2018 Dodge Grand Caravan Review

Name: 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
Brand: Dodge
Price: 10995 USD
Rating: 3.8 (49 reviews)

Dodge Grand Caravan GT Fleet Passenger Minivan Exterior

Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Passenger Minivan Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Affordable base trim and value-rich midtier models
Second-row Stow 'n Go seats fold right into the floor
Plenty of storage space in the cargo well

Cons

Stow 'n Go seats don't offer sliding functionality for greater legroom
Cabin materials feel cheap overall
Touchscreen interface is dated and slow to respond to inputs
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity are not standard

What’s new

The Dodge Grand Caravan is unchanged for 2018.

Vehicle overview

If prices for the latest and greatest crop of minivans seem a little rich for your tastes, you're in luck. The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan isn't the newest kid on the block, but its tempting offer of safe family transportation at an affordable price might be enough to sway you over its more expensive rivals.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$212/mo

$224/mo

Avg. Midsize Minivan

Calculate my fuel costs

Like other minivans, the Grand Caravan enjoys superior third-row accommodations and cargo capacity compared to most three-row SUVs. One of the Grand Caravan's defining features is its available Stow 'n Go seating arrangement. As opposed to other minivans that require removing the second-row seats to maximize cargo space, the Grand Caravan's second-row captain's chairs fold neatly into storage bins below the floorboards. With the third-row bench also stowed, this creates a nearly flat load surface for carrying large items. Along with its flexible seating and cargo situation, the Grand Caravan's value-oriented pricing structure will undoubtedly win plenty of fans.

You will be paying a price, however, when you pick the Grand Caravan over newer models. The Grand Caravan was last fully redesigned in 2008, and it feels positively ancient from behind the wheel. Low-quality plastics run rampant throughout the cabin, the touchscreen system is tremendously outdated, and its powertrain and suspension tuning aren't as refined as those on other minivans. Most importantly, the signature Stow 'n Go seating uses fixed latch points on the floor, so the second row doesn't slide for passenger comfort.

If a low price is the guiding factor in your minivan-purchasing decision, you'll probably find the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan to be a satisfying choice. But if you have slightly deeper pockets, the other vehicles in this segment are worth considering instead.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan enjoys the same flexible seating and cargo accommodations you'll get in competing minivans, but at a lower price. However, you might find it's worth upgrading to a rival minivan that's more modern and enjoyable to drive than the Grand Caravan.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT (3.6L V6 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

Driving

The Grand Caravan is adequate from a performance perspective, which is all you really need from a minivan. Though it does little truly wrong from behind the wheel, it lacks refinement in both its powertrain and suspension tuning relative to its competition.

Acceleration

The Grand Caravan hits 60 in 8.0 seconds, which is slower than other top minivans. The Grand Caravan offers manual gear selection, but the shifter's location next to the instrument panel makes it a little awkward to use.

Braking

The Grand Caravan's stopping distance from 60 mph to zero is also average for the segment, but the significant amount of nosedive and increasingly mushy brake pedal are not. Thankfully, this problem doesn't arise in normal driving.

Steering

There's enough information available through the steering wheel to prudently guide this van. Steering weight and feedback, though not substantial, are appropriate for the segment.

Handling

Instrumented testing shows the Grand Caravan's road-holding abilities are on par with its competition. During normal use, the van is easy to handle but not nimble.

Drivability

We observed gear hunting from the six-speed automatic transmission in certain situations. The Grand Caravan's throttle calibration is a little jumpy, too. Overall, though, these are nitpicks to which most drivers will adjust or drive around.

Comfort

This is a minivan with enough luxuries and features to handle all-day drives. The ride comfort is acceptable, and its interior is loaded with comfort-enhancing amenities.

Seat comfort

Seat comfort, especially in the first two rows, is very good. The third row's seat bottom is tilted at a high angle that might bother some occupants.

Ride comfort

The Grand Caravan sticks to the road fairly well. As in most minivans, comfort is a priority. You will be comfortable on long drives in the first or second row easily.

Noise & vibration

Levels of road and wind noise are at or better than segment standards. This Grand Caravan didn't exhibit any rattles. But its complex second-row seats make us wonder if they'll be rattle-free in five years.

Interior

The Grand Caravan's interior flexibility is its biggest strength. Once you step into the cabin, you'll find there's more than enough passenger room throughout.

Ease of use

The primary controls, with the exception of the bizarre dash-mounted shifter, are all easy to use and reach. The secondary controls, including the climate control knobs, fall readily at hand.

Getting in/getting out

The first and second rows offer average ease of entry. Third-row access is very good thanks to second-row seats that fold, tumble and slide inward.

Roominess

The Grand Caravan uses its space very well. From front-seat headroom to third-row legroom, there's ample space everywhere.

Visibility

Overall visibility is good, but rear-quarter visibility is marginally inhibited by the third-row headrests, though they can be flipped down.

Quality

There's less attention to quality details in the Grand Caravan than in its Japanese and Korean competition. Though some materials are high-quality, they're matched with large swaths of plastic trim. We question the durability of the complex second-row seats.

Utility

The Stow 'n Go second-row seats are segment-leading in terms of functionality. Manual operation of the third row is a little busy but works well. And there's massive storage in the second-row floor if you don't need to stow the seats.

2018 Dodge Grand Caravan models

The budget-friendly, seven-passenger Dodge Grand Caravan is sold in four trim levels: SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT. All Grand Caravans have a 3.6-liter V6 (283 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The SE's standard features list includes 17-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, tri-zone climate control (with rear air-conditioning), cruise control, rearview camera, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, a conversation mirror, a second-row bench seat and full power accessories. Entertainment comes in the form of a six-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack, controlled via a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.

The SE can be ordered with the Uconnect Hands-Free Group package, which adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, satellite radio, a USB port, and Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity. Second-row captain's chairs are an optional upgrade and offer the Stow 'n Go fold-into-the-floor feature.

The SE Plus comes with the above equipment as standard (including the captain's chairs), plus 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, black exterior styling elements, remote engine start, a front floor console and upgraded upholstery and trim.

The Grand Caravan SXT added features such as chrome exterior trim, roof rails, power-sliding rear doors, a power liftgate, a larger floor console, leather upholstery with suede inserts, and an eight-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar adjustment).

The SXT offers two notable options packages. The Blacktop package retains the SE's black exterior trim and deletes the roof rack, while the considerably more feature-rich Driver Convenience Group package adds a rear overhead console, an overhead storage bin, automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and second- and third-row sunshades.

The range-topping Grand Caravan is the GT. It takes the standard content from the SXT with the Driver Convenience Group (minus the chrome and roof rails) and adds a body-colored grille, a performance-tuned suspension, different wheels, black interior accents, a driver information center, a 115-volt household-style outlet, full leather seating, an eight-way power passenger seat, heated second-row seats, navigation, voice controls and an upgraded nine-speaker audio system.

Different trims also get access to special options packages. All models can be ordered with a rear-seat entertainment system, which bundles the GT's touchscreen with a 9-inch overhead display screen, an HDMI input, satellite radio, two USB charging ports and a 115-volt power outlet.

The GT-only Safety Sphere group adds rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Trailer Tow Group, which adds a hitch, wiring harness and load-leveling feature, is also GT-only.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#8 out of 14 among Minivans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Grand Caravan from 2008-2022.}

$621/yr

vs. $549/yr
for Average Minivan

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.42x/yr

vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

13.8%

vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan.

5 (45%)

4 (25%)

3 (6%)

2 (10%)

1 (14%)

3.8

49 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

I love my grand Caravan

l g godin, 03/01/2019

2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

I've owned dodge caravans for years. this time so as to totally satisfy myself i test drove the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota and quite frankly it was no contest. nothing beats stow and go, power is about the same. Caravan GT model interior easily beat the honda and the toyota and the new pacifica. also the cost was at least $10000.00 lower than the honda. all these car experts probably …

Love it after 5000 mile camper trip

Jeff, 08/20/2017

2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

These vans do what they are meant to do, carry lots of stuff or people. We just finished 5000 mile trip in the Rocky Mountains and our 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT was great. It pulled a pop up camper up and down mountains without a complaint and got great mileage doing it. We had hoped for 20 mpg and got 24mpg(actually 23.7) traveling with the traffic at highway speeds. Now without …

Dodge Grand Caravan

Mike Harman, 03/31/2018

2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Great practical vehicle. Love the stow and go storage under the floor and radio with hard drive for my music. Has front and rear heated seats and USB ports. Kids love it!

2018 Grand Caravan SE - MUST REVIEW TIPS!

Chris Biernat, 09/11/2018

2018 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Be sure to purchase the Mopar Lifetime Maxcare Warranty if you are planning on owning the vehicle. You do not have to purchase the warranty from the dealer you are buying the car from. Shop it around and save a huge chuck of money. We purchase the Lifetime Maxcare warranty with the $100 deductible which pretty much everything excepts, brake pads/rotor/ and tires for as long as we own …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan, so we've included reviews for other years of the Grand Caravan since its last redesign.

See all 49 reviews of the Dodge Grand Caravan

Write a vehicle review

2018 Grand Caravan Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$26,250
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$212/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Grand Caravan models:

ParkSense Rear Park Assist: Sounds an alert as the Grand Caravan approaches an object behind the bumper.
Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver if there is a vehicle in the Grand Caravan's blind spot. Also detects cross-traffic while reversing.
ParkView Rear Back Up Camera: Displays an image of the area right behind the vehicle in the central touchscreen.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Poor
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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