Should I buy the Dodge Journey or the Grand Caravan?

Blog Jul 20th, 2016

When it comes to the Dodge lineup there are definitely certain vehicles that have enough complementary features that you might want a little extra information to feel confident that your decision on which to choose is done from an informed position. Whether you’re looking at the Charger or the Challenger models, or, as with the case of this comparison, between the Grand Caravan and the Journey models.

Now, we’ll just separate them into their respective categories right here and now – the Grand Caravan is a leader in the minivan segment and offers space and capabilities that you’ll probably be expecting from one – add to this the fact that with 30 years of development across numerous generations this is a vehicle that really does its best to embody the modern trends and driver needs – particularly those who expect to have a lot of passengers involved.

The Journey is a crossover SUV, with many of the same features that you’d expect to find on the Grand Caravan while also borrowing from the full-size SUV segment – most notably with the ability to provide drivers with an experience that leans more in one direction than the other – as needed. Let’s compare the Canadian Value Package base models, shall we?

Do you spend a lot of time on road trips? Whether that means short jaunts out of the city for a few hours on a regular basis, or longer, more involved and intricate family vacations that set you off on weeks-long adventures. Then you might want to consider the Grand Caravan.

If you have a growing family with 2 or more kids, it would be beneficial to have enough space to allow them to grow comfortably with – the Grand Caravan is definitely a model worth your time testing out. In a similar way, the Grand Caravan offers some towing potential, so you can bring more stuff along for the ride if you run out of space in the cabin.

Beyond that, the standard V6 in the Grand Caravan makes this one the "sleeper" of the Chrysler lineup. Most "sport-cutes" these days come with a 4-cylinder engine that does the job just fine around town. The Grand Caravan, on the other hand, will absolutely floor you when it comes to passing power, even on steeper stretches of highway.

Let’s review the points – the Grand Caravan is great if you:

Go on Lots of Road Trips
Have 2 or More Kids/Family Members Regularly Along for the Ride
Need a Lot of Space

The Journey is a perfectly adaptive vehicle that works well in conditions the Grand Caravan might find some trouble – among these, you’ll note, right off the bat, that the Journey is a little more "city-sized" than the Grand Caravan – a point that is established a step further if you happen to select the 7-seater option (it’s available in both 5 and 7 passenger configurations).

We've found that the Journey is a popular option with families who aren't ready to give up compact car fuel economy, but want the higher, more comfortable seating position of a small SUV. The touchscreen multimedia centre with USB connectivity also adds a touch of entertainment to the family drive.

If you live in an area that has seasonal weather changes that require you to get winter tires and adjust your personal driving style, the Journey is certainly a great option – particularly with the available AWD models. This is equally true for those who like to head out of the cityscapes and into less forgiving roads and paths.

Let’s review the points – the Journey is great if you:

Drive in an Area with Intense Seasons
Need the AWD Option For Other Reasons (Dirt & Gravel Roads, Etc.)
Prefer the Creature Comforts and the Style of a Compact SUV

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Should I buy the Dodge Journey or the Grand Caravan?

You Should Consider a Grand Caravan If:

You Should Consider a Grand Caravan If: