What is the difference between Caravan and Grand Caravan?
The Dodge Caravan series of minivans are incredibly popular and value-packed vehicles available across Canada. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, these minivans are able to carry up to eight passengers in dozens of different seating configurations made possible with convenient Stow and Go seats.
The Caravan and Grand Caravan are two minivans offered by Dodge. They are virtually indistinguishable from each other. However, they offer subtle differences that can influence a buyer’s decision process.
Even though the minivan was around before Dodge rolled out the Caravan series, it was really the Caravan that made the minivan as popular as it is today. The last year that the Dodge Caravan was offered was 2007; Dodge only offered the Grand Caravan from then on out, and the Grand Caravan was discontinued in 2020.
Exterior Differences
The look of the Caravan and Grand Caravan are virtually identical with the same style, width, and height. However, the Grand Caravan is a long-wheelbase version compared to the regular Caravan. The Grand Caravan’s body and wheelbase are 200.6 and 119.3 inches compared with the Caravan at 189.1 and 113.3 inches. The elongated body does not present much difference when driving or parking.
Interior Differences
Because the Grand Caravan has a longer body and wheelbase, the interior is also slightly bigger than what the regular Caravan can provide. While the Caravan offers 4,408 litres of passenger room, the Grand Caravan has 4,777 litres of space. This also translates into more legroom, headroom, hip room, and shoulder room for passengers in the Grand Caravan.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Grand Caravan beats the Caravan at that, too. The Grand Caravan has more cargo capacity in all areas–behind the third row, behind the second row, and behind the third row.
Drivetrain
In 2007, which is when the last model of the Grand Caravan was produced, the Caravan came standard with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine that provided 150 horsepower. The larger Grand Caravan offered more power with a 3.3-litre V6 engine. The 2020 Grand Caravan is now powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine.
Both the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan provide a great amount of passenger and cargo room for families, but those wanting to carry teenagers or adults in the second and third row seats should opt for the Grand Caravan because of its additional interior room. Both are value-packed minivans that will be missed from the vehicle market.