The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan has long been a favorite among families looking for a practical, reliable, and versatile vehicle. As a pioneer in the minivan segment, Dodge has refined the Grand Caravan over the years to cater to the evolving needs of families and travelers alike. With its spacious interior, innovative storage solutions, and dependable performance, the 2014 model continues to uphold the legacy of the Grand Caravan as the ultimate family companion.
In this blog, we’ll explore every aspect of the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan, from its timeless design and functional interior to its performance, technology, and safety features. Whether you’re considering a used minivan or simply curious about what makes this model so enduringly popular, this in-depth review has you covered.
A Timeless and Functional Exterior Design
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan blends practicality with a sleek, understated design. While minivans are often associated with functionality over style, Dodge ensures that the Grand Caravan maintains a modern and appealing look, making it a solid choice for families who prioritize both utility and aesthetics.
Front-End Design: Practical with a Touch of Sophistication
The front fascia of the Grand Caravan balances simplicity and sophistication:
- Crosshair Grille: Dodge’s signature crosshair grille dominates the front, adding a bold yet clean element to the design.
- Headlights: The large, angular headlights provide excellent visibility while complementing the overall design. Halogen lights come standard, while higher trims offer fog lights for improved illumination.
- Subtle Chrome Accents: Chrome detailing around the grille and bumper adds a touch of elegance to the otherwise utilitarian design.
Functional Side Profile
The side profile emphasizes practicality while maintaining a clean and cohesive look:
- Sliding Doors: Dual sliding doors, standard on all trims, ensure easy access for passengers, even in tight parking spaces.
- Roof Rails: Available roof rails enhance the vehicle’s functionality, making it ideal for carrying bikes, luggage, or recreational equipment.
- Wheel Options: The base model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, while higher trims feature alloy wheels for a more polished appearance.
Rear Design: Simple Yet Efficient
The rear of the Grand Caravan focuses on utility and ease of use:
- Large Rear Window: A large rear window improves visibility for the driver and adds an open feel to the design.
- Liftgate: The manually operated rear liftgate provides easy access to the spacious cargo area, while power options are available on higher trims.
- Tail Lights: Wraparound taillights enhance visibility and safety, particularly at night or in low-light conditions.
A Spacious and Family-Friendly Interior
The interior of the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is where it truly shines, offering unparalleled versatility and comfort. Designed with families in mind, the cabin provides ample space for passengers, innovative storage solutions, and thoughtful touches to make every journey enjoyable.
Interior Design and Materials
While the Grand Caravan prioritizes practicality, it doesn’t skimp on comfort and convenience:
- Durable Materials: The cabin features hard plastics and durable cloth upholstery, ensuring the interior can withstand wear and tear from daily use.
- Ergonomic Layout: The dashboard is designed with the driver in mind, placing controls within easy reach and ensuring clear visibility of key information.
- Ambient Lighting: Available ambient lighting in higher trims adds a touch of refinement and enhances nighttime driving comfort.
Seating and Comfort
The Grand Caravan comfortably seats up to seven passengers, with room to spare for luggage and gear:
- Front Seats: The supportive front seats offer adjustable lumbar support and available heating options, ensuring comfort during long drives.
- Second Row: The second-row seats feature Dodge’s innovative Stow ‘n Go® seating system, allowing them to fold flat into the floor for increased cargo space.
- Third Row: The third-row bench seat is split-folding and can recline, providing flexibility for passengers or additional storage.
Cargo and Storage Solutions
Storage is where the Grand Caravan truly excels:
- Cargo Space: With all seats in use, the van provides 33 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the second and third rows expands the capacity to an impressive 143.8 cubic feet.
- In-Floor Storage: The Stow ‘n Go® compartments double as underfloor storage bins when the seats are upright, offering hidden space for valuables or extra gear.
- Overhead Bins: Overhead storage compartments provide additional room for smaller items, keeping the cabin organized.
Performance and Engine Options
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan delivers a balance of power and efficiency, ensuring a reliable and comfortable driving experience for families and long-distance travelers. With a single, capable engine option, the Grand Caravan focuses on dependable performance across all trims.
3.6L Pentastar® V6 Engine
Under the hood, the Grand Caravan is powered by Dodge’s trusted 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 engine:
- Power Output: Produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for highway merging, city driving, and hauling passengers or cargo.
- Transmission: Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain ensures smooth gear changes and responsive acceleration.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its size, the Grand Caravan offers respectable fuel economy for its class:
- EPA Ratings: 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, making it a practical choice for families who want to save on fuel costs without sacrificing performance.
Driving Dynamics
The Grand Caravan offers a comfortable and composed driving experience:
- Suspension: A well-tuned suspension system absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride for passengers.
- Steering: Light steering makes the van easy to maneuver, even in crowded parking lots or urban environments.
- Towing Capacity: With an available 3,600-pound towing capacity, the Grand Caravan can handle light trailers, making it a versatile option for family road trips.
Advanced Technology and Entertainment
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan comes equipped with a range of technology and entertainment features designed to keep passengers connected and entertained during every journey.
Infotainment System
At the heart of the Grand Caravan’s technology suite is its user-friendly infotainment system:
- Touchscreen Display: A 6.5-inch touchscreen is available on mid-to-high trims, providing access to navigation, audio settings, and more.
- Uconnect® System: Dodge’s Uconnect® infotainment system offers Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
- Rearview Camera: The touchscreen display also serves as the monitor for the available rearview camera, improving parking and reversing safety.
Entertainment Options
To keep passengers entertained, especially on long trips, the Grand Caravan offers:
- Rear Seat Entertainment System: Available on higher trims, the system includes a 9-inch overhead screen, a DVD player, and wireless headphones, ensuring a quiet and enjoyable ride for everyone.
- Audio System: A standard 4-speaker system provides clear sound, while higher trims feature a 6-speaker audio system for an enhanced listening experience.
Convenience Features
Additional technology features enhance the driving and ownership experience:
- Power Sliding Doors: Available power-operated sliding doors make loading and unloading passengers a breeze.
- Tri-Zone Climate Control: Ensures that the driver, front passenger, and rear occupants can set their preferred temperature settings independently.
- Keyless Entry: Standard on most trims, keyless entry adds convenience and security.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety is a key priority for families, and the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan includes a robust set of standard and optional safety features to protect passengers and prevent accidents.
Standard Safety Features
All trims of the Grand Caravan come equipped with essential safety systems:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain control during slippery or uneven road conditions by reducing engine power and applying brakes to specific wheels.
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lockup during emergency braking, improving control.
- Advanced Airbag System: Includes front, side, and curtain airbags to protect all passengers in the event of a collision.
Available Driver Assistance Features
Higher trims and optional packages add advanced safety technologies:
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns drivers of approaching traffic when reversing out of a parking spot.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes, reducing the risk of collisions during lane changes.
- ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, helping drivers avoid obstacles.
Crash-Test Ratings
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan earned solid crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlighting its commitment to passenger safety.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is available in four trims, each offering a unique combination of features and value:
| American Value Package (AVP) | SE | SXT | R/T |
| Starting Price: ~$20,000 | Starting Price: ~$21,700 | Starting Price: ~$25,000 | Starting Price: ~$29,000 |
|
Key Features:
|
Key Features:
|
Key Features:
|
Key Features:
|
Conclusion: A Reliable and Versatile Minivan for Families
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the standard for family-friendly minivans. Its spacious interior, innovative storage solutions, reliable performance, and range of trims make it an appealing choice for families, road-trippers, and anyone in need of a versatile vehicle.
Whether you’re hauling kids to soccer practice, embarking on a cross-country adventure, or tackling your daily commute, the Grand Caravan is ready to handle it all with ease. Its combination of affordability, practicality, and comfort ensures that it remains a top contender in the minivan market.
