Dodge Grand Caravan vs. Dodge Charger: Engine and Performance Comparison

The Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Charger are both well-known vehicles in the Dodge lineup, but they serve very different purposes. The Grand Caravan is a family-oriented minivan, designed for comfort and practicality, while the Charger is a performance sedan built for speed and excitement. Despite both being manufactured by Stellantis, these vehicles are designed to cater to different market segments. In this article, we’ll compare the engines, performance, and fuel efficiency of both models to help you understand how they differ.

Engine Comparison: Dodge Grand Caravan vs. Dodge Charger

Dodge Grand Caravan Engine

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. This engine is designed to strike a balance between power and efficiency, providing enough horsepower for daily driving while still offering great fuel economy. The Grand Caravan is not built for speed but rather for the practical needs of families.

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to meet the demands of a minivan. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Grand Caravan delivers a smooth driving experience while achieving a respectable 22 MPG combined.

While its 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds is not thrilling, it is perfectly adequate for family road trips and day-to-day commutes. The focus here is on reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality.

Dodge Charger Engine Options

The Dodge Charger is available with several engine options, giving it a wide range of performance capabilities. From the base 3.6L V6 to the high-performance 5.7L HEMI V8, and the 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, the Charger offers something for everyone, from fuel-conscious drivers to those craving high performance.

Key Differences in Engine Performance

1. Engine Power:
   • Dodge Grand Caravan: The 3.6L Pentastar V6 in the Grand Caravan offers 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is sufficient for daily driving, especially considering the vehicle’s intended use as a family minivan.
   • Dodge Charger: The base 3.6L V6 in the Charger produces 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, slightly more power than the Grand Caravan’s engine. However, the real performance edge of the Charger comes with its 5.7L HEMI V8 (370 hp), 6.4L HEMI V8 (485 hp), and SRT Hellcat 6.2L Supercharged V8, which generates an incredible 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
2. Acceleration and Performance:
   • Dodge Grand Caravan: The Grand Caravan accelerates from 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which is typical for a vehicle of its size and weight. The focus is on comfort and utility rather than performance.
   • Dodge Charger: The Charger accelerates significantly faster. The base V6 can reach 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, the 5.7L HEMI V8 takes 5.2 seconds, the 6.4L HEMI V8 gets it in 4.6 seconds, and the SRT Hellcat delivers an exhilarating 3.6 seconds. This range of performance makes the Charger a versatile option for both everyday driving and high-speed thrills.
3. Fuel Economy:
   • Dodge Grand Caravan: With an average of 22 MPG combined, the Grand Caravan is relatively fuel-efficient for a minivan, making it ideal for families who need to travel long distances without frequent stops for fuel.
   • Dodge Charger: The fuel economy of the Charger varies greatly depending on the engine. The base V6 model offers 23 MPG combined, while the 5.7L HEMI V8 sees 19 MPG combined. The 6.4L HEMI V8 offers 18 MPG combined, and the SRT Hellcat comes in at 15 MPG combined. The fuel economy decreases as you move to the more powerful engines, as expected from high-performance vehicles.
4. Transmission and Handling:
   • Dodge Grand Caravan: The Grand Caravan is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and consistent shifts for a family vehicle. It is tuned for comfort and practicality, providing a stable ride even when fully loaded.
   • Dodge Charger: The Charger features an 8-speed automatic transmission, which not only enhances fuel efficiency but also delivers quicker shifts, making it more responsive and suited for performance. With sportier suspension setups in higher trims, the Charger offers more dynamic handling.

Conclusion:

The Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Charger are two entirely different vehicles, each designed with a specific purpose in mind. The Grand Caravan is a family-focused minivan with an efficient 3.6L V6 engine that balances power and fuel economy for those who need practicality. On the other hand, the Charger is a performance-oriented sedan, offering a variety of engine options—from a fuel-efficient V6 to the extreme 707-horsepower Hellcat engine.

• If you’re in the market for a practical family vehicle, the Dodge Grand Caravan is a reliable choice, with plenty of space, comfort, and decent fuel efficiency.
• If performance and speed are a priority, the Dodge Charger is the better option. Whether you choose the base V6 or the SRT Hellcat, the Charger provides thrilling performance with impressive acceleration times and power outputs.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs—whether you’re prioritizing practicality and family features or looking for a vehicle that can deliver power, speed, and a dynamic driving experience.