Minivans were the family haulers of choice in the ’80s and ’90s. Although these vehicles fell out of favor when SUVS came along, recent sales numbers show a minivan resurgence. This article will compare two popular used minivans: the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan and the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica.

These models offer family-friendly features, but each has pros and cons. We’ll also examine pricing, cargo capacity, passenger space, engine specs, and fuel economy to determine which used minivan provides the better value.

2020 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2020 Chrysler Pacifica: Pros and cons

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan boasts many advantages. Its most significant pro is its convenient Stow ‘n Go seats, allowing for easy interior space customization. It also has a potent engine.

However, U.S. News also mentions several drawbacks. The 2020 Grand Caravan lacks most rivals’ abundant standard features, and its cabin materials aren’t the highest quality. Also, despite its strong engine, it has weak acceleration. In addition, the ride can feel somewhat rigid.

On the other hand, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica has many pros. It delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. The Pacifica also boasts an intuitive infotainment system, providing easy access to various functions. Its cabin has an air of sophistication, featuring high-quality materials and a refined design. And like the Grand Caravan, the 2020 Pacifica boasts the lauded Stow ‘n Go feature, allowing for flexible seating and storage.

Nevertheless, the Pacifica has a few drawbacks. They include firmer second- and third-row seats than some competitors. And it offers slightly less cargo space than the Grand Caravan.

Pricing, cargo capacity, and passenger space

Price often sits at the forefront of car buyers’ considerations. The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan has an average used price range of $21,203 to $26,376, J.D. Power reports. And people are paying $26,489 to $39,649 for a used 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. 

The Grand Caravan and Pacifica excel in cargo space, though the Dodge has a slight advantage in this category. The 2020 Pacifica offers a maximum cargo capacity of 140.5 cubic feet, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Meanwhile, the Grand Caravan provides a respectable 143.8 cubic feet maximum, 83.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 33 cubic feet behind the third row.

Regarding passenger space, the 2020 Pacifica and 2020 Grand Caravan each seat seven. However, the Pacifica is roomier. It has 165 cubic feet of passenger volume, whereas the Dodge has 164 cubic feet.

In addition, the Chrysler offers an inch more headroom in the second and third rows. It also provides two more inches of legroom in the second row and four more inches in the third row. Furthermore, the 2020 Pacifica’s front-seat and rear-seat hip room beats the Grand Caravan’s by an inch.

Engines and fuel economy

As for engines, the Pacifica and Grand Caravan pack the same 3.6-liter V6. However, the Pacifica harnesses 287 hp, while the 283-hp Grand Caravan produces 4 hp less.

The 2020 Pacifica also has an edge over the Grand Caravan in fuel economy. The Chrysler minivan achieves an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, making it slightly more fuel-efficient than the Grand Caravan. It gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

While the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan and the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica have advantages and disadvantages, the Pacifica emerges as the better overall used minivan. It delivers a more spacious interior, superior engine performance, enhanced fuel efficiency, and a wider range of features. 

However, the Grand Caravan remains an attractive pick for families prioritizing affordability. With its lower purchase price, the Dodge minivan appeals to budget-conscious buyers without compromising utility.