Dodge Caravan's interior is comfortable and convenient. Both Caravan and Grand Caravan can accommodate seven passengers in a 2/2/3 arrangement.The seating position in these minivans is higher than that of a sedan, which enables drivers to see over traffic. But you won't need a rope ladder to climb into the seats, as you do in SUVs. The seats are comfortable, though the driver's seat could use more support in the seat bottom.
The gauges are straightforward: big, round analog displays, a great design. The instrument faces are light gray with black numerals, not quite as legible as white on black. They light up green at night. The dash is canted slightly forward for better visibility. Indicators for the turn signals and high beams are cleverly located in a thin hooded display above the instrument panel where they are easy to see.
The optional steering wheel controls are well designed, among the best available. Cruise controls are on the front of the steering wheel and allow precise regulation of speed; an indicator on the dash tells the driver the system is on. Behind the steering wheel are audio controls that let the driver easily adjust volume, switch among pre-set stations, activate the seek function and switch between AM and FM bands. It's a brilliant design.
Controls for the sound system and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) are intuitive and easy to use. However, the audio system's on-off/volume knob is obscured by the gearshift lever when in Drive; also, the separate Set button on the radio for setting a preset is less convenient than the traditional method of holding the button down. Our test vehicle had the optional six-CD in-dash changer, a nice feature even though it is separated from the AM/FM/cassette unit by the HVAC controls. Three-zone temperature controls allow the driver and front-seat passenger to set their own comfort levels. There's a separate control for the rear of the cabin for the kids to fight over, though the driver has veto power.
Sirius Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast channels, including 60 streams of commercial-free music along with 40 streams of news, talk, sports and entertainment. It's a great option to have when traveling because the stations don't change as you drive across the country.
Uconnect uses Bluetooth technology to integrate the same cell phone you carry on your belt or in your purse into a hands-free system installed in your Caravan. Uconnect features include voice dialing, an audio address book, microphone mute for privacy, call transfer and English, French, or Spanish-language compatibility. Up to five different phones can be used with the system in the vehicle. Uconnect's control pad is mounted on the dashboard and its microphone is attached to the overhead console. A hidden speaker transmits the audio. Your own mobile phone may be placed anywhere inside the vehicle. Conversations may be continued while entering or exiting the vehicle, without disrupting the call.
Power sliding doors on both sides are standard on premium models, and they work very well. The driver can operate them by pressing buttons on the dash or on the keyless remote. Second-row passengers can open and close the doors by pressing a switch on the B-pillar, but the driver can lock that function out for children's safety. Also for safety, the power sliding doors and rear liftgate are designed to reverse if they strike an object (like a small hand) when opening or closing. Power doors are a tremendous aid for the physically challenged. The manually operated sliding doors are also easy to open and close. Access to the middle and rear seats is easy, much easier than in a sport-utility.
Bucket seats are available that make second-row passengers as comfortable as the front-seat passenger. The third-row bench provides room for two adults, but it's short on shoulder room for three adults.
All of the seats are easy to remove. They come loose in three steps and roll out on sturdy wheels, facilitating the conversion of the van from people mover to cargo hauler. One person can lift the seats from the van to the garage floor, but they are heavy enough that it's easier on the back to have a little help. The available 50/50 split rear seat is easier to lift out individually than the one big, heavy bench seat that's standard on lower-level Caravans. With both rows of seats removed, the Grand Caravan offers 167.9 cubic feet of cargo space, 21 cubic feet more than the Caravan, and can haul 4x8-foot sheets of plywood.
Cup holders are everywhere. In the third row, there are even multiple holders for drinks of different shapes. Seatbacks can also be folded flat to make tables, complete with molded-in cup holders, just the thing for taking friends to the football game. A net fitted between the front seats is handy for keeping mail or other daily-chore items from sliding around on the van's flat floor. In place of the cargo net, you can opt for a moveable and powered center console that can be placed between the front or middle-row buckets.
The power rear liftgate is a great convenience when your arms are full and it's raining; it eliminates having to touch the outside of the van when it's covered with road sludge.
Optional pop-up grocery bag holders in the cargo compartment keep paper bags from tipping over. Hooks on the rear seatbacks of all models are convenient for hanging plastic grocery bags onto to keep your groceries from scattering.
Safety features include optional side-impact airbags for front-seat passengers. Front airbags are standard, as required, and feature multi-stage inflators designed to automatically compensate for the severity of an accident. Front seat belts use pre-tensioners to take up slack during a collision. Middle- and third-row seats include child-seat anchors for a more secure installation.
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