2019 Dodge Grand Caravan

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Rating5.9

Ranked #7 in 

Midsize Van
Write Review
$26,790 - $34,495
Starting Price 
Amratya Nigam's image
Amratya Nigam 

Automotive Journalist,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Spacious interior

Body roll through corners

The Car is All New for 2020

Good hauling capability

Dull acceleration

Excellent value-for-money

Transmission lacks refinement

Stow 2018n Go seats for increasing cargo capacity

Specs & Features

$26,790

price

283 hp @ 6400 rpm

horsepower

260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.6L 6cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Dodge Grand Caravan hasn't had any major updates since 2008. 10 years down the line, Dodge still sees no need to fix what ain't broke. The minivan may lack fancy bells and whistles like the Honda and the Toyota, but it does best what it was meant to, haul a ton of cargo and tow massive trailers.

Buying Advice

Unless you're getting the Dodge Grand Caravan as a fleet vehicle, there is no point of getting the SE trim. As a daily driver, the SXT will be the best value for your money and has all the basic features you'd need on a daily basis.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The $27,595 minivan comes with a 3.6L V6 engine with some decent torque for the inclines and good power for the highways. Despite the lack of decent handling characteristics, the boat-like minivan gets the job done it you take corners slower. Speed up and the bouncy suspensions rock the minivan from side to side.

Minivans have gotten surprisingly modern with many features as standard to give the customers a better ride as a daily driver, but Dodge does no such thing. Against the strong winds of the competition from the Honda Odyssey, the Chrysler Pacifica, the Toyota Sienna and the Kia Sedona, lets see if Dodge Grand Caravan can beat them with functionality alone.

Features
4.0/10

Available in three trims; the SE, SE Plus and the SXT at the top end, starts at $26790 and adds the price as you climb up the trim ladder. The SE Plus gets not just a few performance upgrades but also numerous aesthetic exterior upgrades to make the minivan look a bit more pleasing. The SXT gets all the features on the bucket list and wraps it up neatly under an affordable price tag.

Models Grand Caravan SE Grand Caravan SE Plus Grand Caravan SXT
MSRP $26.790 $29,555 $32,290
Key Features 17-inch steel wheels 17-inch alloy wheels Chrome exterior trim
  Heated mirrors Automatic headlights Roof rails
  Tri-zone climate control (with rear air-conditioning) Foglights Power-sliding rear doors
  Rearview camera Black exterior styling elements Power liftgate
  Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel Remote ignition Larger floor console
  Auto-dimming rearview mirror Front floor console Dual-zone air conditioning
  6.5-inch touchscreen Upgraded upholstery and trim Leather upholstery with suede inserts
  6-speaker audio system   8 power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar adjustment)

We Recommend

Unless you're getting the Dodge Grand Caravan as a fleet vehicle, there is no point of getting the SE trim. As a daily driver, the SXT will be the best value for your money and has all the basic features you'd need on a daily basis.

Engine and Performance
4.0/10

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. - Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The 3.6-Liter comes unchanged from the 2008l, with the bass-heavy rumbling V6. The 283hp engine mated to a 6-speed transmission delivers great power for the minivan. However, the transmission lacks refinement, especially in the lower gears. The engine response is smooth, albeit sluggish, but you'd barely notice it in city driving.

Models

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

MSRP

$27,595

$28,340

$31,085

$30,285

$27,980

$32,160

Engine

3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded

3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded

3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded

3.5L V6 Ti-VCT

3.3L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection

3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded

Transmission

6 Speed Automatic

9 Speed Automatic

9 Speed Automatic

6 Speed Automatic

8 Speed Automatic

8 Speed automatic

Horsepower

283 hp@ 6400rpm

287 hp@ 6400rpm

280 hp@ 6000rpm

287 hp@

276 hp@ 6000rpm

296 hp@ 6600rpm

Torque

260 ft-lbs@ 4400rpm

262 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm

262 ft-lbs@ 4700rpm

254 lb-ft

248 ft-lbs@ 5200rpm

263 ft-lbs@ 4700rpm

The Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica more powerful minivans with a beefier V6 making 296 hp and 287 hp, along with the Ford Flex with a similarly powered engine. The Kia Sedona has the least power of the lotwith 276 hp to the wheels. The 9-speed automatic in the Pacifica and the Odyssey are smoother and reliable.

Acceleration

Judging minivans on the basis of acceleration is like asking a fish to climb a tree. Nonetheless, the Dodge makes it to 60 miles an hour in sub 8 seconds. Despite the initial lurch, the V6 carries the minivan surprisingly well.

Models

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

0-60 MPH

7.9 sec

7.4 sec

6.6 sec

7.0 sec

7.9 sec

N/A

Quarter mile

15.7 sec

15.6 sec

15 sec

16.8 sec

16.1 sec

N/A

Engine

3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded

3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded

3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded

3.5L V6 Ti-VCT

3.3L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection

3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded

Emission

(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)

8.9

8.0

8.0

9.2

8.4

8.0

The fastest one to 60 is the Honda Odyssey taking merely 6.6 seconds, most sedans can't manage that. Followed by the Ford Flex with 7.0 seconds on the clock. The Kia Sedona ties with the Grand Caravan taking same time in the 60 mph sprint, however, the Dodge pulls ahead in the quarter mile.

Ride and Handling

The Grand Caravan's ride is surprisingly soft and comfortable, necessary for minivans during long drives or if you're planning to spend all day inside. Although the minivan is quite easy going for city rides, it gets quite cumbersome in maneuvering and tight cornering. At high speeds, the Dodge holds onto the tarmac pretty well and has respectable driving dynamics.

The competition, however benefit from driver assist features like collision warning, which make the job of city driving and parking much easier. The Honda Odyssey and the updated Chrysler Pacifica handles well not only in the city, but also on the highways.

Braking

The brakes are quite mushy and the minivan clumsily lurches into a nosedive upon heavy braking. However, the brakes are adequate to stop the minivan and you won't experience any brake fade after continuous use.

Model

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

Brake Front (in.)

11.9

13

12.6

12.8

12.6

12.9

Brake Rear (in.)

12

13

13

13.0

11.9

12.2

Curb Weight (lbs.)r

4510

4330

4354

4637

4411

4430

60-0 MPH (ft.)

N/A

145

N/A

125

118

N/A

The braking distance has not been tested, but it's heavier curb weight would translate to a bit longer distance than the competition. The Dodge's cousin, the Chrysler also quite a long stopping distance from 60mph to a halt, despite the bigger disc brakes. The Toyota Sienna demonstrated the shortest distance on the panic braking test.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

Although untested by the EPA for fuel economy, the Dodge drinks fuel like a camel. With an unimpressive 20 miles to the gallon combined fuel economy, it's not a very great fleet vehicle. Comparatively, the other minivans in the segment boast a better fuel economy of 22 miles to the gallon, since the high gear ratios in the 9-speed transmission make the drive surprisingly efficient on highways.

Model

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

MPG (city)

17

18

19

16

18

19

MPG (highway)

25

28

28

23

24

27

MPG (combined)

20

22

22

19

21

22

Range (city/highway)

340/500

342/532

371/546

298/428

380/506

380/540

Tank Capacity (gal)

20.0

19.0

19.5

18.6

21.1

20.0

Interior
6.0/10

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. - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

You probably won't purchase a minivan for the looks or its performance, what you're looking for is a spacious and practical interior, and that's exactly where the minivan delivers. The second and third rows of the minivan are spacious and, despite the lack of premium upholstery, the cloth seats are comfortable for long journeys.

Model

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

Passenger capacity

7

7

7

7

7

7

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

40.1/63.8/41.1

39.8/63.7/40.7

40.7/63.1/40.9

41.8/58.4/42.6

39.8/63.9/40.9

41.0/65.0/40.5

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

39.6/63.0/39.0

39.3/64.1/36.5

39.5/61.6/40.9

40.5/58.1/44.3

39.4/63.1/41.1

39.7/64.6/37.6

Compared to the competition, the head and leg room in the second and third rows may feel cramped for the taller passengers. The seats in the Honda and Toyota are a bit more comfortable than the ones in the Dodge.

Infotainment System

On the tech front, the Dodge's infotainment is adequate for a minivan. On the center console you'd find a 6.5 touch panel, but you won't have the assistance of either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. What you'd get is an un-updated version of Chrysler's Uconnect. The tiny buttons are difficult to toggle while driving, and the lay-out isn't ergonomically intuitive.

On the steering you'd find controls for audio, calling and cruise control. You can connect to the infotainment via Bluetooth or WiFi. The rest of the dash is clad in cheap plastic, however, the low price justifies the lack of expensive materials.

Cargo Capacity

The Dodge has included Stow n Go seats in the minivan, which can be folded and stacked in the underfloor space, essentially converting your people carrier into a full-fledged cargo hauler. The side doors are sliding while the rear double-doors and the low load height make it easy to load and unload the cargo.

Model

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

140.5

140.3

158.0

83.2

142.0

150.0

However, you'd find the Stow n Go feature also on the newer Chrysler. In other minivans, you'd need to completely remove the second and third rows to make more room. The Toyota has the largest cargo capacity of the lot.

Exterior
5.7/10

The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan offers a view into the distant past. Its basic shape can be traced back to the 1983 model year. If minivans were as hotly sought after as Porsches, this would be Dodge's 911. - Car connection

Design and Dimensions

From the outside, the minivan has subtle styling and blends into the crowd with ease. The cross at the front grille give the Grand Caravan a signature Dodge character. The boxy design is a departure from the curvy styling most brands have adopted for their modern minivans. Sliding side doors on the minivan improve accessibility to the second and third seats.

Model

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

Curb weight (lbs.)

4510

4330

4354

4637

4411

4430

Length(in)

202.8

203.8

203.2

201.8

201.4

200.6

Width(in)

78.7

79.6

78.5

75.9

78.1

78.1

Height(in)

68.9

69.9

68.3

68.0

68.5

68.9

Ground clearance (in)

5.8

5.1

4.5

6.0

6.7

6.5

Wheelbase (in)

121.2

121.6

118.1

117.9

120.5

119.3

Track width (in) F/R

65.6/64.8

68.3/68.3

67.3/67.2

65.4/65.4

68.7/69

67.7/67.7

The Ford Flex is the heaviest minivan of the lot, followed by the Dodge Grand Caravan a few pound deficit. While the Pacifica is the longest minivan among the rivals, which haunts the maneuverability in tight corners. The Honda Odyssey sits low at 4.5 inches ground clearance with the Kia Sedona on the other end of the spectrum with 6.7 inches under the bodywork.

Safety
8.4/10

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control
  • Side Impact Beams
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
  • Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
  • Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row Airbags
  • Airbag Occupancy Sensor
  • Driver Knee Airbag
  • Rear Child Safety Locks
  • Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts

Competition
9.0/10

Dodge Grand Caravan vs Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the best looking minivans in the class. With the equally impressive interior and engine. The transmission is much smoother on the Chrysler, however, the Dodge gets you much more of the top-end power which you need for hauling trailers and campers up the inclines.

Dodge Grand Caravan vs Honda Odyssey

Despite the overpowering engine in the Grand Caravan, the Honda pulls ahead with better features, better handling, well-laid interiors and comfier seats. The engine may not be as brutal as the Honda's but the smoother 9-speed transmission not only improves shifting, but also saves fuel in higher gears. So, power aside, the Honda is a better minivan for your garage.

Dodge Grand Caravan vs Toyota Sienna

The Sienna is a good-looking minivan in the segment, compared to the awkward front grille in the Dodge. On the inside, the Toyota has a much better interior as well as a much more advanced infotainment than the Dodge. However, the engine on the Toyota feels underpowered compared to the Toyota Sienna.

Final Verdict

The Dodge Grand Caravan is a thrifty minivan with very basic amenities and none of the shiny bits you get on the more expensive vans like the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. The cargo space and hauling capacity of the Dodge is better than most minivans you'd spot in the segment.

However creature comforts like plush seats and premium materials is a miss. From the outside, the minivan looks nothing short of a fleet van, so if that's your main goal for purchasing this, the Dodge is the perfect work horse and won't let you down.

Trims

    SE
    $26,790 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 283 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 120 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    SE 35th Anniversary Edition
    $27,040 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 283 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 120 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    SE Plus
    $29,555 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 283 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 120 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    SXT
    $32,290 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 283 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 120 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    SXT 35th Anniversary Edition
    $32,540 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 283 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 120 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    GT
    $34,495 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 283 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 120 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$29,190- $49,090

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.53

Horsepower

296 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque

263 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$26,790- $36,395

Gasoline

5.9

283 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

7

Read Review

$30,190- $47,070

Gasoline

7.41

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

7

Read Review

$26,985- $44,695

Gasoline

7.82

287 hp @ 6400 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$27,200- $41,100

Gasoline

6.07

276 hp @ 6000 rpm

248 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

7

Read Review

2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.2 sec15.7 sec120 mph
    6.9 sec15.3 sec115 mph
    7.3 sec15.5 sec116 mph
    7.3 sec15.6 sec117 mph
    7.7 sec15.8 sec-

    2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg20 gal.340/500 mi.
      19 mpg28 mpg22 mpg19.5 gal.370.5/546 mi.
      18 mpg28 mpg22 mpg19 gal.342/532 mi.
      19 mpg27 mpg22 mpg20 gal.380/540 mi.
      18 mpg24 mpg21 mpg21.1 gal.379.8/506.4 mi.

      2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        202.8 in.78.7 in.67.9 in.5.6 in.121.2 in.
        203.8 in.79.6 in.69.9 in.5.1 in.121.6 in.
        203.2 in.78.5 in.68.3 in.4.5 in.118.1 in.
        201.4 in.78.1 in.68.5 in.6.7 in.120.5 in.
        200.6 in.78.1 in.68.9 in.8 in.119.3 in.

        2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          31.1 cu.ft.163.5 cu.ft.140.3 cu.ft.
          61.1 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.150 cu.ft.
          32.3 cu.ft.165 cu.ft.140.5 cu.ft.
          38.6 cu.ft.163.6 cu.ft.158 cu.ft.
          33.9 cu.ft.165.8 cu.ft.142 cu.ft.

          2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            14.7 cu.ft.31.1 cu.ft.140.3 cu.ft.
            150 cu.ft.61.1 cu.ft.150 cu.ft.
            5 cu.ft.33.9 cu.ft.142 cu.ft.
            13.3 cu.ft.38.6 cu.ft.158 cu.ft.
            49.5 cu.ft.32.3 cu.ft.140.5 cu.ft.

            2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              3600 lbs.1540 lbs.4321 lbs.
              3600 lbs.1725 lbs.4330 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1100 lbs.4134 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1674 lbs.4411 lbs.
              3000 lbs.1665 lbs.4354 lbs.

              2019 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              0

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              16

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.2 sec

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              2019 Dodge Grand Caravan User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              JH

              Joshua Hopkins

              2019 Dodge Grand Caravan

              GT Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 5, 2024

              Dodge Grand Caravan

              Pros - ["Space for family", "Comfortable seating", "Bluetooth radio/built in GPS Navigation"]

              Cons - ["Transmission had to be rebuilt at 70,000 miles", "Not much storage space", "Burns oil occasionally"]

              The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan is a robust family vehicle. It has automatic doors, GPS Navigation, Bluetooth/Satilite Radio, and in the winter it auto defrosts/heats the seats on the coldest days. The seats can be activated manually too.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              TMJ

              Tommy McDaniel Jr.

              2019 Dodge Grand Caravan

              SE 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 10, 2024

              Definitely A Good Car.

              Pros - ["Spacious interior", "Good on gas"]

              Cons - ["Material of Seats", "MPG on the road"]

              Not the best on MPG as far as city roads, but it makes up for it in other aspects. Perfect for a family who needs space for kids, luggage, and anything else for travel. Good on gas when on the highway, however. Perfect for long distance trips. Overall I would give it a 4/5

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              CC

              Chad Clearwaters

              2019 Dodge Grand Caravan

              GT Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 22, 2024

              Autistic Family HEMI

              Pros - ["The ever Amazing 3.6 HEMI motor", "Room for most"]

              Cons - ["Leather interior", "Uconnect radio"]

              Myself and my children suffer with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism so we travel to appointments and use the van to work in, that's how we survive and pay our bills, so we all rely on Ruby, the kids named the van

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review