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.
