The top-of-the-line R/T AWD adds 19-inch tires and alloy wheels, performance suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats, premium instrument cluster with vehicle information display, remote starter, and garage door opener.
 2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge |
My 2010 Journey R/T test vehicle was equipped with $3,500 worth of options: the Flexible Seating Group ($1,275), the Safe and Sound Group ($775), the Convenience Group II ($450) (hands-free Uconnect phone with voice activation, iPod control, auto dimming rearview mirror with microphone, air filter, roof rail crossbars, and interior LED lighting); second row seats with two integrated booster seats ($250); 19-inch aluminum chromed wheels ($600); and Trailer Tow Prep Group ($225) which includes a trailer hitch with 4-pin connector and engine oil cooler.
Interestingly, 2010 Dodge Journey MSRPs have dropped slightly since the beginning of the model year. My R/T test vehicle had a base price of $29,895, but the current MSRP is $27,395. The total price of my test vehicle with a Freight charge of $1,400 and a/c tax of $100 came to $34,920. The new MSRP would drop this price by $2,500. And at the time of writing, Chrysler was offering an additional $2,500 “Consumer Bonus” discount.
        2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge |
All Journeys come with five seats, and the third row is optional as part of the aforementioned Flexible Seating Group, as pictured in my test vehicle. Thanks to the sliding, “clamshell” second row seats, it’s comparatively easy to get into and out of the third row, but the high floor in the third row keeps passengers knees up under their chins. The third row is best for smaller children.
The second row seats are much more comfortable and there’s plenty of headroom, kneeroom, and footroom under the front seats. The centre seatback folds down to act as an armrest with built-in cupholders. Both second and third row seatbacks recline for relaxing on long drives. My test vehicle had the optional pop-up booster seats in the second row for youngsters who’ve outgrown their child seats. As well, there are 12-volt and 115-volt outlets available for second row passengers’ game devices and computers.
Front row passengers are the most comfortable, and the R/T includes two-step seat heaters and driver’s power height and manual lumbar adjusters. A manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel is standard.
Criticisms of the Journey often focus on the design and layout of the dashboard, and there is room for improvement. In particular, the dated-looking instrument cluster and the hard, rather cheap-looking dash plastics. As well, like many Dodge vehicles, the dashboard is quite high and a bit intimidating. Still, in terms of functionality, I have few complaints: the backlit gauges are easy to read, and the heater and radio controls are simple to operate. Some reviewers have complained about the low position of the information screen, but I found it easy to reach and operate the touch-screen buttons. The big shift lever falls easily to hand and the cupholders are located where a spill won’t cause a catastrophe, although they could use some cup grippers.
Interior storage options are numerous, starting with the glovebox, another upper glovebox with can holders and air-conditioned chilling function; a dashtop covered storage box; an open storage bin at the bottom of the centre console and another behind the shift lever; and a deep bin under the centre armrest. There’s also a hidden storage compartment under the front seat cushion, and two hidden storage bins in the floor behind the front seats. At the rear, behind the third seats, is another underfloor compartment. I give Dodge top marks for storage solutions.
Speaking of utility, all of the seatbacks in the Journey R/T, except the driver’s seat (for obvious reasons), will fold flat. Long, bulky objects, such as dressers, TVs, lamps, and even beds can be fit inside the Journey’s cargo area. With the front seats moved forwards a couple of inches, and with the second and third row seats folded down, I was able to slide in a single boxspring and mattress and close the hatch behind them! With the second and third row seatbacks folded flat the cargo floor length is 195 cm (77 in.). Cargo width is 107 cm (42 in.) and height is 76 cm (30 in.). With the front passenger seatback folded flat, the cargo length is 279 cm (110 in.) – over 9 feet!
