2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus Van

Although three-row crossover SUVs have grown in popularity over the last decade, they still can't beat a minivan for third-row comfort and an abundance of cargo room, And for the price, the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan is hard to beat for the budget-minded buyer.
The Grand Caravan is all about value. While the base AVP and SE don't come with a whole lot of standard features, they're also the most affordable way to get into a new minivan. Comparably equipped, the "DGC" is still typically thousands less than other minivans, and nearly every model comes with second-row Stow 'n Go seats that fold right into the floor just by pulling a lever. In addition, niceties such as a rear DVD system and a smattering of safety features are available on higher trims to keep occupants safe and entertained.

Some versions of the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan feature unusually sporty styling cues for a minivan.

This Dodge minivan isn't all sunshine and roses, however. Its orientation toward value shows in the cabin, where materials quality is notably lower than those found in competing minivans. It's also apparent in the way the Grand Caravan drives. The DGC's ride can get a little rough at times, and its engine and transmission aren't as refined or responsive as those found in other top minivans.
Heading that list of top choices are the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The all-stars of the minivan world, they have more compliant ride qualities, higher-quality cabins and more high-end features available. Also worth considering is the 2016 Kia Sedona, which competes well against the Grand Caravan in terms of value. And if a more luxurious experience is what you're after, the Grand Caravan's mechanical sibling, the 2016 Chrysler Town & Country, may suit your needs better. But overall the Dodge Grand Caravan is extremely competitive on price, and that may be enough to give it the edge in your shopping decision.
The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan is a seven-passenger minivan offered in six trim levels: American Value Package (AVP), SE, SE Plus, SXT, SXT Plus and R/T.
The bargain-priced AVP trim has a reasonably solid standard equipment list, including 17-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, dual-zone air-conditioning, a second-row reclining/folding/removable bench seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a conversation mirror, and power locks, mirrors and front windows. Entertainment comes in the form of a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Second row Stow 'n Go seats are available as a separate option.
The SE adds 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.
AVP and SE models can be ordered with the Uconnect Hands-free Group package, which adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, satellite radio, a USB port and Bluetooth audio, and phone connectivity. The SE equipped with the Power Window Group package also gets power windows for the second and third rows.
The SE Plus gets 17-inch alloy wheels, special upholstery and trim, an overhead console, and the Power Window and Uconnect packages.

The 2016 Grand Caravan SXT packs in a lot of standard features for the money.

The SXT takes the SE model and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, power sliding rear doors, a power liftgate, a larger floor console and the Power Window package. The SXT Plus adds chrome exterior trim, foglights, automatic headlights, leatherette upholstery with suede inserts, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and the Uconnect package.
The range-topping Grand Caravan is the R/T. It takes the standard features from the SXT Plus (minus the chrome) and adds a body-colored grille, a performance-tuned suspension, remote engine start, unique interior lighting, black interior accents, tri-zone automatic climate control, full leather seating, a rear overhead console, a 115-volt power outlet, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera and an upgraded nine-speaker audio system.
Different trims also get access to special options packages. The SE and SXT models can be ordered with a DVD entertainment system, which bundles the R/T's touchscreen and audio system with a 9-inch second-row display screen, an HDMI input, a back-up camera, two USB charging ports and a 115-volt power outlet. The Blacktop appearance package, available on SE Plus and SXT trims, adds silver interior accents and a black grille, wheels and leather interior accents. Foglights are included in the SXT version.
The Driver Convenience Group for the SXT Plus and R/T adds heated front-row seats, a heated steering wheel and second- and third-row sunshades. The DVD/Blu-ray Entertainment System on these trims comes with the equipment from the DVD entertainment system and adds a Blu-ray/DVD player and an additional screen for the third row.
The R/T-only Safety Sphere group adds automatic wipers, rear parking sensors, a blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection.
There's a single engine for all versions of the 2016 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. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is a combined 20 mpg (17 city/25 highway), which is also average for the segment
Standard safety features for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan include stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, a driver knee airbag, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Optional features in the R/T-specific Safety Sphere Group include a blind-spot monitoring system and rear parking and cross-traffic sensors.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Grand Caravan came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet, an average stopping distance for a minivan. An R/T with its sport suspension did better, racking up a 119-foot stop.
In government crash testing, the Grand Caravan was given an overall score of four out of five stars, with four stars for frontal impacts and five stars for side impacts. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Dodge Grand Caravan was awarded the top rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact test as well as the side-impact, roof-strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. In the IIHS' small-overlap frontal-impact test, the Grand Caravan was given the lowest possible rating of "Poor," however.