It replaces the Dodge Grand Caravan, with more features for less money.
After almost four decades, Dodge will no longer offer a minivan. But Chrysler does, and for 2021, introduces the Chrysler Grand Caravan, an entry-level version of the Chrysler Pacifica that’s offered only in Canada.
With the last-generation Dodge Grand Caravan being discontinued, the Chrysler version offers consumers and fleets the benefits of the Pacifica’s platform and features, but at a lower price point. It’s available in two trim levels, the Grand Caravan and Grand Caravan SXT.
We’re incredibly proud to maintain the Grand Caravan nameplate exclusively in the Canadian marketplace.
— David Buckingham, President and CEO of FCA Canada.
“Particularly here in Canada, that name has become synonymous with affordable, safe, and innovative family transportation that the 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan builds upon,” added Buckingham.
Since 1983, the company has sold more than 15 million minivans globally.
Improved fuel economy
Both Grand Caravan trims use a 3.6-litre V6 engine with idle auto-stop, making 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Dodge Grand Caravan also used the V6, but without the auto-stop, and with a six-speed transmission.
FCA hasn’t released the official fuel figures, but the 2020 Pacifica has a Natural Resources Canada rating of 10.6 L/100 km in combined city/highway driving, while the outgoing Dodge version is rated at 11.8 L/100 km.
The Pacifica receives all-new exterior and interior styling for 2021, while the Grand Caravan keeps the Pacifica’s 2020 design.
Even so, when compared to the discontinued Dodge Grand Caravan, the new Chrysler Grand Caravan upgrades with active grille shutters, a 7-inch Uconnect screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, proximity key, and pushbutton start, but for less than the starting MSRP of the 2020 Dodge version.
Two trim levels
The Chrysler Grand Caravan starts at $39,995, and the SXT at $37,995. Depending on the trim level, available options include power sliding doors, roof rack, a cold-weather package with heated seats and steering wheel, a safety package including blind-spot monitoring and emergency front braking, and a protection package with all-weather floor mats and rear cargo bin.
Not surprisingly, features such as a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive remain exclusive to the Pacifica, and won’t be offered on the price-conscious Grand Caravan models.
The SXT can be optioned with second-row Stow ‘n Go seats that fold into the floor. Without that option, the SXT will still have the under-floor bins the seats tuck into, which can be used for storage.
Canadian-built for Canadians
Other standard features on the Chrysler Grand Caravan include heated mirrors, 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt, and telescopic steering wheel, second-row bench seats, third-row stowable bench seat, tire pressure monitoring system, and a rearview camera.
The SXT adds “touring-tuned” suspension, automatic headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone temperature control, LED interior lighting, cargo compartment lamp, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and second-row quad seats with storage bins.
All Pacifica and Grand Caravan models are built exclusively in Windsor, Ontario.
The 2021 versions go on sale in the third quarter of 2020.