Advertised as Canada’s most popular crossover, Dodge’s Journey carries over into 2016 without any changes, other than a pair of new exterior colours (Jazz Blue and Olive Green).
What’s kept the Journey atop the sales charts? Affordability and practicality. It offers the space of a (small) midsize crossover for the price of a much smaller vehicle, not to mention the availability of a third row of seats. Add to that a strong optional V6 engine, a comfortable ride, and plenty of equipment and it’s a compelling buy for certain customers.
Helping to keep the prices down is a basic entry-level powertrain. Its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine develops 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque, and is paired to one of the last-remaining four-speed automatics in the business. The four-cylinder is only available with front-wheel drive. Chrysler’s 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 offers much more grunt – 283 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque – and uses a six-speed automatic. This motor is available on most trim levels, and can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. The V6 isn’t significantly thirstier than the four-cylinder; it uses a mere 0.3 L/100 km more on the highway.
Though unchanged from 2011’s update, the Journey offers a comfortable, quiet cabin. Much like Chrysler’s minivans, the Journey comes packed with clever details including second-row seats with integrated booster seats and in-floor removable storage bins with washable liners. Soft-touch materials, comfortable seats, and an intuitive 8.4-inch infotainment system are also praiseworthy. For those desiring a little bit of added flair, there’s the Crossroad which adds black cladding, raised ride height, a silver-finish faux bull bar, and dark-finish alloy wheels.
The Journey Canada Value Package starts at $22,495. The Journey Crossroad AWD sells for $37,395.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
