The Dodge Journey is Chrysler's small crossover SUV, with seating for either five or seven, depending on equipment. It's available in five different trim levels: SE, SXT, Crossroad, Crossroad Plus 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 SE, SXT and Crossroad all come standard with the 4-cylinder engine, while the R/T comes with the V6.
The Journey comes with front-wheel drive in all trims while all-wheel-drive is an option. 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 SE starts at a bargain price but still maintains a solid feature list that includes 17-inch wheels, deep-tint sunscreen glass, roof rails, keyless entry with push-button start, an audio system with a USB port, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power windows and locks.
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 R/T 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, remote start, 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 2016 without too many notable changes. The lineup has been simplified this year with only five trim levels rather than seven.
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.
