With the arrival of the Chrysler Voyager in 2020, the Dodge Grand Caravan is no longer the auto group’s only budget-minded minivan. In fact, the two models start at almost exactly the same price, with MSRPs just $55 apart. They share an engine as well, with Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 under both hoods.
The Grand Caravan has been on the market since 2008, giving it the dubious honor of the longest-running production minivan. Meanwhile, the Voyager is derived from the more modern Chrysler Pacifica.
We took a closer look to see whether the seasoned veteran or the new kid on the block is worth your money.
See a side-by-side comparison of the Voyager & Grand Caravan »
What the Voyager Gets Right
Although the Voyager nameplate is resurrected for 2020, the vehicle is essentially a rebadged version of the Pacifica’s lowest two trims. Still, the Pacifica debuted for the 2018 model year – nearly a decade after the Grand Caravan.
The platform is fresher, and the styling more contemporary. The Grand Caravan is all squares and boxes, while the Voyager soothes its shape with curves and swoops.
The story is the same on the interior, where the Voyager’s simpler design trumps the Grand Caravan’s button-filled dash. The Voyager gets a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Caravan’s screen is 6.5 inches and compatible with neither.
Although the two cars have a similar footprint, the Voyager is more spacious inside. Second-row passengers get more legroom, and the Voyager has more cargo space in all configurations.
Finally, although the two share the same engine, the V6 churns out a few extra horsepower in the Chrysler. The Voyager gets a better transmission, too, with 10 cogs to the Grand Caravan’s six.
What the Grand Caravan Gets Right
The Voyager may be the newer vehicle, but the Grand Caravan still keeps up in most respects. It comes close to the Voyager’s utility, and it has the same towing capacity thanks to the standard V6.
Although the Voyager and Grand Caravan start with similar feature sets, the Grand Caravan does pull ahead in some trims. The Grand Caravan SE, a step up from the base model, gets remote start and three-zone automatic climate control, neither of which the Voyager can match.
For some buyers, the Voyager’s modern looks may be a downside. The Grand Caravan looks as simple as it did a decade ago, and for the minimalist (or retro-inspired) driver, that might be a good thing.
End of an Era
The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan will almost certainly be the last of its kind. It’s impressive that the model has lasted this long, helped as it is by the heritage of its trend-setting 1984 debut.
But in our humble opinion, it’s time for the Grand Caravan to hang up the key. The Chrysler Voyager has the Dodge outclassed in just about every way, including price. The Grand Caravan struggles to find footing against its newer, more youthful cousin.
Our Verdict: Chrysler Voyager
This one’s a slam dunk for the Voyager. It offers a more modern platform, more space, and modern technology – all for less than the Grand Caravan’s starting price.
These are both budget models. If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll need to step up to the Pacifica. But between these two value-oriented minivans, the Voyager’s the better buy.
Dodge Grand Caravan Production Ending In May 2020
2020 Chrysler Voyager Priced From $28,480
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Will Be Over $6,500 Pricier Than The Voyager
Chrysler Voyager vs. Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Pacifica vs. Dodge Grand Caravan