There are five Grand Caravan trims for 2012: American Value, SE, SXT, Crew and R/T. All Grand Caravans come with a 3.6L V6 engine that makes 283 hp and a 6-speed automatic with Autostick manual control.
Anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring, multi-stage front air bags and supplemental side curtain air bags for all three rows of seats are standard equipment, which contributed to its across-the-board 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA. All Grand Caravans also get the electronic stability program. The Crew gets a ParkView back-up camera.
Convenience is a must in any minivan. All Grand Caravans get the 3rd-row Stow-and-Go seats that fold completely into the floor to maximize cargo space.
The new-for-2012 American Value Grand Caravan makes the price of admission a little lower. This trim is a little more spartan than last year's entry-level model, but still decently equipped, especially for the price. It comes with heated mirrors, variable wipers, a CD/MP3-compatible stereo, an audio input jack, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows and locks, keyless entry, dual-zone air conditioning and stability control.
The SE trim adds rear air conditioning, easy-clean floor mats and body-color exterior trim as well as the option of adding aluminum wheels and 2nd-row power windows by way of the SE Plus Group.
The SXT brings standard aluminum wheels, sunscreen glass, power rear-quarter windows and 3-zone air conditioning. Add the Entertainment Group the Grand Caravan gets SIRIUS satellite radio, a 2nd-row DVD entertainment system and a rear back-up camera.
The Crew trim adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, roof rails, fog lamps and power-sliding doors. The stereo becomes a complete media center including a 30GB hard drive, a 6.5-inch touch screen, a DVD player and satellite radio. Both front seats are power-adjustable, the steering wheel is leather-wrapped and there's a real 115V power outlet.
The Crew offers as optional, a "Safety Sphere" package that includes automatic headlamps a blind-spot and rear cross-path detection system, park assist sensors and rain-sensing wipers. A luxury-oriented Driver Convenience package adds Bluetooth, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rear heated seats and window shades.
The R/T equips the van with performance-tuned suspension, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a back-up camera. The optional Media Center 730 includes a 40GB hard-drive stereo, a 6.5" touch-screen interface, navigation and Bluetooth.
The Grand Caravan can be outfitted for towing up to 3,600 lbs. with the Trailer Tow Group, which includes a heavy-duty radiator, transmission oil cooler, load-leveling and wiring harness.
A new entry-level American Value Package helps to drive the price of admission to below $21,000. The trims have gotten a bit of a revision, and are named the SE, SXT, Crew and R/T.
The Grand Caravan was one of the first minivans to make it big in North America, and it's still one of the best. The base Grand Caravan starts under $21,000 and that brings a 6-speed automatic, heated power mirrors, keyless entry, 2-zone air conditioning and standard stability control, tire pressure monitoring and a host of air bags. EPA-estimated mileage on the highway is a strong 25 mpg.
