MONEY

2014 Dodge Grand Caravan sets standard for minivans

By Ken Chester, Jr.
Motor News Media Corporation
2014 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan
  • MSRP%3A Starts from %2420%2C995

The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set a new standard for the minivan segment with more than 40 safety and technology features that make it the best vehicle to transport both people and cargo.

The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is available in four models: AVP (American Value Package), SE, SXT, and R/T.

For 2014, the Grand Caravan celebrates its 30th birthday with a special model and a revised line-up to go along with its segment-leading innovations and unbeatable value. The 30th Anniversary edition will be available on SE and SXT models, as will an available Blacktop appearance package.

The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan 30th Anniversary Edition will be available on both the SE and SXT models, and will continue to set the mark in minivan versatility, style and value. The Dodge Grand Caravan continues to be the best all-around vehicle for young families with more value added features.

The exterior of the Dodge Grand Caravan SE 30th Anniversary Edition features unique 17-inch satin carbon aluminum wheels, body-color heated exterior mirrors and 30th Anniversary badging on the front fenders and the availability of Crystal Granite Pearl Coat paint. Unique interior appointments include silver accent stitching and piano black accents throughout, black cloth seats, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, black leather-wrapped shift knob, black headliner and overhead console, bright heating and air conditioning trim bezels, power second- and third-row windows, a 30th Anniversary logo in the gauge cluster and 30th Anniversary logo on the key fob and the Uconnect Handsfree Group featuring SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription, Bluetooth streaming audio and voice command and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 30th Anniversary Edition builds on the SXT, including standard power sliding doors, power liftgate, Super Center Console, power adjustable pedals and much more. The 30th Anniversary Edition adds premium appointments, including unique 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with satin carbon pockets, bright chrome roof rack, bright window trim moldings, fog lamps, automatic headlamps and special 30th Anniversary badging.

The Dodge Grand Caravan features industry-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go seating with easy one-touch operation and more comfortable seats. The second row in the Dodge Grand Caravan can be effortlessly stowed in less than five seconds with just one hand. And when not stowed, only Dodge Grand Caravan allows secure storage in the second row in-floor bins. Also standard on all Grand Caravan models (N/A AVP) is the 50/50 split- folding third row Stow 'n Go seating.

The standard powertrain for the Grand Caravan is the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting 62TE six-speed automatic transaxle. The Dodge minivan also features a driver-selectable fuel economizer mode. Drivers can change the transaxle shift schedule with the flip of a switch to maximize their fuel economy.

Inside the passenger cabin a world-class interior greets driver and passengers alike. A modern, one-piece instrument panel is intuitive for the customer with instinctive ergonomics and large gauges, with premium bright accents and soft-touches throughout. An available "super" center console provides clever functionality and storage for the active commuter, as well as easy driver/passenger access with a pass-through storage space for larger items, like a purse.

A three-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls for audio, navigation and speed control also offers a minivan-first heated steering wheel option. The best storage in the segment rounds out the interior.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 121.2; overall length: 202.8; width: 78.7; height: 68.9

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 3.6L V6 – 283 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 17 city/25 highway

Cargo capacity: 143.8 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,600 pounds

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags front/rear, driver's side knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, automatic power door locks, and tire pressure monitoring system. R/T adds vehicle security alarm, fog lamps, automatic headlamps, HomeLink universal transceiver, ParkView rear backup camera, and remote engine start.

Optional safety features include: power adjustable pedals, rain sensitive windshield wipers, Garmin navigation system, blind spot monitoring, ParkSense rear park assist system, rear cross path detection system, and Uconnect hands free phone system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan starts from $20,995 for the AVP model upto $29,995 for the R/T. Destination charges add $995.