2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, America's Most Affordable Minivan, Offers Popular Features at a Sizable Value

•Plus Packages on Grand Caravan SE and SXT models offer most desired features, such as power second- and third-row windows, power driver's seat, Bluetooth connectivity and SiriusXM Radio, at a significant value

•Popular and class-exclusive Blacktop Package available on SE Plus and SXT models

•Industry-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go seating can be easily operated with one hand, allowing users to convert from carrying seven to hauling cargo in a matter of seconds

•Standard award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine provides best-in-class 283 horsepower without a penalty at the gas pump, getting up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg)

•More than 55 available safety, security and technology features

•Dodge Grand Caravan is the best-selling and most awarded minivan ever

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 1, 2015 - For 2016, the Dodge Grand Caravan – the best-selling, most awarded minivan ever and the most affordable minivan in the United States – continues its tradition of offering customers style, versatility and added features at an outstanding value.

The Plus Packages, available on Dodge Grand Caravan SE and SXT models, introduced for the 2015 model year, continue for the 2016 model year to deliver the most popular features and options at a considerable value for customers.

The Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus features unique 17-inch Satin Carbon aluminum wheels and body-color heated exterior mirrors. Unique interior appointments include silver accent stitching and piano black accents throughout, black cloth seats, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, black leather-wrapped shift knob, black headliner and overhead console, bright heating and air conditioning trim bezels, power second- and third-row windows, and the Uconnect Handsfree Group, which features SiriusXM Radio with a one-year subscription, Bluetooth streaming audio and voice command, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Plus builds on the SXT model and includes standard power sliding doors, power liftgate, super center console and much more. The SXT Plus adds premium appointments, including unique 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets, bright chrome roof rack, bright window trim moldings, fog lamps and automatic headlamps.

On the inside, families are treated to all of the ingenious versatility of the Grand Caravan. Details include black Torino leatherette seats with premium suede inserts and silver accent stitching, power 10-way driver's seat, piano black accent trim bezels, bright chrome accents, Uconnect handsfree voice command with Bluetooth streaming audio, SiriusXM Radio with a one-year subscription and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The Blacktop Package, an exclusive customized blacked-out appearance first introduced in 2014, continues to be available on the Grand Caravan SE Plus, SXT and SXT Plus models for 2016. The Blacktop Package includes 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets, a Gloss Black grille, black headlamp bezels, an all-black interior, including headliner, door panels and console, unique black cloth seats and door trim panels with silver accent stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accent stitching and a leather shift knob. Grand Caravan SXT models with the Blacktop Package also include fog lamps. Models equipped with the Blacktop Package are available in Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, Brilliant Black, Redline, Red Pearl (late availability) and Bright White.

The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan is available in four models that fit almost any lifestyle and budget – the AVP, SE, SXT and R/T – with innovative design and features inherent in every model.

Unmatched versatility

Available on the AVP and standard on the SE, SXT and R/T is the industry-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go seating with easy one-touch operation and more comfortable seats. The second-row Stow 'n Go seats in the Dodge Grand Caravan can be effortlessly stowed in less than five seconds with just one hand. And when not stowed, only Dodge Grand Caravan allows secure storage in the second-row in-floor bins. Standard on all Grand Caravan models is the 60/40 split-folding third-row Stow 'n Go seating. Only Grand Caravan can so effortlessly be transformed from hauling seven passengers to hauling cargo in a matter of seconds.

Award-winning engine

At the heart of the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan is the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle. This engine was named one of 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' three years in a row. In the Grand Caravan, the Pentastar V-6 delivers a best-in-class 283 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class 3,600-lbs. towing.

Dodge Grand Caravan also features a driver-selectable fuel economizer mode. Drivers can change the transaxle shift schedule with the push of a button to maximize their fuel economy. In addition, lower-rolling resistance tires, a spoiler and reduced mechanical drag all contribute to Dodge Grand Caravan's class-leading aerodynamics and efficient fuel economy. Even with the potent V-6 powertrain, Grand Caravan still manages to deliver a generous fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, which translates to 500 miles on a single tank of fuel.

Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is where versatility meets performance and attitude. Uniquely designed both inside and out, the R/T features a suspension tuned for sporty handling, while still providing a comfortable ride. The shocks were re-tuned to work in conjunction with the higher rate springs at all four corners. These changes allow for quicker responses to driver input and tighter handling characteristics.

Exterior details

Grand Caravan's design is intended to convey the dynamic driving nature of the vehicle. A front fascia sports the Dodge signature 'split crosshair' grille and quad headlamps, which combine to give the face of the 2016 Grand Caravan a sporty feel. A sculpted rear fascia and liftgate and rear 'ring of fire' LED tail lamps complete the look from front to back.

Another innovation from the minivan leader is the Stow 'n Place roof rack system that lets owners stow the roof bows in the side rails when they're not using them and snap them easily into place when needed. The ability to stow the roof bows when they're not being used means less aerodynamic drag and wind buffeting and better overall efficiency.

Premium interior

Dodge Grand Caravan owners will step inside to a world-class interior. A modern, one-piece instrument panel is intuitive for the customer with instinctive ergonomics and large gauges, with premium bright accents and soft-touches throughout. An available 'super' center console provides clever functionality and storage for the active commuter as well as easy driver/passenger access with a pass-through storage space for larger items, like a purse.

A three-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls for audio, navigation and speed control also offers a minivan-first heated steering wheel option. The best storage in the segment rounds out the improved interior.

More than 55 available safety, security and technology features keep families safe and connected

Available safety and security features include standard front seat-mounted side air bags, a driver-side knee blocker air bag, three-row side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control (ESC), tire-pressure monitoring, daytime running lights (DRLs) and remote keyless entry. The available Safety Sphere Package of features includes ParkSense rear park assist system, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection system and rain-sensitive wipers.

With class-leading cargo capacity, best-in-class power and segment-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go, the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan truly is the industry's most affordable and most versatile cargo and passenger vehicle.

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan AVP (American Value Package)

With standard equipment like the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with class-leading 283 horsepower and six-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), seven airbags, second-row in-floor storage bins, third-row Stow 'n Go seating, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control and much more, the Grand Caravan is a tremendous value in the minivan segment, and the only van priced less than $22,000.

Optional equipment includes:

•Second-row Stow 'n Go seats

•Compact spare tire

Uconnect Handsfree Group:

•Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

•Rearview auto-dimming mirror with microphone

•SiriusXM Radio

•Bluetooth streaming audio

•Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

The Dodge Grand Caravan SE includes features such as second-row Super Stow 'n Go seating, three-zone climate control, floor console with cup holders, deep-tint sunscreen glass, six speakers, body-color exterior handles, side moldings and sill appliques.

The SE Plus continues for the 2016 model year, and the popular Blacktop Package continues as an option with the SE Plus.

Optional equipment includes:

•Uconnect Handsfree Group

•Compact spare tire

SE Plus:

•17-inch Satin Carbon aluminum wheels

•Body-color heated exterior mirrors

•Black cloth seats with silver accent stitching

•Black leather-wrapped steering wheel with piano black bezels and silver accent stitching

•Black leather-wrapped shift knob

•Front door armrests with silver accent stitching and piano black appliques

•Instrument panel piano black appliques and climate control chrome trim bezels

•Black headliner and overhead console

•Second-row power windows

•Power vented rear quarter windows

•One-touch front power windows

•Uconnect Handsfree Group, which includes: •Rearview auto-dimming mirror with microphone

•SiriusXM Radio

•Bluetooth streaming audio

•Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth

Blacktop Package:

•17-inch polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets

•Gloss Black grille

•Black headlamp bezels

•All-black interior, including headliner, door panels and center console

•Unique black cloth seats with silver accent stitching

•Black door trim panel with unique silver accent stitching

•Leather-wrapped steering wheel with unique silver accent stitching

•Leather-wrapped shift knob

Power Window Group:

•Second-row power windows

•Power vented rear quarter windows

•One-touch front power windows

Single DVD Entertainment System:

•6.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen display

•ParkView rear backup camera

•30GB hard drive

•Second-row overhead 9-inch high-resolution video screen

•DVD console

•Two USB charging ports

•HDMI input

•115-volt inverter

•Two wireless headphones

•Video remote control

•SiriusXM Radio

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT is the only minivan in America priced at a starting U.S. MSRP less than $28,000 to include the functionality of power dual sliding doors and power liftgate. Other standard equipment includes second-row power windows, third-row power quarter air vents, body-color heated mirrors, segment-exclusive Super Center Console and Stow 'n Place roof rack system.

The SXT Plus continues for the 2016 model year, and an industry-exclusive Blu-ray DVD system with dual 9-inch screens in the second and third rows is available on SXT Plus models.

Optional equipment includes:

•Uconnect 430 Radio with 6.5-inch touchscreen, CD/DVD/MP3/HDD and 30GB hard drive (approximately 6,700 song capacity), Gracenote Music ID, audio input jack and ParkView rear backup camera

•Garmin navigation

•SiriusXM Radio

•Uconnect Handsfree Group

•Power 10-way driver seat

•Compact spare tire

SXT Plus:

Includes all of the SXT content and adds:

•17-inch polished aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets

•Bright chrome window-trim belt molding

•Bright chrome roof rack

•Fog lamps

•Automatic headlamps

•Black Torino leather seats with premium suede inserts and silver accent stitching

•Power 10-way driver's seat

•Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with silver accent stitching

•Uconnect Handsfree Group, which includes:

•Rearview auto-dimming mirror with microphone

•SiriusXM Radio

•Bluetooth streaming audio

•Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth

Driver Convenience Group:

•Heated steering wheel

•Heated first-row seats

•Second- and third-row sunshades

•Remote USB port

•Overhead console system with storage bins, ambient lighting and rear swiveling reading/courtesy lights

Blacktop Package: •Includes all of the SE Plus Blacktop content and adds fog lamps

Single DVD Entertainment System:

•Uconnect 430 Radio

•6.5-inch touchscreen display

•ParkView rear backup camera

•30GB hard drive

•Second-row overhead 9-inch high-resolution video screen

•DVD console

•Two USB charging ports

•HDMI input

•115-volt inverter

•Two wireless headphones

•Video remote control

•SiriusXM Radio

Dual DVD Blu-ray Entertainment System:

Includes all of the single DVD entertainment system content and adds: •Second- and third-row overhead 9-inch high-resolution video screens

•Blu-ray DVD console

Security Group:

•Security alarm

•Remote start system

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

The Grand Caravan R/T includes a very distinctive monochromatic exterior and unique 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets, premium black Torino leather interior with red accent stitching, nine speakers with amplifier and subwoofer, a unique sport suspension and more.

Dodge Grand Caravan R/T models also include Uconnect 430 Radio with 6.5-inch touchscreen, ParkView rear backup camera, remote start, power liftgate, power dual sliding doors and security alarm as standard. Added value can also be found with the available dual DVD Blu-ray rear entertainment system.

Optional equipment includes:

•Black roof rails

•Garmin navigation

•Single DVD Entertainment System

•Dual DVD Blu-ray entertainment system

Driver Convenience Group:

•Heated steering wheel

•Heated front and rear seats

•Uconnect Phone with voice command and Bluetooth streaming audio

•Second- and third-row sunshades

•Auto-dimming rearview mirror

•Remote USB port

Safety Sphere Group:

•Rain-sensitive wipers

•ParkSense rear park assist system

•Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection

Trailer-tow Group:

•Heavy-duty engine cooling

•Trailer-tow wiring harness

•Load-leveling and height-control suspension

For 2016, the Dodge Grand Caravan is available in Billet Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Pearl, Deep Cherry Red Pearl, Redline Red Pearl, Red Pearl (late availability), Sandstone Pearl, Bright White, True Blue Pearl and Granite Crystal Metallic.

The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan is built at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

by Dodge

In the late 1970s, Baby Boomers were reaching adulthood and starting families in large numbers. But sedans and station wagons, the traditional standard-bearers among family transportation vehicles, were becoming smaller in response to concerns about pollution and fuel efficiency – and their passenger and cargo capacity was being reduced. Vans created for the commercial delivery market were being customized as passenger vehicles, but their large size, inefficiency and front-engine, rear-wheel drive configurations made them unsatisfactory substitutes for wagons and sedans as family transportation vehicles. Under the leadership of executives Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich, Chrysler initiated development of a new type of vehicle that would offer considerable passenger and cargo-carrying space in a family-friendly package.

Despite the apparent advantages of the concept — a small van with front-wheel drive that could offer consumers more space and greater fuel economy — many obstacles had to be overcome. The final design needed to be low enough to fit in a typical home garage and travel through a standard car wash. The proposed front-wheel drivetrain, which permitted a flat floor and created more interior room, also required special front-end styling considerations, including a functional 'nose' to house the engine and offer 'crush space' in case of accident. Once all those criteria were met, the new concept – not really a car, not really a truck — had to be styled as an attractive, family vehicle that would appeal to a broad spectrum of potential buyers.

The result was referred to within Chrysler as the 'T-115' – but ultimately branded as the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Prior to launch, these distinctive but untested vehicles would compete with Chrysler's successful new K-car platforms for technical and financial resources. But, following its runaway success, it would be this new product, soon popularly described as the 'minivan,' that brought consumers – lots of them – into Chrysler dealerships.

The launch of the minivan in 1983 as a 1984 model year vehicle created an all-new product segment. Car and Driver described it as 'the only American-built van that's not a truck,' noting that the T-115 was ten inches narrower, 15 inches lower and about four feet shorter than the most popular conventional vans. Observed Road & Track, 'Chrysler is betting there's a big market for a van of this size and is aiming it at current station wagon owners; those who already own larger, less efficient club wagons; growing families; those who need station wagons but hate the stodgy suburban image; women who aren't comfortable driving large conventional vans; people who used to own full-sized sedans and like plenty of interior room, and those who just enjoy the sheer novelty of the vehicle.'

The company's bet was well placed. One day in 1983, when members of Chrysler's Houston zone office drove to lunch in a newly-delivered minivan, a lady approached them in the restaurant's parking lot and unhesitatingly asked, 'What is this and where can I buy one?' The initial marketing, featuring popular magician Doug Henning, aptly described the vehicle as 'The Magic Wagon.'

The Chrysler minivan was an instant success and, despite spirited competition from other automakers over three decades, has always been the best-selling minivan in the United States.

1984-1990 model years: The first-generation Chrysler minivans were based on the S platform, a derivative of the Chrysler K platform used for the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant passenger cars. Three trim levels were available on the first Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager models – a base level, the 'mainstream' SE and the 'upscale' LE, which featured vinyl 'woodgrain' side panels. The standard four-cylinder engine could be mated with a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission or a five-speed manual. An early Chrysler minivan featuring the rare turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (available only in 1989 and 1990) is now considered a collector's item by many.

Both the Caravan and the Voyager were on Car and Driver magazine's 'Ten Best' list for 1985.

The Mini-Ram Van, a cargo version of the Caravan, also appeared in 1984. Renamed the Caravan C/V in 1989, it was discontinued after the 1995 model year.

In 1987, the Caravan and Voyager received some cosmetic updates – and new, longer-wheelbase Grand Caravan and Grand Voyager models were introduced.

1990 model year: The Chrysler Town & Country, a luxury version of the Chrysler minivan, was introduced (see the Town & Country Heritage section). The Town & Country nameplate dated to 1941 and had been used on a variety of Chrysler vehicles until 1988.

The standard Town & Country minivan was considered 'loaded,' with no optional trim levels. Power locks, windows, mirrors and driver's seat, front and rear air conditioning and leather seats were all standard. The 3.8-liter V-6 engine was made standard in the Town & Country in 1994.

1991-1996 model years: Chrysler's hot-selling minivans were freshened for the 1991 model year, and more option packages became available. Innovations included 'Quad Command' bucket seating (standard on the Town & Country beginning in 1992); integrated child safety seats (1992), available anti-lock brakes (1992), the first driver's side airbag in a minivan (1991, made standard in 1992), and the first dual front airbags (1994). This was the first minivan to meet 1998 U.S. federal safety standards (1994).

The 1991-1995 minivans used the AS platform, the last to be derived from the Chrysler K platform. Special '10-Year Anniversary Edition' trim packages were offered in 1994.

1996-2000 model years: Completely redesigned, the 1996 Chrysler minivans debuted in an elaborate program at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, during which Chrysler Chairman Bob Eaton and President Bob Lutz, dressed in Mr. Rogers-style cardigan sweaters, delivered the story of the new minivan from giant storybooks, then watched as one – with television character Kermit the Frog in the driver's window – soared over an artificial pond. It was Chrysler's way of giving notice that this new NS minivan would 'leapfrog' all competitors.

Spectacularly upgraded from its predecessor models, the NS was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1996 – and appeared on the Car and Driver 'Ten Best' list for 1996 and 1997.

An industry-first driver's side sliding door proved so popular it was made standard. The manual transmission was dropped and all-wheel drive added. Base models were offered in most states with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a Mitsubishi 3.0-liter V-6. In California and several northeastern states with stringent emissions standards, a 3.3-liter engine was offered as a V-6 option between 1997 and 2000. Options added over the life of the NS included CD players, grocery-bag hooks and a rear-seat video entertainment system.

With the demise of the Plymouth brand, the Voyager was rebadged as the Chrysler Voyager after 2001, later becoming the short-wheelbase version of the Town & Country in 2004.

2001-2007 model years: The most recent generation of Chrysler minivans rode on the RS platform. Another benchmark of modern-day Chrysler engineering innovation, the Stow ‘n Go second- and third-row foldable seating system, was introduced in 2005. Power sliding doors and a power hatch, options beginning in 2001, later became standard.

Freshening the exterior, continually adding new safety features and providing additional cargo space, better entertainment systems, more cupholders, grocery hooks and other family-friendly features has kept Chrysler's minivans at the top of their segment in popularity and sales.

2008 model year: Chrysler is now positioned to again make minivan history. In addition to thoroughly updating the many successful features of their predecessors, the new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans offer one-of-a-kind available features like Swivel ‘n Go second-row seats, which revolve to face the rear seats. A table can be placed between the second- and third-row seats, providing a convenient place for passengers to read, work or enjoy meals and games.

Both these features reflect well on Chrysler's proud heritage of innovative engineering: swivel bucket seats were standard on top-of-the-line Chrysler passenger cars in the late 1950s, and in the 1960s the Chrysler Imperial featured a 'Mobile Director' option, in which the front passenger's bucket seat swiveled 180 degrees to the rear and the center rear armrest unfolded to create a three-position conference table. The all-new 2008 minivan effectively updates these once-revolutionary ideas for the 21st Century, writing the latest chapter in Chrysler's continuing saga of industry-leading engineering.

by Dodge