2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is a reshuffled trim lineup. The Base trim became SE, SXT joined the range, and Express and Mainstreet were dropped; the V6, six-speed automatic, and fold-flat Stow ’n Go seating carried over.
About the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
5th generation (2008-2020), second model year after the major 2011 refresh.
Dodge positions the Grand Caravan as the practical, more assertive-looking family minivan in Chrysler’s two-minivan strategy. Its core appeal is flexibility: second- and third-row seats that fold into the floor, lots of small-item storage, and enough V6 power for a full load of people or cargo. Compared with rivals, the big draw is how quickly it switches from kid-hauler to cargo van, while still offering a stronger, less soft-edged design than many minivans of the time.
The 2012 lineup ranges from the family-focused SE to the convenience-oriented SXT, which has power sliding doors and a power liftgate. Crew emphasizes comfort, while R/T adds firmer suspension tuning, black leather seats with red stitching, and a nine-speaker Infinity audio system.
What changed, by category
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 283 hp | 283 hp | 283 hp | 283 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3600 lb | 3600 lb | 3600 lb | 3600 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 143.8 cu-ft | 143.8 cu-ft | 143.8 cu-ft | 143.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.7 in | 32.7 in | 32.7 in | 32.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Sliding Doors | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan?
The trim lineup is the biggest change for 2012. Base was renamed SE, SXT joined the range, and Express and Mainstreet were dropped.
Was the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan redesigned?
No, the 2012 Grand Caravan was not redesigned. It followed the major 2011 update and retained the 3.6-liter V6, six-speed automatic transmission, and fold-flat Stow ’n Go seating.
What happened to the Grand Caravan Base trim for 2012?
The Base trim continued under the SE name for 2012. It retained the Grand Caravan’s V6 and fold-flat seating while serving as a family-focused lower trim.
Which Grand Caravan trims joined or left the lineup for 2012?
SXT joined the Grand Caravan lineup for 2012, while Express and Mainstreet were dropped. SXT serves as the convenience-focused trim with power sliding doors and a power liftgate.
What equipment changed on the 2012 Grand Caravan Crew?
Bluetooth, the rearview camera, roof rails, and the touchscreen became optional rather than standard on the 2012 Grand Caravan Crew.