Pros: The 2016 Dodge Journey delivers bold design, modern technologies, a safe driving experience, and a pleasant interior with lots of storage options and seating for up to seven. It’s also the most affordable midsize crossover in Canada. For even more style and value, check out the Crossroad model with its striking fascias, 19” Hyper Black wheels, Platinum Chrome body trim, and leather-faced seats with sport mesh inserts.
Cons: Admittedly, styling is getting old, and the Journey still looks too much like a Grand Caravan. Interior quality is lower than the competition, and fuel economy is very disappointing. The 4-speed autobox mated to the base engine certainly doesn’t help.
Price and Fuel Economy: The 2016 Dodge Journey starts at $21,495 for the base CVP (Canada Value Package) model and climbs all the way up to $36,395 for a Crossroad AWD. At every trim level there are a series of options available at extra cost.
As for fuel consumption, the numbers are as follows (city/highway):
2.4L, 4-speed auto: 12.7/9.1 L/100 km
3.6L, 6-speed auto, FWD: 14.2/9.4 L/100 km
3.6L, 6-speed auto, AWD: 14.5/9.9 L/100 km
Improvements and Changes: The Crossroad model was slightly refreshed for 2016. Also, two new colours are now available: Jazz Blue Pearl and Olive Green.
Inside: Uconnect with its optional 8.4” touchscreen is an impressive bit of technology. The large screen is easier to read at a glance, and easier to use than the smaller screens in competitors. In addition to the large screen in the dash, the second-row entertainment system screen is a full 9”. Base versions of the Journey use a 4.3” screen for Uconnect.
Cargo and towing capacities: Max towing capacity, when properly equipped, is 454 kg (1,000 lb) for the 4-cylinder versions and 1,134 kg (2,500 lb) for the V6 versions. Total cargo room amounts to 1,914 litres when you fold all the rear seats down, but is limited to just 303 litres behind the available third-row bench.
Powertrain: A 4-speed automatic transmission is used in conjunction with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, while the 3.6L Pentastar V6 gets a 6-speed automatic. The output of the former is 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. The direct-injected V6 generates 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s the only engine that can power AWD models.
Safety: Driver and front passenger airbags are assisted by front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that cover all rows, and there’s also a driver’s knee blocker airbag. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability control, traction control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and trailer sway control are all standard. Let’s not forget the available Park-Sense and Park-View systems.
Competitors: Kia Sorento, Toyota Venza/Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Ford Edge.