Compare the2022 Honda OdysseyVS 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Odyssey are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Honda Odyssey has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Odyssey has standard Collision Mitigation Braking System, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Grand Caravan doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The Odyssey’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Odyssey Touring/Elite has standard Parking Sensors to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The Odyssey Touring/Elite has standard HondaLink Assist, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Odyssey and the Grand Caravan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda Odyssey is safer than the Dodge Grand Caravan:

	Odyssey	Grand Caravan
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	176	247
Neck Injury Risk	27%	36%
Neck Stress	184 lbs.	347 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	95/82 lbs.	776/782 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	32%	37%
Neck Stress	101 lbs.	143 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	324/302 lbs.	526/665 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Honda Odyssey is safer than the Grand Caravan:

	Odyssey	Grand Caravan
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Restraints	GOOD	POOR
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Head injury index	158	230
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	2 cm	17 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Femur Force R/L	1.7/2.4 kN	13.4/4 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	100%/1%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Tibia index R/L	.5/.43	2.29/.9
Tibia forces R/L	1.8/3.2 kN	3.5/3.4 kN

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda Odyssey is safer than the Dodge Grand Caravan:

	Odyssey	Grand Caravan
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	83 G’s	257 G’s
	STARS
5 Stars	5 Stars	HIC
125	135	Hip Force
709 lbs.	948 lbs.
Into Pole		STARS
5 Stars		5 Stars
Max Damage Depth		12 inches
15 inches		Spine Acceleration
41 G’s		47 G’s
Hip Force		472 lbs.
788 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Reliability

The engine in the Odyssey has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engine in the Grand Caravan has dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Odyssey second among minivans in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The Grand Caravan isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2019 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Honda 16th in reliability. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 28th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda 5 places higher in reliability than Dodge.

Engine

As tested in Motor Trend the Honda Odyssey is faster than the Dodge Grand Caravan:

	Odyssey	Grand Caravan
Zero to 60 MPH	6.6 sec	7.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94.6 MPH	87.6 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Odyssey gets better fuel mileage than the Grand Caravan (19 city/28 hwy vs. 17 city/25 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Odyssey’s fuel efficiency. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Odyssey’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Odyssey has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Honda Odyssey higher (5 out of 10) than the Dodge Grand Caravan (3). This means the Odyssey produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Grand Caravan every 15,000 miles.

The EPA certifies the Honda Odyssey as an “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV). The Dodge Grand Caravan is only certified to “Low Emissions Vehicle” (LEV) standards.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Honda Odyssey, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Grand Caravan.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Odyssey has larger tires than the Grand Caravan (235/60R18 vs. 225/65R17).

The Odyssey’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Grand Caravan’s standard 65 series tires. The Odyssey Touring/Elite’s tires have a lower 55 series profile than the Grand Caravan’s 65 series tires.

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Odyssey has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 17-inch wheels are available on the Grand Caravan. The Odyssey Touring/Elite has standard 19-inch wheels.

The Odyssey has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Honda Odyssey has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Dodge Grand Caravan has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Odyssey is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 2.4 inches wider in the rear than on the Grand Caravan.

Chassis

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Odyssey has an electronically controlled liquid-filled main engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The Grand Caravan uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The front grille of the Odyssey uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Odyssey uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Odyssey offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Grand Caravan can only carry 7.

The Odyssey has 5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Grand Caravan (163.6 vs. 158.6).

The Odyssey has .9 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more front hip room, 2.5 inches more rear headroom, 3.8 inches more rear legroom, .4 inches more third row headroom and .4 inches more third row legroom than the Grand Caravan.

Cargo Capacity

The Odyssey’s cargo area provides more volume than the Grand Caravan.

	Odyssey	Grand Caravan
Behind Third Seat	38.6 cubic feet	31.1 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	92 cubic feet	78.9 cubic feet
Max Cargo Volume	158 cubic feet	140.3 cubic feet

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Odyssey easier. The Odyssey’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 22.5 inches, while the Grand Caravan’s liftover is 24 inches.

The Odyssey’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The Grand Caravan’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Odyssey Elite’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The Odyssey’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Grand Caravan’s (3500 vs. 1600 pounds).

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the Odyssey EX-L/Touring/Elite, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Odyssey EX-L/Touring/Elite’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Odyssey’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Grand Caravan’s parking brake has to released manually.

The Odyssey’s standard front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Grand Caravan’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically. The Odyssey EX/EX-L/Touring/Elite’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches.

If the windows are left open on the Odyssey the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Grand Caravan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Push Button Start standard on the Odyssey allows you to start the engine without removing a key from pocket or purse (Odyssey EX/EX-L/Touring/Elite’s Smart Entry will also allow unlocking the doors and cargo door without taking your keys out). The Dodge Grand Caravan doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

The Odyssey’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Grand Caravan’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Odyssey has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Odyssey Elite’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Grand Caravan’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Odyssey has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Grand Caravan only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Odyssey’s available headlights were rated “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Grand Caravan’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Odyssey detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

When the Odyssey EX-L/Touring/Elite is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Grand Caravan’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Odyssey EX-L/Touring/Elite’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Grand Caravan has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Odyssey Elite keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Odyssey has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Bluetooth wireless connectivity is standard on the Odyssey, connecting the driver and passenger’s cell phones to the vehicle systems. This allows them to use the vehicle’s stereo and hand controls to place calls safely and easily. Bluetooth costs extra on the Grand Caravan.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Honda Odyssey Elite has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Grand Caravan doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Odyssey owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Odyssey will cost $645 less than the Grand Caravan over a five-year period.

The Odyssey will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Odyssey will retain 47.19% to 50.84% of its original price after five years, while the Grand Caravan only retains 39.79% to 40.5%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Honda Odyssey will be $224 to $6271 less than for the Dodge Grand Caravan.

Recommendations

The Car Book by Jack Gillis recommends the Honda Odyssey, based on economy, maintenance, safety and complaint levels. The Dodge Grand Caravan isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Odyssey first among minivans in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Grand Caravan isn’t in the top three.