I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the 2015 Dodge Journey CUV.
My conclusion: this is literally the most vehicle you can buy for your money.
I drove the base model, which I always prefer as it allows for an undistracted experience. The lack of toys, makes it easier to focus on the chassis, the foundation of a car.
When I say its the most vehicle for your money, I am referring to the sheer size of the Journey in relation to its starting price.
Last night I saw one on a dealer lot priced at $18,995.00 Canadian. Bear in mind this price reflects the year end/Boxing week specials.
To me the Journey looks like a 4 door hatch back whose genetics were spliced with a minivan.
The door openings are vast and will allow for the easiest loading experience you could ask for.
The tailgate opens high enough for my 6’2″ to stand below, albeit cautiously. The load lift over height is ergonomically spot on, especially if your a taller person.
As for the storage space, it is near mini-van volume. The base model, with 5 passenger seating, boasts a seats down cargo volume of 67.6 cu.ft., and seats up volume of 39.6 cu.ft.
The rear seats are 60/40 split fold downs, and comfortably sat my 6’5″ brother with the drivers seat all the way back, his knees just grazing the seat back.
In the rear seat area, the floor space for both outboard passengers, have storage compartments accessed by a hinged lid, large enough to store some toys, spare clothes, tools or whatever you need.
The trunk area also features below the floor storage, which would be handy on a trip to the mall of touring a new town, keeping your valuables neatly out of site.
The base Journey comes with cruise control, power door locks, power windows, dual zone climate control, 17-inch wheels and tires, electronic stability control (ESC), Brake Assist, traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), seven air bags (dual-front, side and full-length side curtain airbags and driver’s knee airbag), active front head restraints, 4.3-inch touchscreen Uconnect Media Center, Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start, premium soft-touch surfaces,, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a remote USB port and auxiliary input jack and a tire-pressure monitoring display.
The standard engine is a VVT-2.4L 4 cylinder, which likes 87 octane gasoline, and produces 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque.
Mated to a 4-speed automatic, the fuel consumption estimates are 12.4L/100km-19 mpg city, and 9L/100km- 26 mpg highway.
On the road the 2.4L has ample power that is delivered in a smooth manner. If you wish to tow you should opt for the 3.6L V6.
The 3.6L offers up 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and comes attached to a 6-speed automatic.
With the larger engine you can also choose AWD.
Fuel economy is estimated at 13.8L/100km- 17 mpg city and 9.4L/100km-25 mpg highway with FWD; 14.7L/100km-16 mpg city and 9.8L/100km-24 mpg highway with AWD.
The interior provides comfortable and surprisingly supportive front seats.
The handsome one piece dash is finished in soft touch material and the controls for A/C, heat and radio are well placed and easy to operate, with redundant knobs and switches for those who are not comfortable with the touch screen format.
The 2016 Dodge Journey really is a tough competitor in the CUV/SUV market, offering a lot of space, versatility and tech for your money.
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