June 2008
Dodge Journey: First Drive
Three-row family vehicle delivers on versatility, but disappoints on fuel economy
A new midsized, car-based SUV, the Dodge Journey is one of Chrysler's better recent offerings, in spite of its mediocre Avenger
roots. The Journey has a very versatile interior with a third-row seat and lots of clever storage compartments. The cabin
is quiet, handling is secure, and the powertrain is refined. Chrysler has clearly made an effort at upgrading interior materials-a
sore spot with many of their current models.
Three trim levels are offered. Our all-wheel-drive Journey is a mid-level SXT equipped with a 235-hp, 3.5-liter V6 matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. We recorded a disappointing 16 mpg overall in mixed driving on regular fuel. A 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder is also available, but only with front-wheel drive. Six-cylinder models are available with front- or all-wheel drive. With options including a sunroof and rear air conditioning, the price for our test car came to $27,320.
Initial impression. The Journey marks a step forward in Chrysler interior design, quality, and refinement. But the modestly priced and sized
three-row vehicle doesn't rival the better competing models. Its so-so ride and handling and unimpressive fuel economy limit
its overall appeal.
At lower speeds, the Journey provides decent isolation from bumps and impacts. But as speed increases, it becomes unsettled, with short, jumpy ride motions, although the ride improves on the highway. The cabin is quiet, suppressing wind and road noise very well. A smooth engine hum is another plus. Body lean is not excessive in corners, but the Journey feels clumsy and larger than it is. Steering is sluggish and numb. On the track, the Journey is not particularly quick in the avoidance maneuver, but standard stability control makes it very secure and faithful to its course.
Soft-touch dashboard plastics are nice and most edges are well finished. But we still found lots of hard plastic and uneven gaps and bad fits. Taller drivers will find good head and leg room, although the center console intrudes somewhat. The tilt-and-telescope function provides generous steering-wheel adjustment. Wide front seats provide reasonable support but lack contour, and some drivers found the seats to be too firm. The seat base cushions are on the short side-a concern for taller people. Our car has lumbar adjustment and power assisted cushion tilt and height. The reclining middle seat is comfortable and fairly roomy, but the cushion is low. The third row is very cramped and uncomfortable but sliding the middle row forward improves room.
Most controls are simple, but not all are well laid out. The radio is mounted low, and climate controls are a reach. Gauges
are also low, and can be partly blocked by the steering wheel. The folding front passenger seat and split second-and third-row
seatbacks allow plenty of options. There are many hidden storage compartments throughout the interior.
CR's take. With decent cargo capacity and three rows of seating, the Journey might attract families looking to downsize from a large SUV. But we were disappointed by its meager 16-mpg overall fuel economy, and the Journey's 3,500-lb towing capacity isn't sufficient for big boats or travel trailers. Still, the Journey's levels of refinement and its interior quality are notable improvements over other recent offerings from Chrysler. Look for a full road test in the August issue of Consumer Reports, online in July.
Chrysler has announced a recall on the Dodge Journey, see our blog report for more details.
Three trim levels are offered. Our all-wheel-drive Journey is a mid-level SXT equipped with a 235-hp, 3.5-liter V6 matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. We recorded a disappointing 16 mpg overall in mixed driving on regular fuel. A 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder is also available, but only with front-wheel drive. Six-cylinder models are available with front- or all-wheel drive. With options including a sunroof and rear air conditioning, the price for our test car came to $27,320.
At lower speeds, the Journey provides decent isolation from bumps and impacts. But as speed increases, it becomes unsettled, with short, jumpy ride motions, although the ride improves on the highway. The cabin is quiet, suppressing wind and road noise very well. A smooth engine hum is another plus. Body lean is not excessive in corners, but the Journey feels clumsy and larger than it is. Steering is sluggish and numb. On the track, the Journey is not particularly quick in the avoidance maneuver, but standard stability control makes it very secure and faithful to its course.
Soft-touch dashboard plastics are nice and most edges are well finished. But we still found lots of hard plastic and uneven gaps and bad fits. Taller drivers will find good head and leg room, although the center console intrudes somewhat. The tilt-and-telescope function provides generous steering-wheel adjustment. Wide front seats provide reasonable support but lack contour, and some drivers found the seats to be too firm. The seat base cushions are on the short side-a concern for taller people. Our car has lumbar adjustment and power assisted cushion tilt and height. The reclining middle seat is comfortable and fairly roomy, but the cushion is low. The third row is very cramped and uncomfortable but sliding the middle row forward improves room.
CR's take. With decent cargo capacity and three rows of seating, the Journey might attract families looking to downsize from a large SUV. But we were disappointed by its meager 16-mpg overall fuel economy, and the Journey's 3,500-lb towing capacity isn't sufficient for big boats or travel trailers. Still, the Journey's levels of refinement and its interior quality are notable improvements over other recent offerings from Chrysler. Look for a full road test in the August issue of Consumer Reports, online in July.
Chrysler has announced a recall on the Dodge Journey, see our blog report for more details.
