2010 Dodge Grand Caravan Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Grand Caravan, and includes Dodge Grand Caravan safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

For 2010, the Dodge Grand Caravan gains active head restraints for the front seats, a new axle ratio with the 4.0-liter V6, and a standard triple-zone climate control system. At some point during the model year, new Hero and Crew models debut, the former slotted between the SE and SXT models and the latter serving as the new top trim level.

Dodge’s family-friendly minivan is available in four flavors, the least well equipped but most affordable of which is the 2010 Grand Caravan SE. Fans of versatility will appreciate the standard Stow ‘n Go seats, and parents of small kids or children of the four-legged and hairy variety are sure to be grateful for the stain-resistant cloth upholstery. The list of features goes on with ABS with brake assist and stability control, triple-zone air conditioning, heated power side mirrors, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and the usual batch of convenience amenities like power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry.

A mid-year addition, the new Grand Caravan Hero model gets a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine, alloy wheels, satellite radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a trip computer with a compass, an outside temperature display, and other upgrades.

The SXT variant moves things a bit upscale with a power tailgate, power sliding side doors, power adjustable pedals, and a power driver’s seat. Illuminated cupholders, LED interior lighting, and fog lights are also included on the SXT, along with a HomeLink universal remote control.

The Grand Caravan Crew sits at the top of the lineup, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, 17-inch alloys, a reversing camera, and a USB port to connect an iPod or other mobile device.

Venture on over to the options list for the top-shelf stuff. This is where you’ll find leather seats, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-path detection, in-car satellite TV service, second-row Swivel ‘n Go seats, a booming 506-watt stereo, a power-folding third-row split bench, a hard disc drive entertainment and navigation system, heated front and second-row seats, and more.

Though it seems counterintuitive, the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan’s most powerful engine, the one with more horses and greater displacement than its lesser siblings, is also the lineup’s most fuel-efficient option. It’s the 4.0-liter V6, standard on the Grand Caravan Crew, which is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission and packs 251 horses that are complimented by 259 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

If those figures fail to impress, let us put them into perspective. The 2010 Grand Caravan SE’s standard engine is a 175-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 and the Hero and SXT models are equipped with a 197-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6, neither of which tops 17 mpg in the city or 24 mpg on the highway. Simply put, they’re less powerful and less efficient, and shouldn’t be offered in the first place.

Dodge has worked to improve its family-friendly minivan over the years, but in terms of safety and reliability, the 2010 model appears to be its best. After a decade of below-average reliability ratings, Consumer Reports now predicts that buyers of the new Grand Caravan will experience average dependability. No, that’s not a glowing endorsement, yet it does show movement in the right direction. J.D. Power and Associates offers the same prediction.

Safety is another area demonstrating the progress that’s been made. According to results of crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan provides a high level of protection in the event of a front or side impact, is does a good job of resisting a rollover in certain kinds of crashes. This year, models built after March of 2010 and equipped with a power driver’s seat also do a good job of protecting against injury in a rear crash.

Car buyers searching for space, versatility, commendable safety scores, a wide variety of convenience features, and an efficient powertrain will find all that and more in the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. Though not the best minivan in the class, this is the best Grand Caravan Dodge has offered in years.

By Thom Blackett