10 Reasons the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Is a Great Deal

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan

The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan had an MSRP of $22,095 when this report was published, and with no other minivan in the country starting below $26K, you might think the vehicle’s value was self-evident. But it’s not just the Grand Caravan’s low cost that makes it a great deal. After all, a bargain’s no bargain if you have to add thousands of dollars so that it can compete with its pricier rivals. That’s not the case with the Grand Caravan, though, and the real deal here is that Dodge delivers a more-than-competent minivan at a less-than-expected cost—as proven by these ten great reasons to check one out today.

Reason No. 1: Price

Okay, you do have to start with pricing, because it’s not often you get a bargain this big in the mainstream vehicle segments. Consider: at last glance, the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan was $4,305 less expensive than its next-closest minivan rival; that gap grows to more than $6,750 if you compare the Dodge to the Toyota or Honda minivan entries. And that’s while still providing modern-day essentials like air conditioning, four-speaker audio with steering-wheel-mounted controls, dual sliding rear doors, and power windows, locks and exterior mirrors. Moreover, even the entry Grand Caravan provides the convenience of third row “Stow ‘n Go” seating, to easily take advantage of the minivan’s maximum cargo capacity. Shoppers should keep in mind that Dodge also undercuts the pricing of its rivals with two other trim levels of the Grand Caravan, each of which brings extra standard content into the mix. 

To be clear, though, Dodge can deliver premium minivans, too, as detailed below.

Photo by FCA Media

Reason No. 2: Capability

Beyond being a people-hauler par excellence, with seating for up to seven, the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan can put away its share of gear and cargo as well. In fact, even when all three rows are fully occupied, there’s a generous 33 cubic feet of room located behind the rear-most seats, and that’s before taking into account the left-side cargo-hold storage bin. Then, as mentioned, the standard Stow ‘n' Go third row can be stored away for 83.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which is complemented by secure in-floor storage beneath the middle seats. Fold that row, and the Grand Caravan’s cargo capacity reaches 143.8 cubic feet. Additionally, Stow ‘n' Go functionality is available for the second-row seating, while forward cargo versatility, already robust thanks to standard dual glove boxes and an available overhead console, can be increased with a “Super Center” console between the front seats.

Reason No. 3: Power

Although Chrysler has threatened to offer a hybrid powertrain for the next-gen Town & Country, that vehicle’s corporate cousin—the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan—continues to deliver the traditional benefits and the best-in-class horsepower of a 3.6-liter V6 engine. Along with its 283 horses and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, this unit also brings a technological track record that includes three consecutive appearances on the WardsAuto 10 Best Engines list (from 2012-2014). Impressively, that winning streak involved three different vehicles, showing how well the powerplant can meet the needs of different drivers; that’s particularly important in the Grand Caravan, since it has to play so many roles for today’s families. What's more, a standard six-speed automatic transmission makes it easy on the wallet with an “eco” button that adjusts key vehicle driving systems for enhanced fuel economy. Dodge’s award-winning minivan achieves EPA marks of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

Reason No. 4: Blacktop Style

The Dodge brand likes to boast of its driver-oriented pedigree, pointing to high-performance hotshots such as the Hellcat twins—Charger and Challenger alike—as well as the current-generation Viper. But the brand also brings that same spirit to more mundane members of the lineup. For example, its aggressive Blacktop appearance package is available even for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. Sweet-looking 17-inch polished-aluminum wheels set the tone, thanks to their Gloss Black pockets, and that accent is then picked up with a Gloss Black grille and black headlamp bezels. Carrying over to the cabin, owners welcome an all-black theme with silver accent stitching, premium cloth seats, a leather shift knob and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Six sophisticated exterior colors offer an ideal finishing touch, with owners able to choose from Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, Brilliant Black, Redline, Red Pearl or Bright White.

Reason No. 5: R/T Performance

Because some owners aren’t satisfied with a minivan that merely stands out from the crowd appearance-wise, the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T also can run from its rivals with more athletic driving dynamics. The changes ranged from retuned shock absorbers to higher-rate springs, and among the results, per Dodge, are “quicker responses to driver input and tighter handling.” That said, the model does furnish its own distinctly dynamic design cues, such as model-specific 17-inch polished aluminum wheels and a monochromatic exterior color theme, along with a cabin combining black Torino leather surfaces and red accent stitching. Owners also enjoy a noticeable uptick in content, complete with a powerful display audio system and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, the latter of which serves as the display for the vehicle’s standard ParkView rearview camera technology. Topping it all off: standard convenience features including remote start, a power liftgate and power side sliding doors.

Reason No. 6: Infotainment

As comfortable as a vehicle’s cabin may be, occupants still like to be entertained while on the road, and the longer that road is—and the younger those occupants are—the more you’ll need amusement resources like those available in the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. One of the highlights: a dual-screen entertainment system with two separate video screens for the second and third rows, two wireless headphones, and an HDMI input for video-game consoles. Nor are folks limited to DVD content, since the setup also is Blu-Ray compatible. Further infotainment features bundled with here also include 28 gigabytes of hard-drive storage, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and a 115-volt power outlet. Naturally, shoppers can select from a wide menu of à la carte entertainment upgrades, such as a 506-watt, nine-speaker audio system, Garmin navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition.

Reason No. 7: Premium Amenities

The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan also supplies its signature value proposition for customers who enjoy the more comfortable things in life—such as black Torino leatherette seating that features premium suede inserts and heating for both front- and second-row occupants. It’s an inviting environment for everyone, but as you might guess, the comfort levels are elevated yet further for drivers, who can fine-tune seat support with a 10-way power adjustment even as they warm their hands on a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. Other powered-up premium-style content in the Grand Caravan includes its power rear liftgate and dual sliding doors. Dodge designers deployed lux-style accents for the up-range minivans as well, creating eye-catching visual appeal with, for instance, silver contrast stitching in the interior and a deft display of chrome both inside and out.

Reason No. 8: Safety Equipment

Safety tends to be a top priority for all customers, but it really comes to the foreground for the family-focused shoppers who make most of today’s minivan purchases. That’s why the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan serves up some of the industry’s most popular driver-assistance measures, starting with an available Parkview rear backup camera. This kind of rear-vision technology is so important the NHTSA has made it mandatory on U.S. vehicles beginning in 2018, and it’s supported in the Grand Caravan right now by additional safety systems including a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-path detection and rain-sensitive windshield wipers. Underpinning it all: typical 21st century occupant-protection measures like electronic stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, an onboard tire-pressure monitor and airbag protection that includes a driver’s-side knee blocker.

Reason No. 9: Towing Ability

For many minivan customers, the segment’s reputation for versatility revolves around a multipurpose interior that can excel at handling kids, cargo and various combinations from both categories. However, the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan can further leverage its powerful Pentastar V6 engine—and the available trailer-tow package—to showcase a 3,600-lb. towing maximum. The Grand Caravan can carry personal watercraft, popup campers, snowmobiles and more with that sort of best-in-class pulling potential, and that option bundle makes it easy for owners with a heavy-duty engine cooling system, a trailer-tow wiring harness and a load-leveling height-control suspension that can automatically adjust the Grand Caravan’s stance for optimum on-the-road operation with especially heavy cargo. Mopar also has quite an array of towing tools available for Dodge’s minivan, and much else besides, but that’s just one more reason for buying the Grand Caravan … reason No. 10, to be precise.

Reason No. 10: The Mopar Difference

What happens when you combine one of the industry’s most stylish and adaptable minivans with the aftermarket expertise of Mopar, one of the most trusted names in factory-backed parts and accessories? Well, there are plenty of ways to find out with the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. There’s a selection of sports-equipment carriers and a tailgate camper system—complete with air mattress—allowing owners to use the Grand Caravan for active-lifestyle pursuits, and there are typical minivan accessories, of course, such as running boards, splash guards and air deflectors. But there are also high-tech surprises, from a wireless phone charger to Mopar Connect. That latter feature is capable of converting the Grand Caravan to a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, supporting smartphone-enabled remote start, and helping parents keep an electronic eye on younger drivers.