2010 Dodge Journey First Impressions

Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, Quebec — The Dodge Journey crossover enters 2010 with no radical changes, which is a good thing because it currently outsells every other midsize SUV/CUV in Canada. Of course, you probably know by now that "crossover" is just a euphemism for a modern minivan. The ironic thing is that the Journey actually replaced a minivan, namely the short-wheelbase Dodge Caravan!

Part of the Journey’s success lies in its classic yet well-executed exterior, sort of a mild cross between a traditional wagon and an SUV. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)

Anyway, this do-it-all family hauler still packs a lot of value at a little more than $19,000. No wonder it attracts so many buyers. In 2009, the Journey found over 15,000 takers across the country. That’s 1,000-2,000 more than the Chevy Equinox, Toyota Venza and Mazda5.

The 2010 model remains unchanged, as mentioned. The lineup consists of four trim levels: SE, SE Plus and SXT with 173-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (also found in the Dodge Caliber and Chrysler Sebring) and R/T with 235-hp 3.5L V6. Approximately 15-percent thirstier than its junior counterpart, this mill powers the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300, too! Additionally, the Journey R/T is the only one with all-wheel drive (no more than 50 percent of the available torque can be sent to the rear axle).

The AWD system is designed to improve traction and handling in the worst possible conditions but, sadly, the massive 19-inch tires wrapped around the chromed aluminum wheels of my R/T tester did little to help. Don’t blame it all on Dodge, however, as several other brands keep oversizing the wheels of their AWD vehicles in the name of styling.

Of course, you could theoretically replace these big alloys with the 17-inch units of lower-end models. You wouldn’t spend as much on winter tires and you would probably enjoy a more interesting ride as a result.

The Journey R/T is the only one with all-wheel drive. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)