There was already a lot to like in the Dodge Journey from the time it debuted for 2009. It was pleasantly styled, offered three rows of seats, could hydrate passengers with in-floor coolers, and offered good handling and adequate power. Lower than most crossovers, it was easy to enter and exit. Still, customers asked for better performance and an interior befitting an upscale crossover. For 2011, they get that and much more.
Upon meeting the Journey, you’re greeted by a clean appearance and aggressive stance that belies its spacious interior. Dodge’s trademark split crosshair grille, fog lamps, and bolder lower facia identify the Journey as part of a very sporting family. “Ring of fire” LED taillamps, 19” wheels, and revised rear bumper give the wagon a more contemporary appearance. Unlike the larger Durango, the Journey won’t make you run in fright, but it is a pleasing design.
Entering the Journey will surprise anybody who rode in last year’s model. Quelling the peanut gallery, the curved one-piece dashboard is considerably more upscale than the one it replaced. It looks like it came out of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and surrounds large red-lit analog gauges with center vehicle information display and sculpted center stack air vent surrounds. All of the trim pieces look more expensive. Extra cushioning on the center armrests makes front passengers feel like kings while a 12-volt outlet and USB port for iPods in the console provide the sound of a full-court orchestra upon command.
A lot of details add up to significant improvements. The shifter and cup holders were moved to make it easier to store coffee and drinks. Dodge’s multi-function three-spoke steering wheel works as good as it looks and complements the new dash design. New seats and interior colors complete the cosmetics while additional sound-deadening materials insure passengers only hear the sounds they choose.
Imbedded in the curvy new dash is a large touchscreen for the available navigation and audio systems. Uconnect® Touch allows passengers to download music to an internal hard drive for later enjoyment. The system also allows iPods and other mobile devices, including Bluetooth-enabled phones, to be accessed through the car’s controls.
At the Journey’s launch in 2008, I had a chance to drive it across desert and through mountains outside of Las Vegas. It was quite happy hauling wagon bum across vast expanses of land and had tight handling for negotiating curves to and from Hoover Dam. The new version is available with Chrysler’s new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine that generates 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, or about 20% more power than the engine it replaces. A six-speed automatic transmission puts power to the front or all wheels smoothly. Engineers also re-worked the suspension and steering for crisper responses and more driving fun.
Given the number of families likely to ride in Journeys, engineers stocked them full of the latest safety technology. Multi-stage front airbags, active head restraints, driver-side knee blocker airbag, side-curtain airbags covering all three rows, and front seat-mounted side airbags put cushions at every turn. Electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, Brake Assist (applies varying pressure depending on conditions), four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic roll mitigation, and Trailer-sway Control make the most of friction and electronics to keep the Journey on its intended path. Crash ratings are at the top of its class.
The Dodge Journey got off to a slow start with sales compared to other vehicles not because it was a bad vehicle, but because it needed a thorough polishing to be stellar. It is a tough market and you have to bring your A-game. A completely new interior, exterior enhancements, upgraded infotainment systems, and more spirited driving experience should win many new friends. What was already a very good car will now get the recognition it deserves. With prices starting just over $22,000, competitors include the Mazda CX-9, Ford Edge, Chevy Equinox, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.
