2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Review: Reasonably Dependable Minivan With Average Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
Oct 17, 2023

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average gear change and check engine light issues reported. At $21,650 to $27,998, it’s a good value for a minivan, although it’s not as up-to-date as other minivans.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
The stow ‘n go seats are fantastic for cargo space, it’s cheaper than the competition and the passenger room is excellent.
dislikeFilled The Bad
There are not many safety features available, the engine is fairly weak and the cabin has some cheap materials.

Is the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Used Minivan?

  • Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Dodge Grand Caravan, although it’s really showing its age compared to more modern choices. Owner reviews praise the spacious seating, low maintenance costs, and great visibility.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are very basic for a minivan, the seats still offer good cushioning on longer drives, cargo space is also fantastic.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical issues mentioned on the 2020 Grand Caravan. Avoid models from 20082013 since they have computer issues, while 20142020 are more dependable.
  • Performance 7/10 – The standard V6 engine in the Grand Caravan is strong, but it’s still a heavy minivan that isn’t very fast or fun to drive.
  • Safety 7/10 – The 20202 Grand Caravan gets 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while rear parking sensors are available as an optional upgrade.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 22 MPG, offering 440 miles of range from the 20 gallon tank. Gas costs are average for a minivan, at $282 per month.
  • Value 8/10  – The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan is cheaper than many other minivans on the market with decent reliability ratings, making it a great value.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle David I
What I have always wanted I my daily driver.
Reliable affordable. Super spacious. Good gas mileage. I have always wanted more space in my vehicles for the kids but I was always weary of buying a van.. This van has definitely satisfied my needs and I recommend the brand to everyone. From the control of how many seats I need to space for groceries or practice it is great.
accountCircle Manny R
So overall an amazing car.
I love my vehicle it does a lot of cool stuff. One problem I have with is that it is a bit loud when driving. That is it other than that it is an amazing car. The price of the car is actually surprising really good with the amount of features.
accountCircle Rylee C
The most interesting detail is the steering wheel.
My car has ran perfect since the day of purchase. It is great on gas and gets me everywhere I need to be. If I was going to recommend a vehicle it would be this one for it is nice and reliable. Many people have told me the great things about this vehicle. All different types of highways and it able to go places unthinkable.
accountCircle Brooke K
2020 dodge grand caravan, in the color I love and the size I need!
I just bought my 2020 dodge grand caravan this past Saturday, so I haven't had any problems with it. The van drives super smooth and it does not even feel like you are driving a van. I traded my 2012 dodge journey in for this, and even though I haven't had any issues with my dodge journey, I am so happy I switched to the grand caravan, especially with kids.
accountCircle Linda W
Worth our cost of purchase!
Van was converted to make a handicap van complete with side ramp. Interior was gutted for wheelchair access complete with tie downs. Now has running board and back-up warning horn. Has camera for clearance back up field. Heat and air conditioning are very strong. No problems even at 40,000 miles. Starts all the time.
accountCircle Karen M
Nice vehicle. Had good and bad points. But, overall, I like it.
When in fuel economy, it drags when trying to change gears. Helps with gad usage when in fuel economy mode though. I love the 2 glove boxes. The middle seating. Area could use more cup holders. You could buy a middle console for that situation through.
accountCircle May
Floor mats
Very disappointed that my new vehicle did not come with floor mats as this was not pointed out by the sales person. If I had known I would have removed the ones from my other vehicle . Also the rear view camera is very blurred I cannot use it to reverse as I cannot see the vehicles behind. Other than that I like the vehicle.

What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Grand Caravan?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan is feeling dated and past its prime, although it still gets good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
  • Edmunds rates the Dodge Grand Caravan at 4/5, enjoying the Stow ‘n Go seats, but doesn’t like the lack of advanced driver safety features.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Grand Caravan a 3.7/5, praising the strong V6 engine for a minivan, but owners don’t like the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

What Common Problems Does the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Have?

Common problems found on the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan include delayed gear changes, check engine lights, along with broken interior door handles. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than other minivans, but repair costs are still relatively low.

Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Grand Caravan owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by the transmission control module. There are software updates available for it which improve the gear change speeds. Most dealerships will update the software for free, while others charge around $50.

Check engine lights have also been mentioned by some Grand Caravan owners at roughly 20,000 miles. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code that caused the light to turn on. From there, the cost of repairs can vary from $10 to $350, depending on the source of the issue.

Broken interior door handles also show up on some Dodge Grand Caravan models within the first 35,000 miles. The linkage between the door handle and the latch is plastic, and breaks over time. Replacing the assembly costs around $85, depending on local labor rates.

There are no recalls on the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan, which is better than some competitors. None of the issues on the Grand Caravan have been widespread, or affected safety, so Dodge has not issued recalls.

How Long Will the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Last?

A well-maintained 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other vans like the Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other vans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $537 per year.

As a used 2020 Grand Caravan reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the liftgate support struts for $150, the throttle position sensor costing $250, along with the engine mounts, which cost around $475.

How Is the Technology?

The standard entertainment technology is decent, offering a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system along with a rear seat entertainment system.

Standard driver assistance features are basic and only include a rearview camera. The only upgrade available are rear parking sensors.

Is the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Value?

Yes, the 20202 Dodge Grand Caravan is a good value if you’re in the market for a minivan and are looking for a budget-friendly option. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,650 to $27,998, making it less than a Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Odyssey. When new, the price range was $27,530 to $32,995. Depreciation is similar to other minivans, losing about 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Dodge Grand Caravan?

There are three main models of the Dodge Grand Caravan offered, from the entry-level SE to the more well-equipped SXT. All Grand Caravan models come standard with front-wheel drive.

SE is the entry-level model with:

  • 17-inch steel wheels
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Triple-zone manual climate control
  • Rear air conditioning
  • Backup camera
  • Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
  • Bench second-row seats
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • 5-inch touchscreen
  • Six-speaker audio system
  • Optional: Uconnect Hands-Free Group package
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Satellite radio
    • USB port
    • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Optional: Second-row Stow ‘n Go captain’s chairs

SE Plus is a step up, adding:

  • Includes SE features and optional upgrades as standard
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Automatic headlights
  • Fog lights
  • Remote engine start
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Front floor console
  • Upgraded upholstery
  • Optional: Blacktop package
    • Black 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Black grille
    • Dark interior trim

SXT is the flagship model with:

  • Chrome exterior trim
  • Roof rails
  • Power-sliding rear doors
  • Power liftgate
  • Larger floor console
  • Leather upholstery with suede inserts
  • Optional: Blacktop package (similar to SE Plus)
  • Optional: Driver Convenience Group package
    • Triple-zone automatic climate control
    • Heated front seats
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Rear overhead console
    • Overhead storage bin
    • Ambient lighting
    • Second-row sunshades

Optional for All Models:

  • Rear entertainment system
    • 9-inch roof-mounted screen
    • DVD player
    • 115-volt power outlet
    • Charge-only USB port
    • Two sets of wireless headphones
  • Navigation (with SE Plus and SXT trims)

What Engines Come In the Dodge Grand Caravan?

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan comes with a single engine option. It’s powered by a 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine that produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. With this setup, the Grand Caravan can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.8 seconds. As for fuel economy, the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan achieves a combined rating of about 22 MPG.

What Colors Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Dodge Grand Caravan?

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan is designed with family comfort in mind, aiming to provide a smooth and accommodating ride for passengers. Its cabin is spacious, with three rows of seating that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The seats, especially in the front, provide decent support for both short and long drives. The Stow ‘n Go seating system, a hallmark feature of the Grand Caravan, not only facilitates increased cargo space but also ensures that passengers in the second and third rows have ample legroom when the seats are in use.

While the base model offers basic cloth upholstery, upper trims offer more plush materials and amenities such as power-adjustable driver’s seats and tri-zone climate control, enhancing the overall comfort level. However, some critics have mentioned that the Grand Caravan’s ride quality may not be as refined as some newer competitors, and certain interior materials might feel a bit dated. Nevertheless, for families or groups seeking a functional and straightforward minivan, the 2020 Dodge Caravan offers a reasonably comfortable experience.

How Much Storage Space Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Have?

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan offers ample storage space designed to accommodate a variety of needs. Its maximum cargo capacity stands at an impressive 143.8 cubic feet when both the second and third-row seats are folded down, which provides ample room for items such as bicycles, a variety of outdoor equipment, or even large furniture pieces. With only the third-row seating folded, the space is reduced to 78.9 cubic feet, but it can still hold luggage for a family vacation or a good amount of shopping bags.

Even with all the seats in place, there’s still a decent 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, suitable for groceries or smaller items. Apart from the main cargo area, the 2020 Grand Caravan features several small storage areas throughout the cabin. These include door pockets, an overhead console, a spacious glove box, and the iconic Stow ‘n Go storage system that allows the seats to be folded seamlessly into the floor, freeing up space without the hassle of removing the seats. The combination of these storage options makes the Grand Caravan a versatile choice for families and individuals who require a flexible and spacious vehicle.

VehicleHistory Image

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fifth generation of the Dodge Grand Caravan was launched for the 2008 model year and was discontinued after 2020 when Dodge shifted focus to more SUV models.

2014: Entry-level model removed from the lineup.

2015: Standard 17-inch wheels on all models, power-adjustable pedals discontinued.

2016: No changes from earlier years.

2017: Touchscreen stereo system with rearview camera is now standard on all models.

2018: No major changes.

2019: Higher resolution rearview camera on all models.

2020: Final model year for the Dodge Grand Caravan with minor exterior styling changes to the SE Plus model.

How Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Compare to the Competition?

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan is a decent minivan for shoppers looking for a budget-friendly minivan, although it’s missing a lot of the features found on the competition.

The Chrysler Pacifica is another minivan, which costs around $3,500 more. Interior materials are much more luxurious on the Chrysler Pacifica, while the Dodge Grand Caravan has lower predicted ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Chrysler Pacifica since it’s more up-to-date, but both are worth testing to compare.

The Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan, which is available for roughly $4,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Sienna, while the Dodge Grand Caravan has a more user-friendly cabin design with the stow ‘n go seats. We recommend the Toyota Sienna since it’s the most reliable minivan on the market.

Ranks #2 Minivans by Owners

1
car
4.79
2
car
4.71
3
car
4.69

Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan?

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Karen M on June 12, 2021
Nice vehicle. Had good and bad points. But, overall, I like it.
When in fuel economy, it drags when trying to change gears. Helps with gad usage when in fuel economy mode though. I love the 2 glove boxes. The middle seating. Area could use more cup holders. You could buy a middle console for that situation through.
accountCircle David I on February 15, 2021
What I have always wanted I my daily driver.
Reliable affordable. Super spacious. Good gas mileage. I have always wanted more space in my vehicles for the kids but I was always weary of buying a van.. This van has definitely satisfied my needs and I recommend the brand to everyone. From the control of how many seats I need to space for groceries or practice it is great.
accountCircle May on January 5, 2021
Floor mats
Very disappointed that my new vehicle did not come with floor mats as this was not pointed out by the sales person. If I had known I would have removed the ones from my other vehicle . Also the rear view camera is very blurred I cannot use it to reverse as I cannot see the vehicles behind. Other than that I like the vehicle.
accountCircle Manny R on November 30, 2020
So overall an amazing car.
I love my vehicle it does a lot of cool stuff. One problem I have with is that it is a bit loud when driving. That is it other than that it is an amazing car. The price of the car is actually surprising really good with the amount of features.
accountCircle Rylee C on February 4, 2020
The most interesting detail is the steering wheel.
My car has ran perfect since the day of purchase. It is great on gas and gets me everywhere I need to be. If I was going to recommend a vehicle it would be this one for it is nice and reliable. Many people have told me the great things about this vehicle. All different types of highways and it able to go places unthinkable.
accountCircle Linda W on January 31, 2020
Worth our cost of purchase!
Van was converted to make a handicap van complete with side ramp. Interior was gutted for wheelchair access complete with tie downs. Now has running board and back-up warning horn. Has camera for clearance back up field. Heat and air conditioning are very strong. No problems even at 40,000 miles. Starts all the time.
accountCircle Brooke K on March 29, 2019
2020 dodge grand caravan, in the color I love and the size I need!
I just bought my 2020 dodge grand caravan this past Saturday, so I haven't had any problems with it. The van drives super smooth and it does not even feel like you are driving a van. I traded my 2012 dodge journey in for this, and even though I haven't had any issues with my dodge journey, I am so happy I switched to the grand caravan, especially with kids.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.