7 passenger Caravan or 8 passenger Sienna?

Question

We are in the market for a new minivan.

I really like the new Dodge Grand Caravan, due to all of its new features. However, it doesn't have the option of an 8-passenger like a Toyota Sienna, which my husband thinks is more reliable.

The 8-passenger would really come in handy for us if we decide to have another baby in the future, so that we can take my 2 step-kids, our current 3 children, and the future baby, with us. We also have a Ford Expedition, my husband's car, that we can use on long trips, although it's horrible on gas.

I have family that works for both companies, and so we will be able to get a good deal either way.

Answer 1

Well here is what Consumer Reports had to say about the two minivans:

Dodge Grand Caravan: Dodge has updated its minivans with advanced safety and convenience features, and improved refinement. Like its competitors, the van features the roll down into the sliding side doors. The addition of coil springs in the rear improves ride comfort, but the rear can be buoyant on the highway. Three V-6 engines are offered, in 3.3-, 3.8-, and 4.0-liters of displacement. The 3.8- and 4.0-liter engines are a bit noisy and not very fuel efficient. They are mated to a responsive six-speed automatic. Standard safety gear includes side curtain airbags and electronic stability control. The flat folding second- and third-row seats are still offered unless buyers opt out for the second-row captain's chairs that come with a small table.

Fuel economy is 16 city and 23 highway. The Dodge Grand Caravan is rated excellent or above average in everything except in body hardware and body integrity. The Dodge Grand Caravan received 60 points out of a possible 93 points.

Toyota Sienna: Our top-rated minivan is comfortable, with well designed features. The fuel efficient, 3.5-liter V-6 engine is smooth and strong, mated to a five speed automatic. The flexible interior features a 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat into the floor. Handling is secure, predictable, and responsive but isn't as agile as the Honda Odyssey. Power-retractable second-row windows and a telescoping steering wheel are pluses. Fuel economy is a realitively good 19mpg. All-wheel drive is optional but results in 18mpg overall, a firmer ride, and more road noise because of the run-flat tires the come standard on the with the AWD model. Crash test results are impressive.

Fuel economy is 17/city and 23/highway. The Toyota Sienna is rated excellent or above average in everything except body hardware, power equipment, and audio system. Those three are just rated average. The Toyota Sienna received 93 points out of a possible 93 points.

Here's what I would have to say. Both are solid vehicles. I personally like the Caravans styling a lot more than the Siennas. However, it doesn't hurt that the Sienna has the legendary Toyota name stuck to it. It sounds like you would need the Sienna because it holds 8 passengers. Just remember if you put all 8 of you into one car, there isn't going to be a lot of storage in the back. In my opinion I would get the Dodge Grand Caravan for myself because it looks less van-ish and more modern lines. But if I was in your situation, I think I would have to choose the Sienna because it seats 8 passengers and it is really reliable.