2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: Video Road Test and Review

The Dodge Grand Caravan is a four door seven passenger minivan that takes the two box layout to a whole new level, combining Chrysler’s versatile stow and go seating (rear seats that fold flat into the floor) with enormous cargo capacity and a capable 3.6 Liter V6 that produces 283 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque being channeled through a six speed automatic gearbox and gets an estimated 17 MPG while dropping the kids off at school and as much as 25 MPG on trips to visit grandma.

The entry level Grand Caravan American Value Package comes with standard features like sliding rear doors, rear grocery bag hooks, power accessories, a four speaker CD/MP3 media center with an auxiliary input for mobile media devices as well as a tilt and telescoping luxury steering wheel starting at $20,0995.

The Grand Caravan SE adds rear A/C and heat for the kids to fight over, sunscreen glass to protect them from harmful UV rays and a floor console with cup holders to keep them hydrated; while the $22,995 SE is distinguished from lesser Caravan’s with color matching door handles and side moldings.

The Grand Caravan SXT is upgraded with a set of 16 inch aluminum wheels, a pair of power sliding rear doors and a one touch operated lift gate as well as adjustable pedals to fit drivers of all sizes.  The $26,495 SXT also gets Dodge’s Stow ‘n Place roof rack, Super center console and is available with a rear DVD entertainment system consisting of a 9 inch flip down monitor and 115 V outlet.

The well equipped Grand Caravan Crew gets remote start with a security alarm and rides around on a set of 17 inch rims.  The Crew benefits from a pair of fog lamps, a leather wrapped steering wheel and ParkView rear back up camera integrated into the 6.5 inch LCD Uconnect Touch Media center.  While the rear entertainment setup gets upgraded with a remote control and wireless headphones to keep the more petite passengers preoccupied starting at $28,495.

The top of the line Grand Caravan R/T is dressed up with a color matching signature split crosshair grill, brushed aluminum interior accents, black leather trimmed upholstery with red accent stitching, a nine speaker premium Infinity sound system including subwoofer and amplifier as well as a set of unique painted and polished 17 inch wheels for $29,995.

A list of cars similar to the Grand Caravan includes the 2012 Honda Odyssey, 2012 Toyota Sienna and 2012 Nissan Quest.

See more details about the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.