The Grand Caravan has been set for discontinuation a while ago and the car is actually unavailable on the US market at this point but it is and will be available on the Canadian market up until the mid of 2017 without suffering any major changes. Its former sibling received a major overhaul with the Chrysler Pacifica which has been set to start at more than $35,000, a premium minivan for those looking for more than just a people’s carrier. However, the Grand Caravan is still not lost and there are some strong suggestions that a new 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan might hit the auto show’s floor some time in the late 2017.
This new model would likely share the same platform as the Pacifica but unlike the more premium counterpart, it will be aimed at fleet customers and at people wanting a cheap eight or seven seats car with enough power for most situations.
Price for Dodge Grand Caravan
The price for the car would likely start at less than $25,000 in order to be competitive and unlike its sibling, it will very likely not come with the same amenities or even the same engines.
The platform will be the same front wheel drive based one as that in the 200 or the Dart but slightly stretched and widened for the minivan feel.
On top of that, some of the suspension components on the Dodge counterpart are going to be a lot more different and in fact, we are expecting a solid axle in the back, a softer suspension setting than its sibling as well as slightly smaller brakes with drums at the back.
This would allow them to cut costs without impacting the ride quality of its passengers.
Engine
In terms of engines, the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is very likely going to make use of two different powertrains.
The base model, in order to fit the price point, will likely get a 2.4 liter naturally aspirated inline 4 with around 190 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, enough for a car aimed at fleets and more than enough for the average person.
Also, instead of the V6 found on the Pacifica, some rumors suggest that the second engine will be a 2 liter turbocharged inline 4 mill with up to 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to make it fast but not nearly enough to pose a problem for its V6 powered sibling.
However, a 9 speed automatic and front wheel drive are expected to be the only options for a very long time after launch.
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Design
Design wise, it is highly unlikely that the car will share much in common with its Chrysler sibling besides its actual size.
The front end has been rumored to get some of the design of the Charger or Dart with the wide grille and slim headlights while at the back it will boast a wide-opening tailgate with a really clean look.
An R/T model could be offered at a later date with more aggressive bumpers, larger wheels and possibly a few unique colors but this will remain to be seen.
Interior of Dodge Grand Caravan
Inside the cabin of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan there should be just as much space for people and luggage as in the Pacifica.
However, the base model will be quite basic for a minivan and it will feature hard plastic surfaces, less equipment than in a normal minivan as well as average seats.
The higher end models aimed for family use are going to offer softer materials on the dashboard and door covers, better seats with more supportive side bolsters as well as plenty of safety and driving assisting features that will make it just as good to drive as any other minivan.
