2019 Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size, seven-passenger crossover that offers a family-friendly ride with a versatile interior and an affordable price. Just make sure to skip over the lackluster base four-cylinder in favor of the smooth and powerful Pentastar V6 option.
Recent Changes
Dodge again simplified the Journey line-up for the latest model year.
Overview
Though you wouldn't know it from the exterior, which only received minor detail changes, the latest Journey is a far cry from the lackluster original model. As part of Chrysler's post-bankruptcy product overhaul, it received major interior, powertrain and suspension revisions that make it a fully competitive model. It's undeniably showing its age, however. We're a little surprised it's still around.
In place of the old Rubbermaid interior is a thoroughly improved cabin highlighted by a rich-looking soft-touch touch dashboard and Dodge's three-spoke corporate steering wheel. The Journey seats five occupants comfortably, while the third row is useful for carrying children and small adults on short....erm, journeys. A useful 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space is available behind the rear seats.
The Journey now offers Chrysler's Uconnect Access infotainment system. Generally regarded as one of the more user-friendly infotainment setups on the market, Uconnect Access integrates most of the crossover's audio, navigation and climate control functions into one unit. An 8.4-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard is the central component of the system, but redundant buttons and knobs for climate and audio volume and tuning are also included.
Uconnect Access features a voice command system that allows the driver to place phone calls, use the sound system, input navigation destinations and more without taking his or her hands off the wheel. Other notable aspects of the system include the ability to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot - for an additional monthly fee - and downloadable applications such as Bing search.
Under the Sheetmetal
Also part of the recent update were a number of chassis enhancements that equate to quicker transient responses and a more controlled ride.
The Journey's base engine continues to be a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque and pairs with an absolutely ancient four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway - far worse than other competing models.
Most buyers will want to skip the anemic four and opt for the strong 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which serves up 283-horsepower and 260 lb-ft. Mated to a six-speed automatic, the Pentastar returns almost the same mileage as the smaller mill - 17/25 mpg - in front-wheel-drive form, while an optional all-wheel-drive system lowers efficiency to 16/24 mpg.
Trim-Level Breakdown
The Journey is available in three trims: SE, Crossroad, and GT.
The SE includes the four-cylinder motor and dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise control, 17-inch steel wheel with plastic hubcaps, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system with AUX and USB inputs, a 4.3-inch touchscreen media interface and the four-cylinder engine.
Options available on the SE include all-wheel drive, second-row integrated child boosters, Uconnect with Bluetooth, 17-inch aluminum wheels and an all-weather package. A popular equipment package adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an overhead console and some other interior niceties.
The Crossroad trim gives the Journey a tougher look thanks to new front and rear fascias, Platinum Chrome side sills and unique 19-inch Hyper Black wheels. Inside the Journey Crossroad gets standard leather seats, Liquid Graphite accents and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Crossroad comes standard with the 2.4-liter four and front-wheel drive, but buyers can order the more powerful V6 and all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive, a power sunroof, Uconnect Web, second-row seat boosters and an all-weather group can also be added to the Crossroad. It gains leather upholstery on the seats and the steering wheel plus an 8.4-inch screen for the infotainment system.
The GT trim includes a performance suspension, a 368-watt premium stereo, 19-inch satin carbon painted wheels, red interior accent stitching, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and unique exterior trim. It comes standard with the Pentastar 3.6L V6 and includes all of the features and options available on the Crossroad Plus, less its visual upgrades.
Occupant Safety
All Journey models come standard with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and brake assist.
Key Competitors
The Ford Explorer, the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, and the Chevrolet Traverse are all rivals to the Journey. We recommend checking them out; they're all light-years ahead of the Journey.
- Propulsion: Gas 2.4L I4
- Power: 173hp
@
6000rpm - Torque: 166ftâ‹…lb
@
4000rpm - Mileage: TBD MPG ( 19 city, 26 hwy)
- Transmission: 4-speed Automatic
- Seating: 5 seats
in
2 rows - Passenger Volume: 123.7cu ft
- Length: 192.4in
- Wheelbase: 113.8in
- Height: 66.6in
- Weight: 3818lbs
- Cargo Volume: 10.7cu ft
- Front Leg Room: 40.8in
- Front Head Room: 40.8in
- Front Hip Room: 53.8in
- Rear Leg Room: 36.1in
- Rear Head Room: 39.2in
- Rear Hip Room: 54.4in
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
- Drag Coefficient: 0.368