2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan Keeps Long-Standing Nameplate Alive In Canada

2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan preserves a huge profit maker in Canada for FCA
First Grand Caravan was introduced in 1987 and has become the best-selling minivan of all-time
Previous Dodge Grand Caravan has been a top 10 best-seller in Canada for years

The future of the Grand Caravan nameplate is now safe and confirmed with the unveiling of the 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan. There had been some uncertainty regarding the future of the affordable FCA caravan, but ultimately the name was too profitable to walk away from in Canada.

In the US, the Pacifica and Grand Caravan essentially divided the market, but in Canada the Dodge Grand Caravan accounted for 90% of minivan sales in the country.

“It would be a huge mistake to walk away from the Grand Caravan name in Canada”, said Mike Szymkiewicz, Senior Manager, Product Strategy and Volume Planning for FCA Canada.

There will be two versions of the 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan which will start at $37,995. Buyers can choose between the base Grand Caravan or the SXT model starting at $39,995.

If you’re like us, you may be wondering why the new 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan starts at nearly $40k given that the previous Dodge Grand Caravan was priced closer to $30,000.

According to FCA, only 20 percent of Grand Caravan models sold were base models, with 65 percent of sales going to the upper trims like the SXT. In other words, the two versions of the 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan focus on where the majority of previous Grand Caravan buyers were putting their money.

With that in mind, the 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan’s two versions are actually more affordable than the 2019 Premium Plus and SXT trims which accounted for the highest percentage of sales in the previous model.

Improved Fuel Economy In The 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan

The Grand Caravan will return with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 that delivers 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The biggest change will be the introduction of a 9-speed automatic that replaces the previous 6-speed automatic which means that fuel economy is improved.

The average fuel consumption rating of the new 2021 model is announced at 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres (34 mpg) compared to 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the outgoing Grand Caravan. The 2021 model also gets active grille shutters.

Other changes include automatic headlamps as well as the new UConnect4 multimedia system, proximity entry, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Old Design Of The Chrysler Pacifica In The New Grand Caravan

The 2021 Grand Caravan will essentially take the design of the previous Pacifica while the 2021 Pacifica will arrive with a brand-new design and features.

That means a more luxurious interior in the new Grand Caravan along with a more rounded, stylish design compared to the boxy Grand Caravan of old. Smart way for Chrysler to make something look new without spending too much money.

The 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan will launch in late 2020.