2014 Dodge Grand Caravan | Review

Let’s face it, the Dodge name doesn’t exactly resemble any specific form of crown jewel in the automotive realm, but it was Dodge that pioneered the versatile full-sized passenger car that spawned the concept of what is known today as the infamous minivan.  Evident to the success of the Dodge Caravan, it didn’t take long for its audacious contenders to step into the game with their own version of the minivan, namely the Nissan Quest, and Honda Odyssey.  Being the first adopters helped put Dodge into the lead of the game.  Regardless of multiple flavors available in the market, the Dodge Caravan remained the most popular choice for consumers seeking full-size 7-passenger capacity coupled with versatility and convenience.

2014 Dodge Grand Caravan Overview

There are a lot of good things to be said about the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan.  Thanks to the refreshed overhaul made in 2011, the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan received upgraded treatment in power output, fuel economy, styling, and modern safety and entertainment technology features.  And there’s more.  Second row seats can be automatically folded down from a single pull of a lever and to top it all off, the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan remains one of the most affordable minivans in the market to date.

Styling and Features

As the fleet manager handed me the keys and lead me to the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan, a first glimpse almost made me want to drive it.  I’m not going to lie; as a 28 year old automotive junkie with hard earned income thrown away on speeding tickets, a minivan wasn’t exactly something that would entice my test-drive excitement.  But take a few steps closer, you begin to notice and appreciate specific design queues.  What makes the Dodge Grand Caravan stand out is the bold color contrast.  The SXT model we test drove came in a dark cherry red color accompanied by black ornaments namely the 17″ alloy rims, and the Dodge signature chrome cross-plated front grille.  As an added Blacktop purchase option exclusive to the SXT model, our Dodge Grand Caravan comes equipped with cosmetic upgrades including  polished aluminum wheels, gloss black grille, all-black with silver lining, and leather wrapped steering wheel.

Spoiled by luxury features, the Dodge Grand Caravan did not come with proximity keyless entry.  Nevertheless, an initial impression in the driver seat asserted confidence in the overall design layout.  Seating arrangement is generally comfortable in the front row with all center console easily accessible. We highly recommend the infotainment screen purchase upgrade on the Dodge Grand Caravan as it scores top pick in terms of intuitive user interface and superior responsiveness compared to any other system available out there.

A closer inspection eventually reveals some of the nitpicking features.  Plastic panels layered throughout the front and side dashboard resemble sticky plastic, and overall dials and cable throw gear shifter produces a poor quality feel.

Performance and Handling

The 2014 Grand Caravan has 8 overwhelming trim models to choose from.  Fortunately, the powertrain remains the same throughout all purchase options.  Vehicle propulsion is generated by a 3.6 liter V6 VVT engine coupled to a 6 speed automatic transmission producing 283 horsepower, and 260 ft.lbs of torque.  Speaking strictly in terms of numbers, the power is there.  Unfortunately, the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan suffers from occasional drive line shutter, absence of hill assist, and inconsistent gear shifts.  Mind you, there is also a bit of excessive body roll, and steering is not as precise as we had liked.  Overall, the Dodge Grand Caravan provides decent acceleration at a 0-60 time of 8 seconds.

Driving Impression and Final Thoughts

The 2014 Dodge Caravan has all the main essentials that meet the core needs of a mini-van.  It’s got a plethora of cargo room at 934 cubic inch, has enough power to carry 7 full passengers, and the overall ride quality is decent for any daily driving tasks.  Fuel economy for the Dodge Caravan sits in the average category scoring in at an EPA rating of 17 mpg in the city, and 25 mpg on the highway.

When it comes to price point, the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is quite possibly the best bang for the buck.  Throw in an extra ten grand rewards you with a plethora of convenient features including the second row “Stow ‘n Go” seats that automatically recline from a pull of a lever, electro-mechanical sliding doors, complete power windows, backup camera, and auto-dimming side view mirrors.  While its Japanese competitors such as the Honda Oddysey, Nissan Quest, and Toyota Sienna offer a more refined quality ride, the Dodge Caravan still holds strong in terms of the amount of features you get for the price you pay.