Entry Price $21,795
Price as Tested: $33,865
When it comes to minivans in all shapes and sizes, there’s still only one “original minivan,” notably the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. Now 31 years old, Dodge and Plymouth took the auto world by surprise in 1984 with their new minivans, saving a then struggling Chrysler Corporation from further bankruptcy problems.
Our 2015 Grand Caravan tester this week arrived in SXT Plus trim, which is one of the top line models. Similar to modern day sibling Chrysler Town & County, every model easily accommodates seven passengers and comes loaded with standard amenity and safety features.
Built in Ontario, Canada, those shopping on a budget will appreciate the entry “American Value Package” (AVP) Grand Caravan that starts at just $21,795 well equipped. Prices then escalate to SE at $24,245, SE Plus at $25,245, followed by SXT at $27,395, SXT Plus at $28,395, and top tier R/T at $29,995.
Mechanically, all Chrysler and Dodge minivans come powered by a peppy 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 283-horsepower. The engine hooks to a sturdy six-speed automatic transmission that results in good fuel mileage, especially considering the vehicle weighs 2.5-tons. Listed on the window sticker is an EPA rating of 17 city and 25 highway and an impressive 3,600 lb. towing capacity in case you want to bring your small travel trailer along.
As mentioned in past columns, consumers shopping the Dodge / Chrysler minivan market should always consider the “almost new” program car values. These 2014 and 2015 minivans vehicles are utilized in the car rental and leasing businesses perhaps best highlighted by anyone who ever visited Disney World in Orlando. A quick glance in the Disney parking lots proves how popular the Grand Caravan is when it comes to a family temporary vehicle need. The average program 2015 Grand Caravan has about 12,000 to 20,000 miles on the odometer, while the 2014’s usually read 22,000 to 35,000 on the odometer and carry remainder of the 5-Year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Combined with buyer and financing incentives, excellent deals new, leftover or program deals await consumers at Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-Jeep dealers nationwide.
Our Grand Caravan SXT centers on sport-luxury accommodations and multi-use versatility. Things like power sliding doors, power liftgate and even a power folding driver exterior mirror (so it won’t get ripped off!) all come standard on the SXT Plus model. Our tester also features keyless entry, power windows including second row, four-wheel disc ABS brakes, a complete modern air bag system, multi-row air conditioning, and traction and brake controls to name just a few of the safety features.
SXT Plus models arrive with 17-inch Yokohama tires on special polished aluminum wheels, fog lamps, chrome accents, black leatherette seating, 10-Way power driver seat and Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth streaming audio. You’ll also receive the first year of SiriusXM satellite radio free, where news, entertainment and music are pumped through a fine sounding nine-speaker w/subwoofer sound system.
As for options, our SXT features a recommended $2,295 safety and a Dual DVD BluRay entertainment package. Second and third row passengers will enjoy the two overhead nine-inch VGA video screens and wireless headphones, so expect some happy passengers of all ages when making long trips. This option also upgrades the touch screen stereo system with high definition capabilities and includes a multimedia interface with a 40 gig hard drive and video remote control. Add enhanced safety features like ParkSense park assist, blind spot and cross path detection along with the ParkView rear back up camera and you sure get your money’s worth.
I also like the “Blacktop” option for $295, as it features a gloss back items like the grille, headlamp bezels and other interior accents, although I’m not sure why this package includes a roof rack delete.
Still, it’s the basics of minivan core presentation and entry pricing where Dodge still excels. Its cargo and passenger room multiplicity is second to none thanks to a deep-floor cargo area behind the third row and the now legendary Stow & Go flip down seating. Notable, too, is the third row seating, which now flips backwards when parked offering a tailgate party feature that is novel to the class.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 121.2-inches, 20-gallon fuel tank, up to 143 cu. ft. of cargo space, 5.6-inch ground clearance and 4,510 lb. curb weight.
Dodge Grand Caravans are still some of the best buys on the market. They are easy to drive, handle well and provide outstanding comfort and convenience. This all leads to my agreeing with Dodge marketing materials when they say: “Dodge Grand Caravan is the Mother of all minivans.”
Yes they are.
Likes: 81 different cargo and passenger combinations, great looks, low entry price.
Dislikes: Roof rail delete puzzling, Parkview rear safety unavailable in AVP and SE, city MPG suspect.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist)
