’s optional packages.

Choosing Your Dodge Grand Caravan

The Dodge Grand Caravan was a competent player back in its day where it received constant updates. The attention may have shifted to its newer Chrysler Pacifica sibling, although the Dodge Grand Caravan still provides the spaciousness and versatility that never goes out of fashion.

There's a single powertrain available: FCA’s familiar 3.6-liter V6 that develops 283 horsepower and 260 pound-foot of torque paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to the front wheels. Fuel economy ratings are about 10 percent lower than some of its more modern competitors, as it earns an EPA-estimated 17 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway, 20 combined.

There are three trims offered:

CarsDirect Tip

The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan is a practical vehicle that offers yesterday’s top features at an impressive value. It begs one to ask the question, "Do I really need the newest generation of minivan?"

Get your price on a Dodge Grand Caravan »

Matthew Pilgrim

Automotive Editor - October 29, 2018

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Justin Cupler

Automotive Editor - October 15, 2018

The Dodge Caravan revolutionized the minivan segment back in the 1980s, and it remains today. Unlike its first run, the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan is anything but revolutionary as the entire segment has blown by it with new designs, updated features, and even plug-in hybrid powertrains with up to 32 miles of all-electric range. So, why does the Grand Caravan still exist despite being so far behind the times? Continue reading to find out.

Best Value

The evolving minivan segment has left the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan in its wake, but it still serves a purpose: cheap family transportation. This is why we suggest sticking with the SE Plus trim, which is just one step above the base SE. The Grand Caravan SE Plus rolls in with standard three-zone manual climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 17-inch wheels with hubcaps, power heated mirrors, automatic headlights, fog lights, premium cloth seats, Stow ‘n Go third-row seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio, and more. Sure, it's not as well equipped as its competitors, but it's about as cheap a minivan with these features can get.

Model: 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Output: 283 hp / 260 lb-ft
Transmission:Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
MPG:17 City / 25 Hwy
Options: None
Base Price:$30,410 (including a $1,395 destination fee)
Best Value Price:$30,410

Performance

Despite its age, the Grand Caravan’s 3.6-liter V6 engine is powerful for its class at 283 horsepower. This gets the Grand Caravan’s big body up and moving quicker than most minivans.

Sadly, straight-line acceleration is where the good parts of the Grand Caravan’s powertrain stop. Its suspension is very dated, giving it a rough ride and allowing way too much body lean. There's also a lot of feedback that makes its way through the chassis and into the cabin.

Fuel economy is also subpar at just 17 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 combined, according to the EPA. And things will only get worse as its competitors take a page from the Grand Caravan’s cross-showroom rival, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, and electrify their minivans.

Style

The Grand Caravan’s Stow ‘n Go seating unveils a massive cargo area that can swallow up to 143.8 cubic feet of cargo. It also features a simple layout with a flat learning curve, making it perfect for buyers who just want to drive without studying the owner’s manual.

The Dodge Grand Caravan hasn’t gone through a meaningful refresh since 2011, and even then the redesign wasn’t anything to write home about. This basic looks continue inside where there are copious amounts of plastic and minimal soft-touch materials.

The Best and Worst Things

In its lower trims, the Dodge Grand Caravan is a great value for those who just want a minivan to haul cargo or kiddos.

Sure, its looks are unappealing, but where the 2019 Grand Caravan really disappoints is safety. It sits at the bottom of the IIHS’ list of minivans due to its “Poor” small-front-overlap crash and headlight tests. Plus, its only available advanced safety features are blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors.

Right For? Wrong For?

The Grand Caravan is perfect for a buyer looking for a no-frills minivan they can just start and drive. It’s also great for companies looking for a work-ready minivan with a massive cargo hold.

Younger families looking for the latest in minivan tech will be better suited with one of the Grand Caravan’s many competitors.

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to forget it still exists because the automaker has done so little to it in the last nine model years, but the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan gives budget buyers and those looking for simple family transportation an option.

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Not Available

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

3.6L V-6 / 283 HP / 260 ft.lbs.

Transmission

6-spd AUTOSTICK w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

17 / 25 / 21 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	3.6L V-6 / 283 HP / 260 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	17 / 25 / 21 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	20.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$77

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	143.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	163 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	202.8 "
Exterior Width	78.7 "
Exterior Height	67.9 "
Front Headroom	39.8 "
Rear Headroom	39.3 "
Front Legroom	40.7 "
Rear Legroom	36.5 "
Front Shoulder Room	63.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room	64.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	4,321 Lbs.
Wheel Base	121 "
Turning Radius	19.6 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	17.0 " Steel / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Black Aluminum / 17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Badging / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Chrome / Black
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	7
Seat Trim	Cloth / Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	4-way / (8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	4-way / (8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats	Full Bench / Captain

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Am/fm Stereo, Clock, Seek-scan / Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers	6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Driver
Tinted Windows	Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	4

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors	Parksense Rear
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Sentry Key

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan for Sale