2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
Mostly redesigned last year, the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is an evolutionary step forward in this minivan's fifth generation, which debuted for 2008. The style, suspension, power and interior were all touched up last year, exposing an aggressive family hauler with several class-leading attributes. This year the lineup is very different, adding value all around and putting Dodge's Grand Caravan well ahead of the pack in terms of affordability and almost every other differentiating factor.
The only Grand Caravan to carry over largely unchanged is the premium Crew trim. There is no word on whether the commercially intended C/V will stay or go, but it's pretty safe to assume it too will carry over unchanged. The R/T also carries over, but has been restyled for 2012 to stand apart from its brethren as the manly man's minivan, and as such gains a few interior and mechanical touches. Additionally, the Crew and R/T now offer remote start, power liftgate and a security alarm standard, at no extra charge.
Last year's Express and Mainstreet have been replaced, however, with the entry-level lineup now including AVP, SE and SXT trims. The AVP, or American Value Package comes well equipped with all the expected amenities - such as power accessories, remote keyless entry and cruise control - but at a starting price that undercuts every competitor. The SE is essentially a combination of the Express and Mainstreet, while the SXT stands as the only offering under $30,000 to include power dual sliding doors, power liftgate and power-adjustable pedals.
Although the tailgating swivel feature for the third row was eliminated last year, drivers whose needs often flip-flop between transporting people and things will surely appreciate the fully flat-folding Stow 'n Go system for both rear passenger rows of every 2012 Grand Caravan. Another innovation turning the competition green with envy is the Stow 'n Place roof rack system, which improves aerodynamic efficiency by tucking away the roof rails when they are not being used.
Of course the 2012 Grand Caravan's unique functionalities do not end there, with 50/50 split folding seats, in-floor storage bins, multi-functional center console and much more. Major options include every newfangled gadget you have come to expect from a modern car, from a rear entertainment system to rain-sensing wipers, ParkSense rear park assist, ParkView backup camera, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection system.
That said, it is worth noting that although the 283-hp Pentastar V6 offers best-in-class performance figures, the delivery of said performance through a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive holds back acceleration and causes the Grand Caravan to reach 60 mph a half-second later than the competition. Reliability is one of those really big question marks for the Grand Caravan, and some lemons have left the lot, but all that it has to offer - including 25 highway mpg - leaves most drivers quite happy.
User reviews for 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
Write a review2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 730 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual manual sliding
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: quad headlights
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 30GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 730 CCA
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual manual sliding
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · Wireless headphones · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Side door type: dual manual sliding
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 6.5 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Headlights: quad headlights
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Infinity premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 506 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Ashtray: front and rear · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Overhead console: rear overhead console · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rechargeable flashlight: cargo area · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in-floor · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 730 CCA
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual power sliding
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 30GB · Wireless headphones · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 506 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Ashtray: front and rear · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Overhead console: rear overhead console · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: grocery bag holder · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual power sliding
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack: with crossbars
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Diameter: 17 · Prefix: P · Profile: 65 · Type: all season · Width: 225
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: with washer
