2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan
Pros
- Versatile seating and cargo bay configurations
- Affordable base price
Cons
- Touchscreen interface is slow and unattractive
- V6 engine can get loud and noisy during hard acceleration
- Limited legroom can make it hard for taller drivers to get comfortable
- Doesn't ride as smoothly over rough roads and bumps as competing minivans
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is all about transporting a bunch of people at an affordable price. This seven-passenger minivan undercuts its least expensive competitor by thousands of dollars when new. Even when loaded to the hilt with options, the price tag doesn't come close to its high-rent rivals. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the Grand Caravan doesn't skimp on features even with that budget price. At the most basic SE trim level, the Grand Caravan comes with tri-zone climate control, heated mirrors, a central touchscreen display and, for models produced later in the year, a rearview camera.
The Grand Caravan's low price is reflected in its overall lack of refinement compared to the competition, however. This is the 10th model year for this iteration of the Grand Caravan, and the only time the cabin received an update in that time was in 2011. While interior materials are generally fine by today's standards, the overall design looks dated. This is no more apparent than with the inclusion of Dodge's ancient touchscreen interface. Its low-quality graphics and slow response times are outclassed by competitors' systems, especially the Uconnect interface found in the Chrysler Pacifica.
The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is certainly the least expensive minivan, but spend a little more and you'll get a people mover that feels modern. The new Chrysler Pacifica (which replaces the Town & Country) boasts a luxurious interior and a long list of creature comforts. The Kia Sedona is similarly handsome inside, with available leg cushions for second-row passengers who just want to kick back. The Toyota Sienna's is extremely comfortable and has a stout V6 engine, while Honda's Odyssey gets a full redesign this year and should continue to set the standard for a van that does everything very well.
Though these other minivans can't compete with the Grand Caravan on price, the old maxim that you get what you pay for certainly rings true here.
Standard safety features for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan include stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, a driver knee airbag, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Later in the model year, a rearview camera will also be standard. Optional features in the GT-specific Safety Sphere Group include a blind-spot monitoring system and rear parking and cross-traffic sensors.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Grand Caravan came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet, an average stopping distance for a minivan.
In government crash testing, the Grand Caravan was given an overall score of four out of five stars, with four stars for frontal impacts and five stars for side impacts. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Dodge Grand Caravan was awarded the top rating of Good in the moderate-overlap front-impact test as well as the side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. In the IIHS' small-overlap front-impact test, however, the Grand Caravan was given the lowest possible rating of Poor.
Trim levels & features
The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is a seven-passenger minivan offered in four trim levels: SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT.
The base SE has a reasonably solid standard equipment list, including 17-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, 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 power locks, mirrors and front windows. 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. For buyers with special mobility needs, the Mobility Prep Package II with Load Leveling is available on the SE. Second-row bucket seats 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, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery and trim, a front floor console, second-row captain's chairs with an additional floor console and rear privacy glass.
The Grand Caravan SXT added features include chrome exterior trim, foglights, automatic headlights, roof rails, power sliding rear doors, a power liftgate, remote engine start, a larger floor console, leather upholstery with suede inserts and an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar).
The SXT's feature-rich Driver Convenience Group package adds a rear overhead console, an overhead storage bin, automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, second- and third-row sunshades, heated front and second-row seats, ambient lighting and voice controls.
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, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with navigation, a rearview camera (if previous to the midyear update) and an upgraded nine-speaker audio system.
Different trims also get access to special options packages. All models can be ordered with a DVD entertainment system, which bundles the GT's touchscreen with a 9-inch second-row display screen, an HDMI input, the rearview camera, satellite radio, two USB charging ports and a 115-volt power outlet. The Blacktop appearance package, available on the SE Plus and SXT trims, adds silver interior accents and a black grille, wheels and leather interior accents.
The GT-only Safety Sphere group adds rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
There's a single engine for all versions of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan: a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels.
In Edmunds testing, a Grand Caravan accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds, an average time for a minivan. The Grand Caravan's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg combined (17 city/25 highway), which is average for the segment.
Driving
Interior
You'll find good outward vision from an upright front-seat position, but some drivers, particularly taller ones, are likely to find the seat placement awkward, mostly because the pedals seem too close to the driver. Gauges are simple and usable. Cabin plastics and other materials, including the cloth seat upholstery, are satisfactory, but the other vans' interiors manage to look and feel a little more upscale.
It's hard not to love Dodge's ultra-useful Stow 'n Go second-row seats that disappear into the floor with the flick of a lever. Standard on every Grand Caravan, they transform from max people-carrying mode to max cargo-carrying mode with little effort required. The third-row seats fold backward into a deep cargo well, although they demand a few extra strap and lever pulls to make the transition. Luggage space behind the third row is a useful 33 cubic feet, while you can open up a maximum of 143.8 cubic feet, a space similar to most other minivans, by dropping all the rear seats.
The standard 6.5-inch touchscreen interface isn't pretty — most Dodges have moved on to an eye-catching 8.4-inch screen with the more robust Uconnect interface — but the system is pretty easy to use otherwise.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan video
JOSH SADLIER: This is Edmunds editor Josh Sadlier, and here's an expert rundown of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. We had to check our sources on this one, because with the debut of the new Chrysler Pacifica minivan, we figured the Grand Caravan was toast. But here it is alive and kicking for 2017, same Grand Caravan we've come to know and respect, if not necessarily love, over the years for its many practical virtues. Corporate 3.6 liter pentastar V6 sits under the hood. Six speed automatic is an outdated transmission relative to the eight and nine speed units being used in more recent price of products, but you get plenty of practicality with the Grand Caravan, as you might expect. Every minivan's got a lot of versatility, but the Grand Caravan excels in this area. It's got a ton of cargo space inside and innovative storage solutions. Step inside the grand caravan and you'll see more of that versatility. There the stow and go second row seats that dodge is justly renowned for, plenty of space in the third row for kids or even adults. That's what makes these minivans great. Again, if you're looking for versatility on some kind of a budget, the Grand Caravan continues to be a great option. In terms of features, the Grand Caravan does lag behind. You can see that touchscreens a 6.5 inch unit, instead of the 8.4 inch unit you get in the Pacifica. We're not stoked about the materials either. In terms of quality, you're taking a step down, relative to other vehicles in the class. The bottom line with the Grand Caravan is that this is a value play. If you're looking for a lot of space, and you don't want to spend a lot of money, it's an easy decision. But if you want more features or luxury for what you're spending, best to look elsewhere. For more Edmunds expert rundowns, click the link to subscribe.
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Expert Rundown Review
Searching for a minivan that offers a lot of features and versatility in an inexpensive package? Consider the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Features & Specs
Safety
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan for Sale
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See your car's valueThey say you get what you pay for, and few vehicles illustrate that better than the Dodge Grand Caravan. If you're looking to transport the maximum number of people for the minimum amount of cost, the Grand Caravan is the way to go. It undercuts the next-cheapest seven-passenger competitor by a lot of money, even with tons of options piled on.
So where does the Grand Caravan belie its bargain price? Certainly not in the level of equipment: Even the most basic model comes well equipped with features like tri-zone climate control and a rearview camera. Chrysler's exclusive Stow 'n Go seats, which fold down into storage compartments in the floor, remain a star attraction.
No, the low price is reflected in two key areas. First is interior design: This iteration of the Grand Caravan was designed about a decade ago, and the interior was last updated in 2011. Materials quality, surprisingly, is fine — 2011 was the year Chrysler aimed to eliminate the cheap feel of its cabins — but the look and feel is yesterday's news. The Grand Caravan's touchscreen doesn't get the wonderful UConnect interface found in other Chrysler products, and the interface it does get feels like it comes from the Stone Age. (A larger screen with a slightly better interface is due late in the model year.)
Second is the lack of refinement in the driving experience. The engine is pretty good: It's Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, here tuned for 283 horsepower. But the six-speed automatic transmission to which it is tied is guilty of the occasional rough shift, and the whole powertrain is noisy under full power. The EPA estimates the Grand Caravan's fuel economy at 20 mpg combined (17 city/25 highway). The ride is smooth enough, though the suspension doesn't deal with bad pavement as well as the competition. Other vans do a better job of soaking up the bumps, and they also steer and handle better, instilling more confidence in the van's ability to swerve out of harm's way than does the Grand Caravan. Crash-test scores, while still very respectable, also aren't quite as good as most other vans.
In terms of value for money, though, the Grand Caravan is difficult to beat. Dodge offers four trim levels: SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT. The SE is lavishly equipped, while the SE Plus adds a few items of interest to private owners (as opposed to the rental fleets that will buy the SE). The SXT adds more appearance and comfort features, while the GT is intended to deliver a sportier driving experience. It's the only trim level to offer advanced safety features, though such features are not nearly as advanced as those offered by competing minivans. Which one is best suited for your needs? Edmunds can help find the perfect 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan for you.
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan Overview
What do people think of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Grand Caravan Minivan 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Grand Caravan Minivan.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Grand Caravan Minivan featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan?
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Plus Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Plus Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,685. The average price paid for a new 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Plus Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is trending $7,653 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,653 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$22,032.
The average savings for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Plus Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is25.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Plus Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,275. The average price paid for a new 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is trending $4,545 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,545 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$24,730.
The average savings for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) is15.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan SE Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
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2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan Listings and Inventory
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan and all available trim types. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Information
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