What is the capacity of the Dodge Caravan?
Typical Dodge Caravan seating capacity is seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration.
The Dodge Caravan line, produced from 1984 through 2020, offered two main seating setups that dictate how many people it can carry: a standard seven-passenger arrangement with two seats in the second row and a three-seat third row, and an eight-passenger layout that expands the second row to three seats while keeping a three-seat third row. Cargo space varied with year and seating, and the vehicle is no longer in production as of 2020, with the Chrysler Pacifica serving as the closest modern alternative.
Seating configurations
Two standard seating options determined the Caravan’s passenger capacity. The following list covers the two most common setups you’d find across generations.
- 7 passengers: 2 front seats, 2 seats in the second row (captain's chairs) or a 2-seat second row, and a 3-seat third row.
- 8 passengers: 2 front seats, 3 seats in the second row, and 3 seats in the third row.
In short, buyers could choose between seven or eight seats depending on whether the second row was a 2-seat setup or a 3-seat bench.
Cargo capacity
In addition to passenger capacity, the Caravan’s cargo space varied with how many seats were in use. The following ranges reflect typical configurations across its production years.
- Behind the third row: about 33 cubic feet (approximately 0.9 cubic meters).
- With the second row folded (third row in use): about 77 cubic feet (approximately 2.2 cubic meters).
- With all rows folded flat or removed: about 140–144 cubic feet (roughly 4.0–4.1 cubic meters).
Note that exact figures depend on model year and trim, as equipment and interior layouts changed over time.
Current context and alternatives
The Dodge Caravan line was discontinued after the 2020 model year in the United States, with no direct Dodge substitute. Shoppers looking for a modern equivalent typically turn to the Chrysler Pacifica, which seats up to seven or eight depending on configuration, along with other minivan options from competing brands. For used Caravan models, the seating and cargo figures above remain useful references.
Summary
The Dodge Caravan offers flexible seating options that typically accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on whether the second row uses two captain’s chairs or a three-seat bench. Cargo space ranges from roughly 33 cubic feet behind the third row to about 140–144 cubic feet with all seats folded, though exact numbers vary by year and trim. Since production ended in 2020, prospective buyers should consider modern minivan options like the Chrysler Pacifica for updated capacity figures and features.
What is the load capacity of a Dodge Caravan?
With its 175 horsepower (131 kW) and 205 lb. -ft. of torque (278 N•m), Dodge Grand Caravan C/V delivers 144.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,050 lbs., Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 7,000 lbs., improved payload capacity of 1,800 lbs.
How big is the back of a Dodge Caravan?
The Dodge Caravan's trunk dimensions vary by model year, but recent models typically offer approximately 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 80-83 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of around 140-144 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. These capacities allow for various configurations, from everyday hauling to moving larger items when seats are stowed.
This video demonstrates the interior space of a Dodge Grand Caravan, including the dimensions when seats are folded down: 59shoohoohoblinYouTube · Sep 22, 2019
Cargo volume
- Behind the third row: Approximately 33 cubic feet.
- Behind the second row: Around 80-83 cubic feet (when the third row is folded).
- Maximum cargo space: Around 140-144 cubic feet (when all rear seats are folded).
Other dimensions
- Exterior length: Approximately 203 inches.
- Exterior width: Approximately 88.5 inches.
- Exterior height: Approximately 69 inches.
Tips for using the space
- For the largest items, ensure all rear seats are folded into the floor for maximum cargo volume, which is often cited around 140-144 cubic feet.
- A 4x8 sheet of plywood can fit, though it may need to be positioned carefully and the seats may need to be pushed forward to close the rear gate, according to this YouTube video.
Does a Dodge Caravan have 8 seats?
Yes, certain models of the Dodge Caravan, particularly the Grand Caravan, were available with an 8-passenger configuration, though 7-passenger is more common. The 8-passenger setup was available through a special configuration that included a removable middle seat in the second row, while the standard configuration has a 7-passenger capacity with 2+2+3 seating.
You can watch this video to see an example of an 8-passenger configuration: 53sPerformance ChryslerYouTube · Jun 24, 2021
- 8-Passenger Configuration: Some specific Grand Caravan models were equipped with an 8-passenger capacity by including a removable middle seat in the second row to create a three-seater bench.
- 7-Passenger Configuration: The more common configuration seats seven people, with two bucket seats in the second row, often featuring the Stow 'n Go seating system where they can fold into the floor.
- How it works: The 8-passenger setup is achieved by having a three-seater bench in the second row, which can be used for seating or removed for more cargo space.
- Availability: While the 7-passenger setup was standard, an 8-passenger configuration was available as an option on certain trims, such as the 2019 Crew model, notes this YouTube video.
- Discontinued feature: Early models of the Dodge Caravan offered an 8-passenger setup, but it was subsequently discontinued and replaced with the more common 7-passenger layout in later models, say Wikipedia.
This video shows a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan with an 8-passenger configuration: 59sautodirectcarsllcYouTube · Dec 2, 2022
How big is the cargo space on a Dodge Caravan?
The Dodge Caravan is spacious due to a wheelbase of 121.2 inches, height of 67.9 inches, total length of 202.8 inches, and 78.7 inches of width. These measurements produce 33 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row of seating flat, and 143.8 cu. ft of trunk space with the just the first row available.
