2017 Dodge Grand Caravan: What's Changed

CARS.COM

• Most significant changes in the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan: Lower prices or more standard equipment on all models. GT replaces R/T as most expensive Grand Caravan model.
• Price change: Base SE is $1,000 cheaper; SE Plus is $600 more expensive; and SXT is $1,200 more expensive. Destination charge is $100 higher at $1,095.
• On sale: Early September
• Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2017; additional standard features add value.

Related: What’s the Ultimate Minivan?

Dodge has made significant changes to the Caravan model lineup, pricing and standard equipment for the Grand Caravan, a seven-passenger minivan that received a new lease on life earlier this year. Parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had planned to end production of the Grand Caravan, leaving the Chrysler Pacifica as its only minivan. Now, though, production is expected to continue at least into 2017 and possibly longer because the Grand Caravan continues to be a top-selling minivan.

Last year, the base model Dodge Grand Caravan was the American Value Package and the SE was a $2,500 option group. For 2017, the AVP trim is gone, so the SE is now the base model; with a starting price of $25,590 (all prices include the destination charge), it is $1,000 cheaper than last year. Most of the features in last year’s SE option group are now standard.

The price of the SE Plus package (which Dodge treats as a separate model) drops by $900 to $2,700. The package includes second-row bucket seats that fold into the floor, power windows for the second row, the Uconnect multimedia system, 17-inch alloy wheels, a floor console, premium cloth seats and higher-grade interior trim – features that are optional or not available on the base SE model.

The base price on the SXT trim is $1,200 higher at $31,490, but standard equipment now includes the SXT Plus group, a $1,100 option last year, as well as remote start and a security alarm, previously a $395 option. Among new standard features are Uconnect, leather and suede upholstery, a power driver’s seat and automatic headlights.

A new GT model replaces the R/T and the base price of $34,490 is $1,000 higher. The price includes the Driver Convenience Group, which was $995 extra on the R/T. The Uconnect system, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror with a microphone and window shades are among new standard features.

All Dodge Grand Caravan models have front-wheel drive, a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and Stow ‘n Go seats for the second and third rows that fold into the floor.

The Grand Caravan has been one of the most popular and innovative minivans in its 33-year history, but this version has been bypassed in several areas by newer rivals — and the Chrysler Pacifica. The Grand Caravan still offers the room and hauling capabilities expected of a minivan, however, and it’s a good value proposition for budget-conscious shoppers.