 2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge |
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2010 Dodge Journey
When it was introduced in 2008 as a 2009 model, the Dodge Journey was essentially a replacement for the discontinued short wheelbase Caravan minivan, which for many years was the most popular vehicle sold in Canada. The Journey isn’t quite as roomy as the Caravan and doesn’t have rear sliding side doors, but it is available with seven seats, and has a long list of “family-friendly” features such as stain-resistant cloth seats, fold-flat second and third-row seatbacks, optional fold-flat front passenger seatback, optional pop-up booster seats in the second row, convex “conversation mirror” so that parents can see their children in the rear seats, pop-can cooler in the glovebox, a hidden storage compartment under the front passenger seat, second-row in-floor storage bins, optional rear heating and air conditioning controls, optional UConnect hands-free phone, iPod control, Sirius satellite radio, DVD player and rear video screen, navigation system, 12-volt power outlets and 115-volt power outlet.
Journeys with the standard five passenger configuration have a handy underfloor storage compartment at the rear where the third row seats would be, and a folding floor panel that can be converted into a “grocery bag” position.
 2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge |
Compared to other crossovers on the market, the Journey is well-priced: the base four-cylinder, front-wheel drive Journey “Canada Value Package”, new for 2010, has an MSRP of just $18,745 plus $1,400 Freight charge. And while many of its “family-friendly” features are optional, their option prices are reasonable. For example, the popular Flexible Seating Group ($1,375) includes the second row 40/60 split tilt & slide seats with centre folding armrest and easy entry seat system, third row 50/50 folding seatbacks, air conditioning with dual-zone front temperature controls and separate rear air conditioning/heater controls and vents. Dual second-row booster seats ($250) are great for kids who’ve outgrown child seats and this option also includes a manual driver’s lumbar adjuster. The Safe and Sound Group ($775) includes a 6.5-inch colour dash screen, 30-GB hard drive with 6,700-song capacity, CD/DVD/HDD player, and rear back-up camera; and UConnect Phone with Voice Command ($350) includes Bluetooth hands-free phone, audio voice activation of audio controls, iPod control, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The Journey R/T model is also available with all-wheel drive for improved winter traction and stability.
It’s clear that the Journey is designed for families, particularly those with children under 18 – and with pricing that is more affordable than most competitors. Let’s take a closer look at what the Journey offers.
   2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge |
2010 Dodge Journeys come in four trim levels: SE Canada Value ($18,745), SE Plus ($20,745), SXT ($23,295), and R/T ($27,395). SE Canada Value and SE Plus models have a 173-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission, while SXT and R/T models come with a 235-hp 3.5-litre V6 and six-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The SE Canada Value, SE Plus and SXT models are front-wheel drive while the R/T is all-wheel drive only.
Standard stuff in the SE Canada Value model includes seating for five, 16-inch tires and steel wheels, air conditioning, “Stain Repel” cloth seats, 60/40 split-folding second-row seatbacks, AM/FM/6-CD/DVD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input and six speakers, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows and locks, keyless entry, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, front active head restraints, “Chill Zone” cooled upper glovebox, illuminated entry, and second-row in-floor storage bins.
The base model is also well equipped with safety features: six airbags (front, side, curtain), front active head restraints, traction and stability control, rollover sensors, four disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, child locks, and rear child seat anchors and tether hooks.
However, some features are not available in the Canada Value model, including Sirius satellite radio, premium speakers with subwoofer, and Rear Seat Video group.
The Journey SE Plus adds a roof rack with crossbars, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather shift knob, alarm, privacy glass, illuminated vanity mirrors, overhead console, front and rear floor mats, conversation mirror, cruise control, Sirius satellite radio with one-year subscription, and sliding cargo cover.
The SXT adds the V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlamps, body-coloured heated mirrors, six-way power driver’s seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 115-volt power outlet, and cargo net.
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!
 2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge |
My Journey R/T tester had the 3.5-litre SOHC 24-valve V6 engine. In my opinion, this is the engine to buy because of the Journey’s hefty curb weight of 1,920 kg (4,233 lbs). I haven’t driven the four-cylinder Journey, but with 25 per cent less horsepower and torque, my guess is that it would feel underpowered. In independent acceleration tests conducted by AJAC, the Journey V6 reached 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, a decent time for a heavy vehicle, but slower than a Ford Flex (9.1 sec) and a Hyundai Santa Fe (9.0 sec).
The V6, in combination with its six-speed automatic transmission (the four-cylinder has a four-speed automatic), is also smoother and quieter than the four-cylinder. On the freeway, the V6 engine does just 1,600 rpm at 100 km/h in sixth gear, and there’s sufficient torque to accelerate around slower vehicle when necessary, although I found the transmission likes to stay in higher gears to improve fuel economy, and is occasionally reluctant to shift down when sudden acceleration is required. That’s when the transmission’s manual shifting capability (tap left to shift down, right to shift up) comes in handy.
 2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge |
The V6 also has a higher towing capacity than the four: 1588 kg (3,500 lb.) vs 454 kg (1,000 lb) for the four-cylinder model.
Fuel economy, of course, is not as good. Energuide ratings for the Journey V6 AWD are (L/100 km city/hwy) 13.6/8.7 vs the Journey four-cylinder FWD with 11.0/7.9. Compared to its V6 competitors, the Journey V6 is also thirstier: fuel economy ratings (L/100 km, city/hwy) for the Ford Flex are 13.5/9.1, Toyota Venza 11.5/7.9, and Hyundai Santa Fe (10.1/7.6). In my week-long test drive, I averaged about 13 L/100 km. Mid-grade (89 octane) gasoline is recommended, but Regular grade (87 octane) is acceptable, says Dodge.
Four wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and brake assist are standard on all Journeys, and AJAC braking tests show a 100 km/h to zero braking distance of 45.6 metres (150 ft.) – that compares to 40.9 metres (134 ft.) for the Ford Flex, 42.1 metres (138 ft.) for the Toyota Venza, and 43.9 metres (144 ft.) for the Santa Fe.
The Journey R/T’s all-wheel drive system is basically invisible to the driver and passengers. It’s an electronically controlled coupling that sends torque to the rear wheels only when it senses slip at the front wheels.
 2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge |
Somewhat surprisingly, the Journey has a fully independent suspension: front MacPherson struts and rear multi-links. Though the R/T’s “performance-tuned” suspension is slightly stiffer than other Journey’s, the R/T’s ride is very comfortable and bumps and pavement cracks are absorbed well. Interior noise and vibrations are minimal. Handling is well-controlled, but the Journey feels heavy and the steering is vague with low steering effort. Chrysler’s specifications state that the Journey front-wheel drive model with its Kumho Solus 225/55R-19-inch all-season tires has a turning circle of 11.9 m (39 ft.), and the AWD model is probably wider. Drivers will find that this limits their manoeuvrability in tight cornering situations.
The driver’s visibility to the front and rear is very good and the rear-view camera displayed in the dash monitor helps when backing in to tight parking spaces.
Overall, I found the Journey a comfortable, quiet, easy to drive vehicle with a smooth engine and responsive transmission, but rather thirsty fuel consumption. Though the Journey doesn’t quite match the performance or quality of some of its competitors, it is also considerably less expensive and comes with a three-year/60,000 km full warranty and five-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty with roadside assistance.
It should also be mentioned that the 2010 Dodge Journey was recently chosen as a “Top Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its frontal offset crash tests.
A reasonably priced and practical seven-passenger vehicle with many family-friendly features, the Dodge Journey R/T V6 AWD is a comfortable, roomy vehicle that could use some interior updating.
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Pricing: 2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD
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