Keepin' it Simple

A hammer may not be the most elegant tool but it was designed with the utmost purpose and gets the job done time and again. The same can be said of the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. It forgoes the over stylized designs of its rivals in favor of a clean, boxy exterior that prioritizes function or form -- and that's what families value most.

Although the minivan is no longer a novel concept, the Grand Caravan still shines as it packs an incredible amount of utility into a powerful, affordable, and safe package.

Powertrain and Performance

Dodge keeps things simple for the 2016 model year with a single Grand Caravan powertrain option. Buyers get a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This particular powertrain is the most powerful V6 engine in its class. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

A naturally-aspirated V6 may seem out of place in today’s world of tiny turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but the Grand Caravan proves pretty fuel efficient with an EPA rating of 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway).*

In addition to its capable engine and impressive fuel economy, the 2016 Grand Caravan can tow up to 3,600 pounds when properly equipped. Hauling a trailer or a pair of water toys to the lake just got a lot easier. 

Features and Trims

The seven-seat 2016 Dodge Caravan has a starting price of $22,095.**

The entry-level model is the appropriately-named American Value Package (AVP). With standard equipment like 17-inch wheels, a tilt and telescoping steering column, and Dodge’s nifty Stow n’ Go folding seat system for the third row, it really is a value proposition.

The SE model includes second-row Stow n’ Go, three-zone climate control, six-speaker audio, and a floor console with extra cupholders. On top of that, the SXT model adds power sliding doors, a power liftgate, and power second- and third-row windows, among other features.

The top Grand Caravan model is the R/T. In addition to all of the standard features from the other models (where applicable), it gets a sportier suspension setup, leather interior, remote start, and an upgraded audio system with nine speakers and a subwoofer.

In addition to the standard equipment, there’s a long list of options that includes DVD entertainment systems, the Uconnect® infotainment system, and other tech and convenience options.

Buyers can also upgrade the appearance of their Grand Caravan SE or SXT with the Blacktop package, which includes polished 17-inch alloy wheels, a gloss black grille, black headlamp bezels, and blacked out interior trim.

Design

The 2016 Dodge Caravan’s exterior is purposeful and stylish. Its silhouette is just as boxy as any SUV, and is jazzed up by Dodge’s trademark crosshair grille at the front and “ring of fire” LED taillights at the back. Another noteworthy feature is the Stow n’ Place roof rack system, which allows the roof rails to fold away for decreased wind resistance.

One of the main benefits of a minivan is its interior versatility, and the Grand Caravan doesn’t disappoint. The three-spoke steering wheel includes audio and navigation controls, while an available “super” center console with plenty of storage space, includes a pass through for larger items.

The capacity and flexibility added with the Grand Caravan’s three rows of seating rivals a small apartment’s worth of furniture. With the Stow n’ Go system, they can fold into the floor, leaving a flat cargo space. When the seating is being used, the cavities serve as storage bins.

Safety

Safety is a top priority in a vehicle that’s likely to spend most of its time shuttling kids to and from school.  The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan meets those expectations, with a list of standard safety equipment that includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and front, seat-mounted-side, driver-knee, and three-row side-curtain air bags.

The optional Safety Sphere Package adds more features, including ParkSense rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and a backup camera.

Bottom Line

The combination of practicality, safety, and economy offered by the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan make it a real winner among minivans. It may not carry the same wow-factor as an SUV, but nothing beats a minivan when it comes to hauling large numbers of people or cargo without breaking the bank.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit us at Cutter Automotive Galleries today.

*EPA estimate mpg. Actual mileage may vary.

**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification.

Image: Dodge