2015 Dodge Journey VIDEO REVIEW

2015 Dodge Journey VIDEO REVIEW

Today, most of life’s journeys are best accomplished with a 3-row crossover and for 2015 Dodge takes their value-driven entry in an updated direction. This is the new Journey Crossroad.

When the Journey first arrived in 2008, it gave Dodge a highly versatile 3-row crossover to fill the spot between the Caliber and the Grand Caravan.  Now 7 years, a new owner and one major overhaul later the more rugged looking Journey Crossroad continues into the 2015 model year, offering shoppers a little more bling and available AWD at a budget price.

Positioned 5^th in the Journey’s 7 trim lineup, the Crossroad can be specified in front or all-wheel drive with a starting price of $27,590.  Its Crossroad characteristics include leather seats with sport mesh inserts, 19” Hyper Black aluminum wheels, platinum chrome accents and dark-tinted headlamps and tail lamps.

I’ve always appreciated the utility angle afforded by the Journey, its cleverness and accessible price point.  Of course, 7 years is a long time in the auto biz and indeed a 2nd generation Journey is in the works for a mid-2016 release where it will share the Chrysler 200’s platform.  But midsize crossover shoppers are still finding it to their liking, as the Journey remains one of Dodge’s best-sellers.

The $1,500 Flexible Seating Group is an important option because it adds the 2^nd row tilt and slide seat, the third row seat and tri-zone climate control.  These are critical elements in the Swiss Army Knife reputation of the vehicle.  There are also built in booster seats in the outboard positions.  The system works well, operates easily and gives those in the 2^nd row lots of room to stretch out.  The 3^rd row, on the other hand, is one of those really cramped spaces exclusively reserved for kids.  When not in use, an expansive cargo area is created without fuss.  An underfloor storage area and pop out flashlight in the rear, more underfloor storage in the 2^nd row and a front passenger seat that folds flat and also offers more stuff it space under the seat cushion are the reasons owners love their Journeys.  My tester also has the optional Rear Seat Video Group with a drop-down 9” screen.

Where the Journey shows its age is in its narrow proportions, some previous gen electronics and the usage of a smattering of old Chrysler plastics.  The upgrade years ago to the Pentastar V6 gives the Journey a solid 283 horsepower engine matched to the old 6-speed auto.  And no doubt the Journey will benefit from the more nimble 200 chassis because though this one is family-friendly relaxed, its moves lack the modern sophistication of the newer Chrysler Group products.  It’s neither exciting nor dull to drive.  Gas mileage of this AWD model is 16mpg city/24mpg highway – slightly better than a comparable GMC Terrain.

Now, that being said this Journey has remote start, heated  seats and a heated steering wheel – all very welcome during this brutally cold week.  And though this Uconnect system doesn’t have all of the features that some of the newer models have, it’s still excellent and far better than most, there’s a sweet sounding 6 speaker plus subwoofer premium audio system and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link are free for the first 5 years.  There are also a number of key safety features including a driver’s side knee airbag and electronic-roll mitigation.  The as tested-price is $34,850 – an attractive MSRP for families on a budget in need of an AWD, creative 3-row. Not a minivan, but minivan-like, the Journey is about to chart a new course but until then this one can still make sense.

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