2010 Dodge Journey Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The 2010 Dodge Journey is Chrysler's only three-row midsize crossover. Launched in 2008 as a 2009 model, it received a relatively cold welcome thanks to its underwhelming engines and poorly-designed interior, shortcomings that it has carried into its second year on the market.
Built on the same platform as the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger sedans (the latter of which it shares front end styling with), the Journey can be had with two or three rows of seats, but the three-row variant is a seven-passenger vehicle in name only. The third row has a mere 23.4-inches of leg room, which will be cramped for just about anyone. With 33.6-inches of leg room available, the second-row will be fairly cramped as well, particularly for taller adults. Maximum cargo volume with both rear rows of seats folded is a decent 67.6 cubic-feet, though with both rows up it shrinks to a mere 10.7 cubic-feet.
Bottom line: this CUV badly needs a new interior and better motivation.
Bodystyles: Crossover SUVEngines: 2.4L I-4, 3.5L V-6Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic, Models: SE, SXT, R/T
For its second year, the Dodge Journey receives a few minor tweaks and updates. Notably, SXT and R/T models get an extra mpg of fuel economy on the highway and a nine-inch entertainment system screen, an "Eco" lamp is added to the gauge cluster, and active head restraints for front occupants and four-wheel anti-lock brakes become standard across the range.
The Journey's front end looks similar to that of the Avenger sedan while carrying a resemblance to the Grand Caravan minivan from the sides and rear. SXT and R/T models receive dual chromed exhaust tips.
The Journey's interior is lacking both in design and quality and the third row of seats has enough leg room only for children and small adults. A rear-seat entertainment system is available, as is a 368-watt stereo.
The Journey SE's 173 horsepower, 2.4-liter I-4 with 166 pound-feet of torque is mated to an ancient four-speed automatic that hampers performance and fuel economy when it tries to move this nearly two-ton crossover. The 235 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 is fitted to a six-speed automatic, but lacks power compared to the competition.
All Journey models come standard with front seat side airbags and front side-curtain airbags in addition to the mandatory dual-front airbags. Front-seat occupants also get standard active head restraints. Stability control is standard as well.
SE: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highwaySXT, R/T FWD: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highwaySXT, R/T AWD: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway
- Available AWD
- Four-speed automatic
- Underpowered engines
- Lacking interior quality
- Cramped third row
The Avenger of CUVs
- Ford Edge
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Toyota Highlander
