The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.6L V6 gets 20 MPG combined. This isn’t award-winning fuel economy, but its target audience likely expects that. Grand Caravan buyers usually want affordable space, durable construction, and the convenience of Stow ‘n Go seating, not necessarily the best gas mileage. For them, 20 MPG is simply a cost of ownership.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Grand Caravan at 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. While the combined figure gives a general idea, these individual ratings are more specific. The 17 MPG city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, school drop-offs, and running errands, all typical minivan uses. The 25 MPG highway rating is better for longer road trips, but a fully loaded van facing headwinds will probably get less than that. The Grand Caravan’s 3.6L V6 has enough power for most situations. However, driving it hard, especially with a full load of passengers and cargo, will lower fuel economy. Its six-speed automatic transmission works fine, but it’s not as refined as more modern 8- or 9-speed units.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan at $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, the price of gas in your area, and how much you drive. The $2,200 figure gives you a standard to compare ownership costs against other vehicles. Consider this number in your budget and how it fits with other expenses like insurance, maintenance, and repairs when considering this minivan.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures provide a way to compare vehicles, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Grand Caravan owners report a range of MPG, depending on driving style, terrain, and vehicle load. Some drivers say they consistently get close to the EPA highway figure on long trips, while others get lower numbers in city driving. Don’t always expect to match the EPA numbers. Think of them as a baseline and adjust your expectations based on your driving conditions.

How it compares

The Grand Caravan’s fuel economy is lower than some newer competitors. The Honda Odyssey, for example, gets 19 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined. The Toyota Sienna has similar numbers. But the Odyssey and Sienna are usually more expensive than the Grand Caravan, especially comparing base models and available incentives. The Chrysler Pacifica, which is related to the Grand Caravan, is a newer design and has a hybrid version that greatly improves fuel economy, but it costs more. For buyers on a budget who want practicality more than the best fuel economy, the Grand Caravan’s trade-off can be a good one. See all Dodge fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. The Grand Caravan has a strong V6 engine, but pushing it wastes gas. Smooth driving will improve your MPG, especially in the city. Watch traffic and coast when you can.

Keep your tires inflated. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, using the sticker on the driver’s side door. This can make a difference.

Don’t idle too long. Idling burns fuel without moving. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. While it’s not a hybrid, the savings add up. If you’re buying a used one, research GRAND MPG across all years.

Reduce weight. The more weight in your Grand Caravan, the more fuel it uses. Remove unnecessary items, especially heavy ones that you don’t need regularly, to get MPG.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Cruise control keeps a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Watch the terrain and adjust your speed. On hills, you might need to turn it off to avoid downshifts.