The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is a 7-passenger minivan that has earned praise for its versatile seating arrangement, capable handling, and welcoming cabin. Five trim levels are available with starting prices ranging from $20,995 for the entry-level American Value Package up to $29,995 for the high-end R/T.
Engine, Drivetrain and Suspension Specifications
All models are driven by a 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 flex-fuel engine that sends power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is 17 mpg city/25 highway. The Grand Caravan uses a MacPherson strut front independent suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension.
Exterior
The basic AVP trim level comes with standard 16-inch wheels with wheel covers, power heated side mirrors, and halogen quad headlamps. The SE adds body-color door handles and bodyside molding, as well as deep-tinted sunscreen glass. Upgrading to the SXT includes these features plus 16-inch aluminum wheels and body-colored side mirrors; power sliding doors, power liftgate, and a Stow ‘n Place roof rack are part of an optional package. The Crew model gains standard 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, power dual sliding doors, and fog lamps, in addition to an optional trailer towing package. Finally, the R/T level includes all previous standard features as well as a body color grille surround and fascia; a trailer towing package and black side roof rails are optional.
Interior
The AVP includes second-row Stow ‘n Go folding bucket seats with storage tubs, third-row Stow ‘n God seats with tailgate seats, dual-zone temperature control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with controls, conversation mirror, outside temperature display in odometer, and rear grocery bag hooks. The SE carries these features plus three-zone manual temperature control, rear-seat air conditioner and heater with controls, removable floor console with cup holders, and easy-clean floor mats. Choosing the SXT gains power second-row windows, power quarter vented windows, and a lower instrument panel storage bin; a power driver’s seat and power adjustable pedals are optional. The Crew trim level adds interior LED lighting, power adjustable pedals, eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, universal garage door opener, rear overhead console, and vehicle information center. The R/T includes all these features and throws in designer black leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, a performance-tuned suspension, power front passenger seat, rear backup camera, and overhead ambient surround lighting.
Entertainment Options
The AVP features the Uconnect Media Center with CD/MP3 player, audio jack, four speakers, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The SE, SXT and Crew models upgrade to six speakers; the Crew also offers SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription. The R/T substitutes a premium Media Center with a touchscreen display, nine-speaker Infinity audio system with subwoofer and amplifier, 40 GB hard drive; a one-year subscription to SiriusXM is also included.
Safety
All Grand Caravans feature front airbags, driver knee airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control. In NHTSA testing, the Grand Caravan scored and average of four stars. And on IIHS tests, it earned a “good” rating in both the frontal-offset and side crash tests.
One of the Grand Caravan’s most unique features is the ability of the second-row seats to fold into the floor. The entry-level pricing is also attractive, but some reviewers feel the tradeoffs include a less refined engine and handling, less comfortable seats, and lower ride quality compared to competitors.
Image Credit: Chrysler Media
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