How many liters per km does a Dodge Grand Caravan use?
Typically about 11.8 L/100 km (roughly 20 mpg combined) for 3.6L Pentastar–powered Grand Caravans from 2011–2020. Older 3.3L/3.8L models usually run around 13 L/100 km (about 18–19 mpg).
Fuel economy for the Dodge Grand Caravan varies widely by year, engine, drivetrain, load, tire size, and driving habits. The figures below reflect official EPA ratings and real-world considerations you should keep in mind when comparing models.
Engine options and typical fuel economy
Here are the main configurations and the typical EPA fuel economy figures you’ll see in official ratings (mpg) and their approximate equivalents in liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km).
- 2011–2020 Grand Caravan with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission (front-wheel drive): EPA ratings of about 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined, which translates to roughly 11.8 L/100 km combined.
- 2008–2010 generations offering 3.3L or 3.8L V6 options: EPA roughly in the mid-teens to high-teens for city driving and low- to mid-20s on the highway, yielding around 18–19 mpg combined (about 12.5–13.0 L/100 km).
- All-wheel-drive variants and certain trim packages can slightly shift numbers, but generally stay within the ranges above, with some efficiency losses on models heavier or with larger tires.
Real-world results often differ from EPA estimates due to terrain, cargo, climate control use, and maintenance. Expect variations of a mpg or two in daily driving, particularly with varying loads and highway vs. city routes.
How to interpret these numbers for your situation
To compare liters per 100 kilometers directly, you can convert from mpg: L/100 km = 235.214 / mpg. For example, a vehicle rated at 20 mpg combined roughly equals 11.8 L/100 km. If you typically drive in city conditions, the 17 mpg city rating (approximately 13.8 L/100 km) will be more relevant, while highway driving at 25 mpg corresponds to about 9.4 L/100 km.
For buyers and owners, focusing on your typical driving mix (city vs. highway) helps you set realistic expectations for fuel costs. Real-world numbers often trend slightly lower than EPA estimates, especially when the van is carrying passengers, cargo, or climbing grades.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Even with the same engine, small changes in habits and maintenance can yield notable improvements in L/100 km.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
- Limit roof cargo and remove unnecessary weight to lessen aerodynamic drag and mass.
- Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration and steady speeds improve efficiency over rapid throttle input.
- Follow a regular maintenance schedule: clean air filters, proper spark plugs, and timely oil changes help the engine run efficiently.
Applying these practices can yield measurable gains in real-world fuel economy, often a mile or two per gallon depending on conditions.
Summary
The Dodge Grand Caravan's fuel economy generally sits around 11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg combined) for newer 3.6L Pentastar models and around 13.0 L/100 km (18–19 mpg) for older 3.3L/3.8L configurations. Real-world numbers vary with driving conditions, load, and maintenance, so use EPA figures as a guide and adjust expectations to your own driving pattern.
