2017 Dodge Grand Caravan

What's new for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is that it's obviously second fiddle to the swanky new Chrysler Pacifica, which is currently garnering lots of attention in minivan circles for its slick new look and luxurious interior.

By contrast, the Grand Caravan, now in its 10th model year since its last major redesign, looks positively dowdy. But this thing is king of value in family transportation thanks in large part to an entry-level Canada Value Package that lists for just under $29,000 but often sells for less than that thanks to incentives.

For that reason, the Grand Caravan continues to lead the way in minivan sales in Canada, but its future is in jeopardy. While it handily outsells the Pacifica (nee Town & Country) in Canada, the Grand Caravan enjoys far less popularity in the U.S., and that's why there's a shiny new Chrysler van, but no Dodge model to match.

So for 2017, all that's actually new is a GT trim to replace last year's R/T model, which gains a monochromatic exterior treatment and all-black interior with red stitching in the process.

Power comes from a 3.6L Pentastar V6 making 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is fed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption ratings are 13.7/9.4 L/100 km (city/highway).

The range begins with the Canada Value Package, which comes fitted with air conditioning with dual-zone manual climate control, front map lights, four-speaker stereo, power locks, power front windows and power side mirrors, seven-passenger seating with second-row bench and third-row Stow 'n Go foldaway seats, three 12-volt power outlets, tilt-and-telescopic steering, body colour fascia with black grille and bright crosshairs,17-inch steel wheels with plastic covers and a tire inflation kit (which means there's no spare tire).

SXT trim adds a roof rack, body-colour side moulding, deep-tint glass, floor mats, floor console with cupholders, and second-row Stow 'n Go seats.

SXT Premium Plus gets 17-inch alloy wheels, manual tri-zone temperature control, black headliner and overhead console, leatherette seating with accent stitching, fog lights, chrome exterior trim, piano black interior accents, 10-way power driver's seat, one-touch front power windows, power second-row windows and power third-row quarter-vent windows, and a "super" console.

Crew trim brings a six-speaker stereo, automatic climate control, vehicle information centre, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, and painted 17-inch alloy wheels.

Crew Plus comes with overhead ambient surround lighting, rear reading lamps, 115-volt power outlet, 6.5-inch touchscreen with multimedia centre, backup camera, power tailgate and side sliding doors, leather-faced seating, rear overhead console with bins, lighted vanity mirrors and garage door opener.

Finally, GT trim gets alloy wheels with gloss black pockets, all-black interior with brushed aluminum accents, auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone, compact spare tire, automatic headlights, black exterior trim, body-colour side mouldings, heated second-row seats and steering wheel, nine-speaker stereo with amplifier, Bluetooth streaming audio, performance suspension, remote start, second and third-run sunshades and a security alarm.

Dodge hasn't announced 2017 Grand Caravan pricing, but the 2016 model's MSRP ranged from $28,995 to $43,995.