Dodge Grand Caravan vs. Mazda5: With sliding doors

For years, people have been saying that crossovers will soon outnumber minivans. Yes, crossovers are gaining ground, but in Canada they are still very, very far behind the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Mazda5. Not only that, but other large minivans, such as the more exclusive Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, have been very successful in North America too, despite their hefty price tags.

Sliding doors

Contrary to the crossovers, the Grand Caravan and Mazda5 minivans proudly feature sliding doors. Aside from this common trait, however, each has its own style. Personally, I find the Mazda5 more attractive, though both are designed for optimum versatility. Each has a distinct client base, whose needs are different on many levels. While the Mazda5 remains true to its tradition of somewhat rounded lines, the most recent Dodge Grand Caravan has lost its curves and adopted a more angular shape. This decision is debatable, in my opinion, when you consider the competition.

Luxury and comfort

The Dodge SXT and Mazda GT are the high-end versions of these vehicles. They both offer high, relatively firm and supremely comfortable all-leather seats. If you do the math, the Grand Caravan’s third row provides a quite a bit more legroom than the Mazda5. The design and layout of the American vehicle’s dashboard is comfortably ergonomic. Unfortunately, the quality of the materials casts a shadow over the design. Meanwhile, the simple layout of the Japanese vehicle’s dashboard is more user-friendly. Both vehicles come with all the latest multimedia applications, and both offer good soundproofing, though the Dodge’s is a little better. Yet, the Mazda5 and its four-cylinder engine pleasantly surprised me in this regard.

Two kinds of versatility

I have absolutely no complaints about the finish and presentation of either vehicle. The Grand Caravan stands out with its modular seats, which have become the industry benchmark. Meanwhile, the Mazda5 boasts that it can carry up to six passengers. The Grand Caravan that I tested was equipped with the Stow’nGo system, which allows you to tuck the second- and third-row seats into the floor. It goes without saying that at 5,144 mm in length (compared to the Mazda’s 4,620 mm), this is the go-to vehicle for families with kids involved in sports.

Storage space on the Mazda5 is downright pitiful, while Grand Caravan’s spaces are numerous but often quite small. In fact, space in general is the big difference between these two vehicles, and for many buyers it is the deciding factor for choosing one over the other.

What are your needs? 

Cargo space on the Mazda5 goes from 112 litres to 857 with the bench lowered. Meanwhile, the Grand Caravan boasts a titanic 920 to 4,070 litres. In practical terms, the Mazda5 offers more than enough space for most drivers, whereas the Grand Caravan is the answer for people whose needs are out of the ordinary. Fold down the Mazda5’s seatbacks or tuck the Grand Caravan’s seats into the floor – either way you get a flat floor, perfect for transporting heavy items.

Four cylinders versus six

The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT is powered by a 4.0-litre V6 with 251 hp and 259 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an automatic six-speed gearbox (a must for a vehicle weighing nearly 1960 kg) and the Interactive Decel Fuel Shut-Off (iDFSO). In comparison, the Mazda5 features a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 153 hp and 148 lbs-ft of torque. Its mate is just a five-speed gearbox. Nonetheless, the vehicle’s performances are more than adequate, even surprisingly good, for the everyday needs of your average joe. Both vehicles run on regular gas.
Fuel economy gets the last word I tested both vehicles under fairly similar conditions: two-thirds highway driving (115 km/hr) and one-third city driving.

Overall, the Mazda5 proved to be cheaper, but not by much, and it’s easy to understand why. Its weight/power ratio is more conservative and it only has five gears. Meanwhile, the Dodge Grand Caravan surpassed my expectations. Its 4.0-litre V6 and six-speed gearbox do a lot to improve its fuel economy. You might even be better off choosing this engine over the 3.3-litre V6 that produces a mere 175 horses.

Dodge Grand Caravan - 12.0 L/100 km (24 mi/gal)
Mazda5 - 11.0 L/100 km (26 mi/gal)

Different handling

Even though the Mazda5 and Dodge Grand Caravan share some common traits – independent suspension, relatively firm shocks, disc brakes and 16/17" inch tires (Mazda/Dodge) – these vehicles handle quite differently from one another. Despite its hefty size, the Grand Caravan navigates the city with ease (except when it comes to finding a parking spot for it). It’s great on the highway, though it can be a little sensitive to side winds. Meanwhile, the Mazda5 is wonderfully dexterous in the city and on the highway. Its behaviour is extremely consistent for a vehicle in this category. After all, it’s based on the Mazda3 !

Test Drive Results

Grand Caravan	Mazda5
Advantages:
Impressively versatile	Reasonable size
Good engine and gearbox	Healthy behaviour
Very generous space	Honest performances
Less expensive than expected	Manual gearbox available
More competitive price
Disadvantages:
Unconvincing shape	Limited storage and cargo space
Plastic surfaces	Narrow back seats
Forget the 3.3-litre engine	Automatic five-speed transmission

Summary

These are the most popular minivans in many parts of Canada. Both are excellent vehicles and a very good buy. While it can be hard to say which is better, what is for sure is that each targets a specific clientele. Determine which suits your needs, and you’ll be sure to love your purchase.