Introduced in 1984, the Dodge Grand Caravan has been one of America’s top-selling minivans for over three decades. The formula for success has been a mix of versatility, convenience, and even a touch of style. However, that shouldn’t overshadow the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan’s performance. Beneath the sheet metal, the Caravan’s underpinnings make it a well-oiled machine to the point where it doesn’t feel like just another family hauler.
The Engine
Under the hood, the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan gets a brawny, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 flex-fuel engine. This provides an impressive 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque that make the minivan comparable to driving a fine-tuned sports car. With a 0-60 of just 7.9 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 16.1 seconds, and a top speed of 113 mph, the Grand Caravan sizzles with heart-pounding pace and acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Despite the Grand Caravan’s surprising penchant for power, it doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy, which is a top priority for many families. Even with its mammoth 3.6-liter engine, the minivan still touts an impressive 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city, making it a superb blend of performance and efficiency. With a 20-gallon gas tank, the Grand Caravan can go up to 500 miles between fill-ups, giving you more time for the important things in life.
The Grand Caravan achieves this phenomenal efficiency with a two-pronged attack. A fuel economizer adjusts transmission shifting points and engine timing to provide the best fuel economy possible. In addition, a set of 17-inch, all-season,low-rolling-resistance tires offers premium grip without the added friction that can lower both fuel economy and acceleration.
The Transmission
While the engine is no slouch, the Grand Caravan’s transmission works seamlessly to provide the best acceleration possible. A 6-speed automatic transmission pairs with the Pentastar V-6 for smooth acceleration, regardless of how fast you’re going. The manual shifting mode is a nice addition when you’re tackling inclines, descents, bad weather, or towing, giving you just the right amount of torque to tackle your obstacles.
Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the Grand Caravan is capable of pulling up to 1,500 pounds. This enables it to move boats, scooters, campers, and just about anything else you need to make your vacation fun and memorable. To make matters easier, the minivan employs trailer sway control, which automatically takes the steps necessary to bring the payload’s sway under control and eliminate it completely.
All-Speed Traction Control
Using a series of sensors, the Grand Caravan’s all-speed traction control monitors wheel slip. Always activated, this feature reduces engine power and applies the brakes to help you regain control and stability when you need it the most.
From exceptional power to above-average fuel economy, the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan proves that it’s not just another ho-hum entry into the minivan segment. It’s a vehicle for car enthusiasts who just may need a bit of extra space and modern amenities to accommodate family life. When you’re on your own, feel free to relive your sense of youthful exuberance by putting the pedal to the metal. Chances are you’ll love what happens.
Image via John Lloyd | Licensed by CC BY 2.0
