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| Dodge hoped to elevate the standing of the Journey in the market with 2011's freshened model and with available all-wheel drive, a powerful new V6 engine and sportier suspension feel all included in this year's update, they've made it even more competitive in a market dominated by the Honda Pilot, Ford Flex, Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander. |
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| Model Highlights |
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| The Dodge Journey is Chrysler's small crossover SUV, with seating for either five or seven, depending on equipment. It's available in five different trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, R/T, Crew and Lux.
Two engines are available for 2011: a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.6L V6. The 4-cylinder makes 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, while maintaining an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 19 city and 25 highway. The 3.6L V6 is Chrysler's new Pentastar unit, replacing last year's 3.5L V6. The new engine makes 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with fuel mileage estimated at 17 city and 25 highway. The Express comes standard with the 4-cylinder engine, while all others come with the new V6.
The Journey comes standard with front-wheel drive in all trims, but all except the Express are available with optional all-wheel drive. The Express features a 4-speed automatic transmission, while all others feature a new 6-speed unit. Towing capacities are listed as 1,000 pounds for the 4-cylinder and 2,500 pounds for the V6.
Some of the biggest news for 2011 is the addition of a completely redesigned suspension setup on all models, featuring revised geometry and steering as well as higher-quality tires to give a much more positive and responsive feel on the road. This new sport-tuned suspension is standard on the front-wheel drive Mainstreet, R/T, Crew and Lux versions, while all-wheel drive examples have an even more firm setup as standard. New and improved sound deadening materials have also been used this year, helping to cut interior noise significantly over the 2010 model. In addition, a completely new interior has been fitted, featuring all-new larger gauges and a full-color backlit center display. New seats have been fitted, and the shifter and cupholders have been moved to facilitate easier reach.
The Journey comes with an array of standard safety features, including driver's and passenger's airbags, front-side airbags and curtain side airbags that extend to all seating rows. Also available are anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system and traction control.
A host of options are available on the Journey for 2011, depending on the trim level selected. Navigation is optional on the R/T, Lux and Crew models, while rear obstacle detection is optional on all trims, except the base-level Express, and is standard on the top-of-the-line Lux. The Lux also features heated leather seats, while heated cloth seats are available on the Mainstreet, R/T and Crew. |
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| Model News |
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| For 2011, the Dodge Journey has been substantially changed. Revised exterior styling includes a new front fascia and larger fog lamp bezels, as well as new 19-inch wheels. Underneath, the suspension has been completely redesigned, with all-new geometry, a new steering setup and better tires-all of which combine to make for a much more solid and precise feel behind the wheel. Chrysler's Pentastar 3.6L V6 has been added to the line, replacing last year's 3.5L V6, making a full 283 horsepower. Inside, the Journey's interior has been revamped, with new materials and updated gauges based on the company's PowerNet electrical architecture, which allows for the addition of a new optional touchscreen central command center known as UConnect Touch. |
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| Value Writeup |
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| Updated handling, seating for up to seven, available all-wheel drive, powerful new V6 engine |
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