Dodge Journey Review

Dodge showed up late to the midsize crossover SUV segment, finally entering the marketplace with the Dodge Journey. But the company that created the minivan has some party tricks of its own. Dodge has a proven track record of creating vehicles that can quickly transform from people mover to cargo hauler with minimal fuss. Add to that Dodge's characteristically muscular exterior styling treatment, and you have two factors that can help the Journey stand out in a crowded room.

As a crossover SUV with available seating for seven passengers, the Dodge Journey is meant to appeal to families wanting something versatile, but also more stylish than a minivan. Unfortunately, early Journeys fell well short of most rivals, particularly in regards to driving dynamics and interior refinement. But major improvements made to the newest Journey have rectified most of the model's past ills.

Current Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Crew, R/T and Lux. The entry-level Express model features a rather weak 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower that is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Notable features include a touchscreen interface and USB/iPod connectivity. All other models benefit from a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 283 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered as an option.

Beside the usual features added as you progress through trim levels, the Mainstreet adds a firmer suspension and the Crew model gets tri-zone automatic climate control and a sliding/reclining 60/40-split second-row seat. The R/T is nearly identical except for distinctive interior and exterior trim. The range-topping Lux adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and a navigation system. Many of the upper trim features can be added to supporting trims along with a sunroof, a 50/50-split third-row seat (increasing the passenger count from five to seven), built-in child booster seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In reviews, the Dodge Journey earned praise for its flexible seating and smooth ride, but drew fire for the underpowered base four-cylinder engine that lacks any significant fuel savings. As a result, we highly recommend springing for the more powerful V6. The myriad storage solutions increase appeal with containers that double as coolers and an innovative hidden compartment under the front passenger seat cushion.

This year's refresh brought about the more powerful and efficient V6, revised suspension tuning, new trim levels and a completely redesigned interior. The resulting improvements in ride quality and steering feel make the Journey more competitive with the top-ranked crossovers in this class. The lack of third-row legroom and cargo space, however, might still give buyers some pause.

Used Dodge Journey Models
The Dodge Journey was introduced for the 2009 model year in SE, SXT and R/T trim levels. We weren't very impressed with these 2009 and '10 models. Besides the weak base four-cylinder engine, the other engine option was a lackluster 3.5-liter V6 that made only 235 hp. Other Journey drawbacks included soggy handling, vague steering, cheap interior materials and poor build quality.