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2013 Dodge Grand Caravan: What Is It?

Grand Caravan builds upon the foundation laid by the 1984 Dodge Caravan, which was the world’s first minivan. It also has the lowest base price of any minivan.

This Dodge is made in Canada and competes against the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, and Toyota Sienna. Grand Caravan lends its basic design to the upscale Chrysler Town & Country and Volkswagen Routan.

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan: What’s New

Not much has changed with the 2013 edition of the Grand Caravan. The entry-level American Value Package and SE models cost less than their 2012 counterparts, but have less standard equipment.

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan: Model Lineup, Features, and Options

The 2013 Grand Caravan reprises base American Value Package (AVP) and SE, volume SXT and Crew, and sporty R/T trim levels.

The AVP and SE have the same standard equipment, which includes most expected items, including power windows/locks/mirrors and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Also included are heated exterior mirrors and dual-zone manual climate control. Chrysler’s unique Stow ‘n Go folding 2nd-row seats are now optional on these model, rather than standard as they are on the SXT, Crew, and R/T.

Though the AVP and SE have the same base price, the latter is available with an option package that includes Stow ‘n Go, rear air conditioning with rear controls, an upgraded audio system, and other items.

SXT includes the features that are optional on the SE, but it’s available with more optional features, including power-adjustable pedals, power sliding rear doors, and a power liftgate.

Crew has standard power-adjustable pedals, power sliding rear doors, satellite radio, and other bits.

R/T adds a sport suspension, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, rearview camera, and a music hard drive.

Rear-obstacle detection is optional on the SXT, Crew, and R/T. Blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert are available on the Crew and R/T, as is a navigation system.

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

Standard on all Grand Caravans are front-wheel drive and Chrysler’s 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic.

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan: Fuel Economy

The EPA rates the 2012 Grand Caravan at 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 20.7 mpg.

Grand Caravan is capable of using regular-grade gasoline and/or E85 ethanol-blended fuel. With E85, EPA fuel-economy estimates drop to 12 city/18 highway.

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan: Safety Features

The 2013 Grand Caravan has a standard complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. In addition, a driver knee airbag is standard. Blind-spot alert and rear-obstacle detection are optional on higher trim levels.

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