2020 Honda Odyssey vs Dodge Grand Caravan

Extra space, ease of use and passenger-friendly amenities are just a few reasons why consumers love the functionality of modern minivans. The practicality of a minivan is one of a kind. There are a plethora of packages and options to choose from that can add value and convenience. Not only is the amount of seating space and cargo area unmatched in a minivan, but they are also some of the safest vehicles on the market to date.

Historically, minivans were a common option for families. Once SUVs and crossovers entered the auto market space, minivans took a hit. As a result, consumers can get great deals on brand new minivans quite often. This is a great reason for purchase, as well as reduced insurance costs and affordable maintenance.

One of the main selling point of minivans, including both the Honda Odyssey and the Dodge Grand Caravan, is the amount of interior space. With a wide array of compartments and storage area, the minivan is optimal for road trips and vacations with family or friends.

With all of these facets that make minivans attractive, how do consumers differentiate between the best make and model? While all minivans feature the same level of practicality, not all are created equal. Some offer more upscale features, while others trade technology for safety. Yet still, with some models users don't have to choose between either. Let's explore the differences between two main competitors: the 2020 Honda Odyssey and the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan.

The Powertrain

When it comes to minivans, not much is expected in the way of performance and power. Yet, many consumers are unexpectedly surprised when they unleash the power that many minivans possess. The differences in powertrain and performance components between the 2020 Honda Odyssey and the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan are subtle but noticeable.

While the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan boasts a 3.6-liter V6 engine that is capable of producing 283 horsepower, the 2020 Honda Odyssey utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of a 280 horsepower output. Both engines take regular gasoline and come equipped with a Front Wheel Drive drivetrain.

The biggest difference between these two minivans is the transmission potential. The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan employs a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. When paired with it's 3.6-liter V6 engine, this van attains slightly lower fuel efficiency than its Honda counterpart. The Grand Caravan has a fuel economy of 20 combined mpg.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Honda Odyssey features a 10-speed auto-manual automatic transmission with overdrive, allowing it to get slightly better fuel economy than the Grand Caravan. Overall, the Honda Odyssey is able to maintain 22 combined mpg in fuel economy.

Overall, the 2020 Honda Odyssey comes out above the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan in consumer preference for performance and power. It is capable of generating more torque at 260 than its Grand Caravan competitor at 262. Thought the Honda Odyssey's trailering weight is less than that of the Dodge Grand Caravan, its overall capability surpasses that of its minivan competitor.

Drivability

For consumers searching for minivans, convenience and comfort are some of the most important aspects to consider. Small children, several friends or large families will be the typical passengers in this type of vehicle, making it important for a minivan to be comfortable and reliable.

Overall ride comfort is greatly governed by interior space for passengers and modern amenities. With each minivan option holding up to 7 passengers each, the interior specifications are measured on the same playing field. The overall passenger volume differs by just one cubic foot, allowing the Honda Odyssey to edge ahead of the Grand Caravan.

Interestingly, the 2020 Honda Odyssey and the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan take turns in superseding the other in various facets of interior space. Where the Honda Odyssey prevails in front leg room, front hip room and second head room, the Dodge Grand Caravan prevails in third shoulder room, second hip room and front shoulder room. To summarize, the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan offers more passenger space overall throughout the vehicle.

Cargo space is another factor to consider when comparing the 2020 Honda Odyssey and the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan. The Honda Odyssey wins when it comes to overall cargo space and maximum interior cargo volume, beating its competition by one cubic foot in all aspects. Yet, one downfall of the Honda Odyssey is that it doesn't offer rear seats that fold. In fact, the second row seat of the Odyssey must be removed to reach maximum cargo space.

In contrast, the Dodge Grand Caravan has a Stow 'N Go seat for the second row, which allows the seat to fold flat into the floor creating additional cargo space. The Dodge Grand Caravan also utilizes tailgating seats in the third row, which allow passengers to sit facing outward on the liftgate when attending outdoor events.

Interior convenience and features are also important considerations. On the inside, child window locks are present in both the Honda Odyssey and the Dodge Grand Caravan. While the Grand Caravan offers heated exterior mirrors to aide in visibility on all models, the Odyssey only offers this features on select trim levels. This is similar to the availability of dual-zone air conditioning.

With both of these van options, interior technology attributes will be limited or standard. Each one will have standard infotainment systems and controls. However, the Honda Odyssey extends many of its technology attributes to the second row, in addition to the first row.

Safety

There is no price that can make up for the safety of your friends and family. Both Honda and Dodge implement this mission in the design and development of their minivans.

The 2020 Honda Odyssey utilizes Honda's signature safety system program, known as Honda Sensing® Safety Technology. For the Odyssey this includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warnings, Lane Keep Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist, along with Traction Control. It is also equipped with technology that enhances visibility, including halogen headlights (on some models), LED lightbars, daytime running lights, a multi-view rear camera and a Blind Spot Information System. These attributes helped the 2020 Honda Odyssey score a nearly perfect rating of almost 5-stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)and overall "good" ratings from the IIHS.

In comparison, the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan offers limited driver-assistive technology. Although it comes equipped with seven standard air bags and traction and stability control that is standard, the Grand Caravan falls short on any other assistive technology. Combined with a mediocre 4-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this vehicle fell short of earning a Top Safety Pick Award by the IIHS. Generally speaking, the safety of the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan could be worse, but it could also be a lot better.

Which Has the Best Value?

In determining which minivan is the best value for cost, many attributes must be considering including the cost of ownership, trim level offerings and general differences in pricing.

While the base model of the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan costs thousands less than the 2020 Honda Odyssey, it also has limited safety and technology features. While the space and comfort of the Honda Odyssey surpasses those of the Grand Caravan, the Dodge is more flexible and versatile.

For consumers who are looking for options and feature differentiation, the Honda Odyssey is a top choice. This minivan features five different trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite. Different trim levels come with various features, including seating space for an additional passenger in higher trims.

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan is more standard in its trim level options offering only three. The SE, SE PLUS and SXT make up the trim levels offering for this minivan. Each trim level comes with the same standard engine, leaving much to be desired.

When it comes to the cost of ownership, the Honda Odyssey is one of the most expensive minivans on the market. Thus, repair expenses for this minivan are considered higher than those of the comparable 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan. However, Honda offers one of the best warranties available, which may be a fair trade off for some consumers.

In the end, the 2020 Honda Odyssey offer the best value for the money buyers are forking out. The Dodge Grand Caravan falls short in many aspects, including one of the most important: safety. While buyers will pay more for the 2020 Honda Odyssey, they can be assured that they are receiving the best safety and technology features available in a modern minivan.

Which is Better?

When considering the vehicle that is the best purchase for any family, the pros and cons of safety, technology, interior and exterior design and performance must be weighed against each other. Not every minivan is a good fit for every single family.

For families who are more frugal or are looking for the most economical option, the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan is absolutely the best choice. It offers standard features with outstanding versatility at an affordable price. Not only do buyers gain additional space and cargo area than any other vehicle type, but they are benefited by a powerful engine and practical seating arrangements.

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan offers more convertibility than its Honda Odyssey counterpart. With a second row seat that completely stows away and a rear seat that faces to the exterior for tailgating fun, the Grand Caravan is a great option for any family adventure. This minivan proves far more versatile than the 2020 Honda Odyssey in a good way.

Buyers who are looking for a more modern, luxurious minivan would be more pleased with the purchase of a 2020 Honda Odyssey. This minivan offers additional upscale features, is ripe with technology and assumes the latest and greatest safety technology. The Odyssey is better equipped with accident avoidance features, driver-assistive technology and awareness monitoring.

The 2020 Honda Odyssey doesn't just settle for normal. It pushes on to include convenience features far into the second row, annual upgrades in available models and sophisticated style. It is everything that you could possibly want in a minivan, and more. This minivan is practical and modern, so families don't have to choose one or the other.

Don't just take our word for it. Choosing between these minivan options is a personal choice. Each family has their own desires and needs, just as every auto manufacturer has their own specifications and preferences. When considering which of these minivans is the best option for your family, it is crucial that you consider every single aspect. From the interior comfort to the exterior appearance to integrated technology, our hope is that you use this information to compare the 2020 Honda Odyssey and the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan on every level.