Forget the cake and candles. Dodge is celebrating its minivan’s 30th anniversary with a special edition available with the SE and SXT trims. The Grand Caravan SXT 30th Anniversary Edition means SXT-related items, like power lift-gate and power sliding doors. It also means 30th anniversary items, including unique 17-inch polished aluminum wheels, fog lamps, and chrome roof rack. Buyers can also opt for the Blacktop package (available on SE and SXT models) with touches that include unique black cloth seats, silver accent stitching, and a gloss black grille. The 30th anniversary extras provide a minor re-dressing of the minivan, which hasn’t extensively changed since 2011.
Front wheel drive Grand Caravan is powered by the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 producing 283 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 260 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine mates to a 6- speed automatic transmission. Grand Caravan remains a segment stalwart with its various innovative technologies, like Stow ‘n Go seats that fold flat into the floor. As a people and cargo hauler, the Grand Caravan proved aptly capable on both fronts during a one-week test drive. Keeping tabs on occupants and items located in the rear of the vehicle was aided via the overhead compartment’s fold-down mirror, a notable ‘small detail’ feature. The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Blacktop collects estimated mpg of 18 city/26 highway and carries an MSRP of $26,695.