There are four Grand Caravan models for 2016: American Value, SE, SXT and R/T, while SE and SXT also feature Plus trims. All Grand Caravans come with a 3.6L V6 engine that makes 283 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic with "Autostick" manual control.
Anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring, multi-stage front air bags and supplemental side curtain air bags for all three rows of seats are standard equipment, which contribute to its across-the-board 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA. All Grand Caravans also get an electronic stability program, while the R/T gets a ParkView back-up camera.
Convenience is a must in any minivan. All Grand Caravans get the 3rd-row Stow-and-Go seats that fold completely into the floor to maximize cargo space.
The American Value Grand Caravan makes the price of admission a little lower. This trim is a bit more spartan, but it still comes decently equipped -- especially for the price. The American Value comes with heated mirrors, variable wipers, a CD/MP3-compatible stereo, an audio input jack, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows and locks, keyless entry, dual-zone air conditioning and stability control.
The SE trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear air conditioning, easy-clean floor mats and body-color exterior trim as well as the option of adding aluminum wheels and second-row power windows by way of the SE Plus Group. SE Plus also includes a one-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.
The SXT brings standard aluminum wheels, sunscreen glass, power rear-quarter windows and 3-zone air conditioning. Add the Entertainment Group the Grand Caravan gets SIRIUS satellite radio, a 2nd-row DVD/Blu-ray entertainment system and a rear back-up camera. SXT Plus adds the UConnect hands-free group, including Bluetooth streaming audio and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, as well as a power 8-way driver's seat and fog lamps.
The R/T equips the van with performance-tuned suspension, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a back-up camera. The optional Media Center 730 includes a 40GB hard-drive stereo, a 6.5" touch-screen interface, navigation and Bluetooth.
Finally special SE and SXT Blacktop editions feature 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with gloss black pockets, a gloss black crosshair grille, black headlamp bezels and matching fog lamps, while inside there is an all-black interior with silver accent stitching and matching leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Grand Caravan can be outfitted to tow up to 3,600 lbs. with the Trailer Tow Group, which includes a heavy-duty radiator, transmission oil cooler, load-leveling and wiring harness.
The Dodge Caravan enters 2016 with few changes. The only major change is the addition of a Blacktop Package available on SE Plus and SXT trims. Outside, the package adds 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with gloss black pockets, a gloss black crosshair grille, black headlamp bezels and matching fog lamps, while inside there is an all-black interior with silver accent stitching and matching leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Grand Caravan was one of the first minivans to make it big in North America, and it's still one of the best. The base Grand Caravan starts under $22,000 and that brings a 6-speed automatic, heated power mirrors, keyless entry, 2-zone air conditioning, standard stability control, tire pressure monitoring and a host of air bags. EPA-estimated mileage on the highway is a strong 25 mpg.
