The Dodge Journey is Chrysler's small crossover SUV, with seating for either five or seven, depending on equipment. It's available in six different trim levels: American Value, SE, SXT, Crossroad, Limited and R/T.
Two engines are available: a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.6L V6. The 4-cylinder makes 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, while maintaining an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The 3.6L V6 makes 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with fuel mileage estimated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The American Value, SE, SXT and Crossroad all come standard with the 4-cylinder engine, while all the Limited and R/T come with the V6.
The Journey comes with front-wheel drive in all trims, and the SE, SXT, Crossroad, Limited and R/T are also available with an all-wheel-drive powertrain. The 4-cylinder models feature a 4-speed automatic transmission, while all others feature a 6-speed automatic. Towing capacities are listed as 1,000 pounds for the 4-cylinder and 2,500 pounds for the V6.
The American Value Journey starts at a bargain price but still maintains a solid feature list that includes 17-inch wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, a 4.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, keyless entry with push-button start, an audio system with a USB port, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and power windows and locks.
SE models are outfitted much the same, but with distinct exterior appointments. The SXT has alloy wheels and fog lamps, plus a more aggressive appearance, while the Crossroad adds 19-inch alloys, leather seating, power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect and chrome side sills and roof rails.
In addition to the standard V6, the Journey Limited adds standard premium leather seating, heated seats and steering wheel, automatic headlights, a fold-flat front passenger seat with in-seat storage, LED ambient lighting and remote start. Finally, the Journey R/T includes a sport suspension, a 368-watt 6-speaker stereo with subwoofer, and unique red stitching on the upholstery.
All Journeys come with an array of standard safety features, including driver and passenger airbags, front-side airbags and curtain side airbags that extend to all seating rows. Also available are anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system and traction control.
A host of options are available on the Journey, depending on the trim level selected. A third-row 50/50 split folding bench seat and 3-zone climate control are available on all Journeys, even on the American Value. The Popular Equipment Package includes leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, aluminum wheels and a trip computer. The Premium Group includes daytime running lamps, power seats and SIRIUS satellite radio. On the SXT, a ParkView rear backup camera is available. Navigation and a rear-seat video system are optional on the R/T.
Good Handling For A Small SUV, Seating For Up To Seven, Available All-wheel Drive, Powerful V6 Engine
The Dodge Journey continues on into 2015 without any notable changes, though 17-inch alloy wheels are now standard rather than optional on all-wheel-drive SE models.
The Dodge Journey competes in the crowded small SUV and crossover market. Offering a wide range of model choices, the Journey can be optioned quite nicely despite its low base price. A more powerful-than-average available V6 makes it reasonably quick for this segment of vehicles.
