Is the Dodge Grand Caravan good on gas?
No—it's not exceptionally fuel-efficient by today's standards, though it was reasonable for its era. This article examines how the Grand Caravan performs in real-world fuel economy, what to expect from used examples, and how it stacks up against newer minivans.
Fuel economy by generation
Fuel economy varied widely with the engine, transmission and year. Here are typical ranges reported for Grand Caravans across its production history.
- Early generations (roughly 1987–2010, with 3.3L/3.8L V6 options): commonly around 16–23 mpg combined depending on configuration and use of 4- or 6-speed automatics.
- Mid-generation updates (mid-2000s, still V6 with older automatics): generally in the 18–23 mpg combined range, with better highway efficiency on newer designs.
- Final generation (2011–2016, 3.6L Pentastar V6 with a 6-speed automatic, mostly front-wheel drive): roughly 20–25 mpg combined in FWD models and slightly less in AWD variants.
Bottom line: you can expect a gradual improvement over time, but the Grand Caravan remains average for its era and class rather than a standout for fuel economy.
Real-world performance and driving factors
EPA ratings are starting points; actual fuel economy depends on many factors including driving style, payload, and maintenance. Here are key considerations and typical ranges reported by owners.
- Factors that influence mpg: engine wear, tire type and pressure, cargo and passenger load, roof racks, climate control use, and driving style.
- Real-world ranges: many owners report daily averages from the mid-teens to the low- to mid-20s mpg, with highway trips sometimes approaching the mid-20s for newer 3.6L models.
- Maintenance tips to maximize efficiency: keep tires inflated to spec, use the recommended fuel grade, perform regular maintenance (air filter, spark plugs, oil changes), and avoid unnecessary weight or roof-mounted cargo when not needed.
With attentive maintenance and mindful driving, you can maximize the Grand Caravan’s efficiency, but you should not expect sport-car-like economy.
How the Grand Caravan stacks up against modern minivans
In today’s market, most non-hybrid minivans deliver better fuel economy than older Grand Caravans, while hybrids push efficiency higher still. Here’s a snapshot of how newer models compare on efficiency, not accounting for price or features.
- Honda Odyssey: typically in the low- to mid-20s mpg in city and high-20s to low-30s mpg on the highway, depending on configuration.
- Toyota Sienna: hybrid-only in recent generations, delivering roughly mid-20s city and upper-30s to around 40 mpg highway, depending on trim and driving conditions.
- Chrysler Pacifica: offers non-hybrid versions around 22–28 mpg and the plug-in hybrid Pacifica Hybrid offering roughly 30 miles of electric range plus a higher combined mpg in hybrid mode.
Takeaway: if fuel economy is a primary concern, consider a modern minivan or a hybrid option rather than an older Grand Caravan.
Is it worth buying a Grand Caravan today for fuel economy?
For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the decision hinges on price, availability, and how much you value a low upfront cost versus ongoing fuel costs. Here are the trade-offs to weigh.
- Pros related to fuel economy: when newer (post-2011 with the 3.6L Pentastar), the Grand Caravan tends to be more efficient than very early generations, and its simple, older design means potentially lower upfront cost on the used market.
- Cons: fuel economy lags behind modern minivans, maintenance costs can add up with aging vehicles, and there are more efficient and safer options available today.
- Alternatives: look at newer minivans like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, or Chrysler Pacifica for better mpg, reliability, and technology; consider hybrids or plug-in hybrids for the best long-term savings.
Conclusion: if your priority is maximum fuel economy and long-term cost efficiency, a modern minivan or hybrid is usually the better bet; a Grand Caravan may make sense only if you find a low-mileage, well-maintained example at a strong price and you’re comfortable with older technology.
Summary
The Dodge Grand Caravan offered respectable fuel economy for its time and class but does not match the efficiency of modern minivans. Expect roughly 20–25 mpg combined in newer 3.6L Pentastar models, with older generations generally lower. Today, if fuel economy is a priority, better options include the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna (hybrid), and Chrysler Pacifica (non-hybrid or hybrid, depending on model). For buyers considering a Grand Caravan, weigh upfront cost against likely higher fuel costs and potential maintenance on an aging vehicle, and verify the vehicle’s maintenance history and condition.
Are grand caravans good on gas?
Even with its powerful 3.6L V6 engine, the Grand Caravan remains impressively fuel-efficient for its class. With an estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway, families can go further between fuel stops—ideal for long-haul road trips.
Is a Dodge good on gas?
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a five-passenger sedan that gets competitive gas mileage on the highway. Powered by either a V-6 or a V-8 engine, the Charger gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and 19 miles per gallon on city streets, giving it a combined rating of 23 miles per gallon.
What is the gas mileage on a Dodge Grand Caravan?
The gas mileage for a Dodge Grand Caravan is typically an EPA-estimated 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for models from 2017 to 2020, which is a combined 20 MPG. Newer models, such as the 2024/2025 Chrysler Grand Caravan, have an estimated 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 L/100 km on the highway.
- 2017-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan: 17 MPG city / 25 MPG highway / 20 MPG combined
- 2024/2025 Chrysler Grand Caravan: 12.4 L/100 km city / 8.4 L/100 km highway
Why is my Dodge Caravan using so much gas?
Bad or Dirty Spark Plugs: Spark plugs ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. If they are dirty or working incorrectly, it can cause the engine to misfire, leading to poor engine performance. This can lead to a lack of power as well as a big decline in fuel efficiency.
