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:
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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?"
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
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
3.6L V-6 / 283 HP / 260 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
6-spd AUTOSTICK w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
17 / 25 / 21 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.