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Full 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
What's New for 2014
The Dodge Grand Caravan drops its Crew trim level for 2014, but otherwise is largely unchanged.
Introduction
We live in a global economy, but the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is the minivan to get your patriotism pumping. It was Dodge, after all, that invented this genre in 1984, striking that perfect balance between industrial-strength work vans and less versatile wagons and hatchbacks. The original Caravan's overnight success spawned legions of imitators, and a few from Japan have become formidable rivals. But the Dodge will always be the one that started it all, and that's got to count for something.
The Grand Caravan was treated to a thorough overhaul for 2011, and those powertrain and interior updates remain appealing three years later. There's class-leading power under the hood, respectable frugality at the pump and modern technology in the cabin, as well as cleverly designed second-row seats that fold into the floor at the flick of a lever. Furthermore, a base Grand Caravan is considerably cheaper than its import-brand competitors.
In other respects, however, the Grand Caravan comes up a bit short compared with the competition. Although that recent update did wonders to help the Grand Caravan's attributes, the van still suffers from a lack of refinement. It's particularly noticeable on the road, where you'll find that the engine is noisier and the transmission doesn't shift as smoothly. In addition, the Dodge's ride isn't as comfortable or composed.
The 2014 Grand Caravan may still be the patriotic choice, but it's got its work cut out in other respects.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is a seven-passenger minivan offered in four trim levels: American Value Package (AVP), SE, SXT and R/T.
The attractively priced AVP provides a decent equipment roster that includes 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, power front windows, dual-zone air-conditioning, a second-row reclining/folding/removable bench seat, an overhead console, a conversation mirror and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The SE adds body-colored door handles/side molding, rear privacy glass, tri-zone climate control (with rear air-conditioning), second-row captain's chairs with the Stow 'n Go fold-into-the-floor feature, a front floor console and a six-speaker audio system.
The SXT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, power rear windows and a larger floor console. Also standard is the Power Convenience Group, which includes a power liftgate, power sliding rear doors and power-adjustable pedals.
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