Enter the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. From the heart-poundingly red exterior (the color is dubbed “redline,” naturally) to the sport five-spoke wheels, to the blacked-out grille, this is a van that doesn’t take itself too seriously. At least I hope it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Still, if I had to buy a van now — and I stress that I don’t, so take what I say with a grain of salt — I’d lean toward this over the Honda Odyssey or Nissan Quest. Maybe it’s the pure form-following-function design. Maybe it’s because, along with the Chrysler Town & Country, it’s a minivan with some history and heritage behind it. Maybe it’s because, like many in my age group, I practically grew up in a series of Grand Caravans and you can chalk up my attachment to sentimentality.
But there’s no denying its practicality. The Stow ‘n’ Go seats are brilliant; to someone who remembers lugging the back row seats out of the van before heading on a long road trip, this is almost enough to sell me from the get-go.
Interior quality has definitely moved in the right direction. Though the dash-mounted shifter is odd, you get used to it quickly. Seating position is also odd, at first — it took me a moment to realize that I was high and upright. If you want that in a vehicle, then here’s another reason to take the van over the faux-SUV.
The V6 is more than adequate; in fact, I could have made do with a little less power, or different gearing, if it meant improved fuel economy. I suspect that I’d be singing a different tune if I had been driving around with three passengers and a road trip’s worth of luggage, though.
So the Grand Caravan is familiar and functional. Fun? Well, it’s a van, after all — it’s always been more about what you do with it than the vehicle itself. And you’ll be able to do a lot with this thing.
Starting with the exterior, this is one of the manliest vans on the street. The fire-engine red paint, black-accented wheels and semi-tinted windows make it stand out, enough that I felt a little nervous speeding with a load of cargo.
Buying this won’t get you any points for creativity. But I don’t think Dodge would mind. Everyone knows about the Caravan and Town &Country, and they sell a ton, for good reason. Like Graham said, in this part of the country, this is what we grew up in.
