The 2010 Dodge Journey receives driver and front-passenger active head restraints, a larger 9-inch screen for the rear-seat entertainment system and standard keyless entry.
Other neat options include MyGIG, Chrysler's hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch screen. Speaking of pricing, that's another of the Journey's strengths, as the base SE model costs about the same as a bare-bones five-seat family sedan.
The Journey's cabin materials are no nicer than those of the dismal Dodge Caliber economy car, on which the Journey is based. Overall, the 2010 Dodge Journey has a split personality. Among competing crossovers, Toyota's RAV4 offers a third-row seat along with better performance, and the surprisingly enjoyable Kia Rondo is another model to consider. We do not recommend the Journey.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options A midsize crossover SUV, the 2010 Dodge Journey comes in SE, SXT and R/T trim levels. All models come standard with two-row seating for five; with the optional 50/50-split-folding third-row bench (SXT and R/T only), capacity increases to seven. The top-drawer R/T features 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls.
The base-model Journey SE comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The EPA gives the four-cylinder Journey ratings of 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. Every 2010 Journey includes antilock disc brakes, traction control, rollover-sensing stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Interior Design and Special Features Inside, the 2010 Dodge Journey is a spacious, versatile family hauler.
The 2011 Dodge Journey receives a number of significant changes, including a new, more powerful 3.6-liter V6, retuned suspension and steering, and a revamped interior featuring higher-quality materials and a new touchscreen interface.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Crew, R/T and Lux.
The Crew model adds 19-inch alloy wheels, foglights, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat with built-in storage compartment, reclining 60/40-split second-row seat with fore-aft adjustment, an overhead console with conversation mirror, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start, a 115-volt AC power outlet and a premium Infinity audio system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and SD card slot.
Other notable options include a sunroof, a 50/50-split third-row seat, built-in child booster seats, a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The 2011 Dodge Journey is available with a choice of two engines. The entry-level Express model gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is offered as an option. Dodge estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for front-drive and 16/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Safety For 2011, the Dodge Journey is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control with a rollover sensor, traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Interior Design and Special Features Perhaps the most significant change for the 2011 Dodge Journey is the incorporation of the huge 8.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash of upper trim level models.
A five-passenger Journey with the new American Value Package (AVP) starts at $18,995, and a seven-passenger model starts at $19,990. The 2012 Journey costs $2,000 less: The new Dodge Journey also gets new trim designations for the 2012 model year.
The base AVP trim comes with seven airbags, air conditioning, power accessories, heated power mirrors, a 4.3-inch touch-screen, satellite radio, USB controls and a passive entry system with push-button start. The Crew trim starts at $28,495, and it adds 19-inch wheels, an 8.4-inch touch-screen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic temperature controls, security system and remote start. Besides the American Value Package, all other trims see modest price increases. The 2012 Dodge Journey is on sale now.
Dodge showed up late to the midsize crossover SUV segment, finally entering the marketplace with the Dodge Journey.
Current Dodge Journey The Dodge Journey is offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Crew, R/T and Lux. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard, as is front-wheel drive. 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.
The 2010 Dodge Journey receives driver and front-passenger active head restraints, a larger 9-inch screen for the rear-seat entertainment system and standard keyless entry.
