What are the Differences Between the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country?
The Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country have been two of the leading minivans in the industry for decades, and that's no accident.
They both offer tons of convenience for people who need lots of passenger and cargo room. They also have good safety ratings, and they both come with top-notch warranty coverage. They have quite a bit in common which sometimes makes it difficult for consumers to figure out what makes each one unique.
How can you decide which one is the best match for you and your family? With so many comparable qualities, you have to look a little bit closer to see what the individual vehicles have to offer.
There are a number of differences that can help you determine whether you should lean toward visiting a Dodge dealership or a Chrysler dealership.
Power and Efficiency
The Grand Caravan and Town and Country are both equipped with 3.6-liter Pentastar engines that deliver 283 horsepower. Paired with 6-speed automatics, they get very solid fuel economy ratings.
They're each able to travel for up to 25 miles per gallon on the highway, saving drivers from having to panic at the pump.
Built on extremely similar platforms, much of the two minivan's mechanics are the same. However, when you look at them side by side, it's pretty hard to believe.
Styling
Appearance is one of the biggest differences between the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country. They're both attractive and refined but in very different ways. The Grand Caravan is a much more athletic looking minivan.
It gives off a muscular, utility vibe that's similar to an SUV. A large crossbar grille, contoured lines, and an overall beefier shape create a powerful, capable exterior. The Town and Country is sleeker and has more of a cosmopolitan feel. It has a smooth flow, a smaller grille, and metallic side accents.
Inside, each vehicle has its own feel as well. The Caravan's surroundings are sporty. The cabin is fitted with quality materials, and laid out for user-friendliness. The Town and Country, on the other hand, is a bit less practical and little more plush. Upscale accents, a center-mounted analog clock, and leather-trimmed upholstery add some extra swankiness to the surroundings.
Features
The base model Grand Caravan comes with:
- 17-inch wheels
- heated mirrors
- a four-speaker audio system with a auxiliary jack
- dual-zone air conditioning
It doesn't start right out with as many amenities as the Town and Country, but it does come with a substantially lower MSRP, making it appealing to those on a budget.
To keep initial pricing reasonable, the same features found in the Town and Country are offered as available upgrades in the Grand Caravan. So if you're a real tech lover, you can pick and choose which options to add.
A larger number of features come standard in the Town and Country, but it does have a higher price tag. The base model is equipped with:
- SiriusXM radio
- Bluetooth
- voice command
- rear-seat USB ports
- a 6.5-inch touchscreen
- a rearview camera
- a 6-speaker stereo with a USB port and auxiliary jack
- tri-zone climate control
And there's an array of additional amenities that you can opt for including a DVD/Blu-ray system, rear parking sensors, heated seats, and a top-of-the-line navigation system. The same options are also available in the Grand Caravan's higher end models.
Both minivans offer plenty of trims for you to select from. You just have to check out features and pricing to determine which one has everything that you and your family need.
Functionality
Though SUVs have gained a lot of ground over the last decade, there really isn't any kind of vehicle that beats a minivan when it comes to optimal functionality. The seating layouts and cargo space are ideal for large families or commercial enterprises because they offer true comfort and versatility.
That's why so many families still flock to both the Grand Caravan and Town and Country. Both seat seven, and they each have a maximum cargo volume of 144 cubic feet. Stow 'n Go second-row seats fold flat into the floor with the simple pull a lever. And 60/40-split third-row seats fold flat as well.
So whether you need to pack up the sports equipment, pick up a bunch of new gardening supplies, or transport enough instruments for the entire school marching band, it's no sweat.
Price
As mentioned before, another one of the major differences between Dodge's minivan and Chrysler's is price. While one is intended to offer a great entry-level option for an unbeatable amount, the other is designed for those who don't want to compromise on luxury.
The 2015 Grand Caravan starts at $21,395, making it the minivan of choice for consumers who are looking for an awesome deal. Depending on the trim level, prices range up to around $30,000 for fully-loaded models.
The 2015 Town and Country starts at $29,995, drawing shoppers who want their luxury with a whole lot of utility built in. Prices range up to about $40,000 for top trim versions.
For most people, the decision really comes down to what they plan to use their minivan for and how much they want to spend.
If you're not too worried about the upholstery because it's likely to get ground Cheerios, paint, and a variety of other substances expertly blended into it, you may want to save some cash and go for the Caravan. But if your children are a little older and you prefer those extra touches that make the ride relaxing, the Town and Country is probably your best bet.
Whichever way you decide to go, there's no doubt that you'll have all of the convenience and flexibility you need. Both of these top-selling minivans are designed to simplify your life by blending practicality with pleasure.