The crossover SUV market is growing by leaps and bounds. While Chrysler Corporation has had an offering in this segment since 2004 in the form of the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge has never had a car-based crossover. Now Dodge is entering that segment with the Journey, an all-new midsize crossover with seating for up to seven, four-cylinder or V6 power, and minivan-like utility.
Crossovers are built on a car-like structure but combine the utility of a traditional truck-based SUV with the smoother ride and improved fuel economy of a car.
Dodge hasn't chosen the sporty path for Journey. The Journey rides reasonably well and handles more like a big car than a big, clunky SUV, but it's no Nissan Murano when it comes to sporty flair.
The Dodge Journey is available with a V6 engine that delivers adequate power but is far from the best in the class. The V6, which is standard in all but the base model, offers plenty of power for around town, a 3500-pound towing capacity, and decent passing punch. Unfortunately, it is neither as refined nor as powerful as the newer V6s offered by several competitors. The base four-cylinder engine is coarse and offers too little power for a vehicle of this size.
It's on the inside that the Journey really shines. The Dodge Journey has standard seating for five, but that can be expanded to seven. Filling the Journey with adults won't make all your passengers happy, but the rear seat should work well for children.
The better news is the utility the Journey offers. While cargo room is only average for the class, the Journey offers a fold flat front passenger seat that will allow loading items up to nine feet long. It also has several unique storage solutions that owners will find useful. These include a bin under the front passenger seat, storage under the floor in the second row and behind the last row of seats, a dual glove box with Dodge's Chill Zone that cools soda cans, and all the usual cubbies up front, including a fairly deep center console. Entertainment options are plentiful, too, as the Journey has a six-disc CD changer standard and offers a hard drive radio and a rear DVD entertainment system.
With prices starting under $20,000, the Journey offers affordable utility. We'd recommend a Journey equipped with the V6, which provides the power that most buyers will want. While the SXT is the value leader, the R/T has a few appealing interior and exterior touches. Be careful when it comes to options, though, as it is possible to get the Journey over $30,000, where it will have to compete against more refined SUVs.
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