2018 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
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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 DriveCost 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 $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$201/mo
Grand Caravan SE
vs
$218/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which Grand Caravan does Edmunds recommend?
Make no bones about it, the allure of the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan lies solely in its affordable pricing. That said, we'd skip past the rather basic SE and select the midlevel SE Plus. That way you get the benefit of the Grand Caravan's other competitive advantage (the second-row Stow 'n Go seats), alongside modern necessities such as Bluetooth and automatic headlights. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and upgraded cloth also help downplay the Grand Caravan's otherwise cheap-feeling interior.
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.
