Dodge Grand Caravan

If you're shopping for a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan, stop. Instead, we suggest you cross it off of your list and instead take a look at the 2020 Chrysler Voyager, which is a much better minivan. Alternatively, consider getting a certified-used example of any competing model. Yes, the Dodge Grand Caravan is that uncompetitive.

In advance of its planned discontinuation after the 2020 model year, some dealers are still stocking this ancient minivan, which hasn't seen a complete redesign since 2008. We say some dealers because the 2020 Grand Caravan no longer meets tailpipe regulations in the 11 states that have adopted the more stringent emissions requirements set by the state of California.

Making matters worse, the Grand Caravan earns some poor Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test scores and lacks the modern advanced driving assistance systems that are pretty much standard on other minivans. You can't get forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, or lane-keeping assist systems on this minivan, for instance.

Other technology that's missing in action includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and connected services such as automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and safe teen-driver settings.

There are a couple minor draws here, such as a low starting price and the second-row Stow 'n Go seats that collapse into storage wells in the floor to make for an easy transition from people hauler to cargo hauler. But that's not a good enough reason to actually buy one. If you're on a tight budget, the Chrysler Voyager and Kia Sedona are much better minivans, and if you can spend more, strongly consider the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey.

Which Grand Caravan does MatoCar recommend?

The budget-friendly seven-passenger Dodge Grand Caravan is sold in three trim levels: SE, SE Plus and SXT. All Grand Caravans have a 3.6-liter V6 (283 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The base SE comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, heated side mirrors, triple-zone manual climate control with rear air conditioning, a backup camera, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a second-row bench seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system.

The SE is available with the Uconnect Hands-Free Group package, which adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. Second-row Stow 'n Go captain's chairs that fold into the floor are an optional upgrade.

The SE Plus comes with the above equipment (including Stow 'n Go) as standard, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, remote engine start, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a front floor console and upgraded upholstery. A Blacktop package installs black 17-inch alloy wheels, a black grille, and black interior trim for a sportier look.

The Grand Caravan SXT adds features such as chrome exterior trim, roof rails, power-sliding rear doors, a power liftgate, a larger floor console, and leather upholstery with suede inserts. It is offered with the Blacktop package and the considerably more feature-rich Driver Convenience Group package. This upgrade adds triple-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear overhead console, an overhead storage bin, ambient lighting and second-row sunshades.

Optional on all trims is a rear entertainment system that comes with a 9-inch roof-mounted screen, a DVD player, a 115-volt power outlet, a charge-only USB port, and two sets of wireless headphones. With the SE Plus and SXT trims, this option also upgrades the Grand Caravan with navigation.