2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Review

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.