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July 23, 2010
 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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