Acceleration

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
5	6	5.5

Both the 3.8-and 4.0-liter engines offer sufficient power for around town driving, with the 4.0 providing much-needed extra boost for merging and highway passing. With both these V6s, the transmission is quick to shift as needed, but can change gears harshly at low speed. Consumer Guide has not yet tested the 3.3-liter V6, but we predict that it will be overwhelmed by the Caravan's approximately 4500-pound curb weight.

Fuel Economy

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
4	4	4

In Consumer Guide testing, Town & Country and Grand Caravan models with the 3.8-liter V6 averaged 16.1-17.8 mpg in city/highway driving. Other models averaged 20.8-21.7 mpg with more highway use. The 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 engines use regular-grade gas. Dodge recommends mid-grade 89-octane gas for the 4.0-liter V6.

Ride Quality

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
7	6	6.8

Impressive road isolation, with even large bumps taken with poise. Caravans with the 4.0-liter V6 include a sport suspension that is not available on other Caravan or Town & Country models. With the sport suspension, impacts are more readily felt and some body quiver is noticeable over broken surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
5	6	5.3

Despite their overall size, these big vans are quite tractable. Impressively tight turning radius is a boon to tight quarters maneuverability. Body lean in corners is fairly pronounced, though 4.0-liter models feel less tippy thanks to the sport suspension.

Quietness

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
7	7	7

Grand Caravan and Town & Country are possibly the quietest minivans. Wind noise is impressively muted, with road noise only an issue on 4.0-liter models--due in part to their standard sport suspension. The engines are generally quiet, though noise can intrude during acceleration, with the 4.0-liter V6 sounding especially coarse.

Controls

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
7	7	7

Large dials and gauges are simple to locate and easy to read. Most controls are plainly marked and work as expected, though audio controls suffer undue complication on models with Chrysler's uconnect multimedia/navigation system. Some testers also found climate controls mounted too low for quick adjustment. The shifter is mounted on the dashboard, but is simple to use and doesn't block access to controls.

Details

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
5	5	5.5

Interior assembly is mostly top notch. Hard plastic surfaces and low-grade materials dominate the cabin and disappoint at these prices. One test Caravan suffered from several minor interior rattles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
8	8	8.5

Wide, comfortable chairs contribute to long-haul comfort--though it's disappointing that a telescopic steering wheel is not offered. Dodge widened the upper portion of Caravan's cabin for 2008, and the interior has a roomier, more airy feel as a result. Visibility is very good in all directions, though rear view is seriously compromised when both screens of the dual DVD entertainment system are in use.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
9	9	9

No opportunity to test model without Stow 'n Go or Swivel 'n Go seating. On models with optional seating, 2nd-row passengers enjoy roomy, supportive buckets, though larger Swivel 'n Go seats offer more comfort and back support than Stow 'n Go units. The 3rd-row bench is plenty roomy for two passengers, but three-abreast seating is cramped for adults. Novel Swivel 'n Go seats work as advertised, allowing easy interaction between 2nd and 3rd-row riders. Available table a great idea, but it's fairly small, and difficult for 3rd-row passengers to reach once buckled.

Cargo Room

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
10	10	10

Vast space available, though different seating configurations offer varying challenges to accessing that volume. Stow 'n Go second-row seating disappears into van floor as advertised, but process of folding the seat into the floor is more complicated and clumsy than it should be--though it is a welcome convenience not offered on rival minivans. Ditto Swivel 'n Go seats, which rotate easily enough but are complicated to remove and extremely heavy. Available power-folding 3rd-row a marvel of convenience, however. Seat folds flat into floor or rolls to face rearward providing comfortable tailgate seating. Note the rear-facing seating position is not intended for use while van is in motion.

Value within Class

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
8	9	8.5

With 4-cylinder and short-wheelbase models gone, Dodge focuses its attention on the heart of the minivan market, families with a need for space and a desire for comfort. Along with Town & Country from sister division Chrysler, these new vans hit the 2008 Best Buy bull's eye. While the Honda Odyssey may be sportier, and the interior of the Toyota Sienna more refined, neither matches the T&C's and Caravan's blend of room, functionality, and dollar value.

Total Score

SXT, 3.8 V6	SXT, 4.0 V6	Class Average
75	77	77.1

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		75
Average Score		77
High Score		78