Comparing Apples to Apples
Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

Let’s get one thing completely straight: the next time I hear somebody criticize the Dodge Journey for not delivering premium levels of interior materials quality I’m gonna flick him on a side of his ear with my middle finger for not thinking before he speaks.

2010 Dodge Journey

First of all, the Dodge Journey has a pretty good interior all-round compared to a number of its competitors, except for a couple of substandard items such as a difficult-to-open central storage bin atop the dash and a really cheesy feeling glove compartment lid. The dash itself is soft-touch plastic all the way across, and there are soft squishy plastics elsewhere in the interior too, which is something that Toyota can’t say for its much lauded Highlander; the Japanese car is all hard and cheap inside, but you won’t hear the pundits complain despite an entry fee (you’d better sit down for this) that’s $13,455 more expensive.

That’s right. Putting things into perspective you can purchase a new Journey for the price of a mid-priced Corolla or a Matrix with a few extras. And that’s before working a deal! Believe me when I say that Dodge is quite willing to negotiate on the Journey with either cash discounts or enticing financing packages, so let’s put things into perspective when criticizing small insignificant details that may or may not even hold water, shall we my fellow auto scribes?

I had a 2010 Journey recently, and have to say that it left me scratching my head as to how Auburn Hills could do it. And the sub-$20k price tag isn’t something the automaker’s new Italian owner Fiat dreamed up after Chrysler emerged looking relatively unscathed from US bankruptcy court. A special “Journey SE Canada Value Package” has been part of the offering since the crossover SUV debuted last year as a 2009 model, and it’s not a stripper either thanks to power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, ABS-enhanced four-wheel discs, traction and stability control, plus side curtain airbags for all window passengers, earning it a top safety pick from the US IIHS for 2009. What’s more, 2010 models get something the 2009s didn’t; driver and front passenger active head restraints for better whiplash protection. Even the non-Value Package SE is a great deal at $21,495, and comes well-featured too with heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, floor console, power locks, dual glovebox with Chill Zone beverage holder, illuminated cupholders, a tilt and telescopic wheel, a 60/40 split-folding second-row seat with child presentation feature, six-CD/MP3 stereo, and tire pressure monitoring system. And by the way, base models get 16-inch steel wheels with covers inside 225/70R16 all-season tires.

The SXT adds 17-inch alloy rims wrapped with 225/65R17 all-season touring rubber, a touring suspension upgrade, tinted glass, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlamps, a six-way power driver’s seat, a trip computer with temperature and compass, overhead console with conversation mirror, a 115-volt outlet within the centre stack, a rechargeable flashlight conveniently integrated within the wall of the rear cargo area, a cargo net, front passenger in-seat storage, grocery bag hooks, illuminated vanity mirrors, YES Essentials stain-resistant fabric, fold-flat front passenger seat, keyless entry, security alarm and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. And by the way, all-wheel drive models add 19-inch alloy wheels framed by 225/55R19 all-season touring tires, a special performance suspension and fog lamps.

2010 Dodge Journey

The R/T includes the 19-inch alloy wheels and suspension upgrades that the SXT AWD gets, as well as heated leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and a remote starter, full-length floor console, garage door opener, roof rack side rails, plus front and rear interior LED lights.

Other options include a backup camera, MyGig infotainment system, rear-seat DVD system with a larger 9-inch screen, new for 2010, and a trailer towing package. And incidentally, there may be a few changes to this list of standard and optional features, as not all 2010 details had been made public when the review was published, so it’s best to confirm with www.dodge.ca before railing on the poor dealer about what comes and doesn’t’ come with a specific model. Believe me. He’s been through enough this year.

I really like the rear seat access which features rear doors that open 90 degrees for ideal ingress and egress to the second and third row. And yes, while all models come standard with a five occupant maximum, they can be upgraded with another row of seats for a total of seven. That seven-occupant model can stow 302 litre (10.7 cu-ft) behind its third row, by the way, and 1,049 litres (37.1 cu-ft) with the split-folding second row folded completely flat (and it does fold completely flat), while both rear rows laid flat yields 1,915 litres (67.7 cu-ft) of cargo capacity. The Journey can tow 1,600 kilos (3,500 lbs) with the V6, incidentally, and 450 kg (1,000 lbs) in base four-cylinder trim.

My tester was a midrange SXT, just like last year’s Journey, and it was outfitted much the same as well, with a top-tier audio system featuring a touch-screen display for accessing the AM/FM/Sirius satellite radio, CD player and 30G hard drive with USB connectivity for uploading songs, photos, etc. It sounds great and its standard auxiliary connection was easy to hook up, delivering hours of my favorite tunes. I tend to listen to satellite radio mostly, however, being a big fan of Sirius 20, 21 and 24, which translated are “Alt Nation”, all that’s new in the alternative rock genre, “First Wave”, late ’70 and ‘80s stuff that was cool when I thought I was cool, and “Lithium” that mostly plays ‘90s grunge, a music type I have long had a personal love affair with. I should mention that the UConnect hands-free cell phone connectivity system comes as part of this upgrade package, and a navigation system can be had for added coin, but then again the touch-screen interface comes with the upgrade without having to spring for the nav, while the screen automatically transforms into a backup camera when reversing, another bonus.

I was a bit disappointed that, like the SXT we tested last year, the new one didn’t include automatic climate control, although its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system was easy to modulate via really high quality switchgear. Again, I get back to the criticisms Dodge has received for this interior and I just don’t get it. The chrome trimmed buttons feel good, look good and work well, so what’s the issue exactly? And that Toyota Highlander I mentioned earlier that’ll cost you a discounted Caliber for your college-bound son or daughter (or a Yaris if you’re so inclined), has large plastic buttons and knobs that look rough and ready but feel comparatively cheap and insubstantial to the fingers, and while I mentioned the Highlander’s substandard plastics while the Journey gets the aforementioned soft-touch surfaces on the dash, door and centre armrests, as well as some textured metal embellishment around the audio and HVAC interface, plus a two-tone black and gray colour scheme which includes seats that are made of premium cloth, for some reason it gets no respect from auto pundits.

What matters more, of course, is what you the consumer does with your hard earned cash or credit, and to this end the Journey is Canada’s number one selling crossover out of 39 competitors. Obviously price plays a big part in this achievement, but so does the availability of desirable features, an important motivator when selling to families; and Dodge certainly has experience with this market from years of minivan leadership. After all, the Journey was really conceived to replace the regular wheelbase Caravan and has obviously done so effectively, so expect an accommodating interior including the aforementioned optional third row seats, a second row that moves forward and rearward to accommodate various body types, decent room aft of the third row for a couple of suitcases, and much more available when the 60/40 middle seat is dropped. Like the Grand Caravan there are numerous large hidden storage spaces too, like under the front passenger’s seat where a convenient bin that uses the seat cushion as a lid is available for valuables. Additionally, there are two lidded storage bins under the floor, each capable of stowing 24 beverage cans, as well as two in the optional ChillZone glovebox. Add them all together and you might be surprised with the Journey’s 18 separate storage compartments.

2010 Dodge Journey

Another minivan-like bonus is integrated child seats. A quick tug on the release lever lets the cushion insert pop upwards and lock into place, providing an elevated view for your child. As important, the seats stow out of the way when not in use.

Being strapped down inside might be critical for safety reasons, but its seatbelts won’t be needed to keep driver and passengers in place while attacking the corners, at least not on purpose. Let’s face it. The Journey’s on-road prowess isn’t going to motivate anyone to push it to extremes. It handles, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t really feel all that nimble as it leans into the tighter, faster corners. Really, its forte is ride quality, and to that end it delivers a nice, smooth experience.

Likewise, its six-speed automatic is really smooth, delivering quiet, immediate shifts on its own or via its AutoStick manual mode shifter, while the 3.5-litre V6 with 235-horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque is easily capable of all that’s asked of it while maintaining a calm, dignified composure. I’ve tried the base Journey’s 2.4-litre four before and it’s not a bad lump with 173-hp and 166 lb-ft of torque at its disposal, but the six delivers much better performance in a more mature fashion. Then again, if fuel economy is important and you’re not compromising the estimated mileage by your real world situation (i.e. loading it full with people and/or cargo, traveling up and down hills at varying speeds, etc), then the 2.4 might be the way to go thanks to a rating of 11.0L/100km in the city and 7.9 on the highway, despite only incorporating a four-speed automatic; 2009 ratings for the V6 with front-wheel drive are an estimated 13.5 and 8.6 respectively, while the all-wheel drive six got 14.2 and 8.9 last year. I mention the US because Canada hasn’t yet adjusted its ratings to reflect a 1mpg improvement with V6-equipped Journeys. Both engines take regular fuel too, saving even more money.

At the end of the day the 2010 Dodge Journey doesn’t satisfy all of the needs of the regular-wheelbase Caravan customer it has been targeted to woo, but as far as midsize crossovers go it’s a really innovative compromise, offering minivan-like features at a very bottom-end domestic minivan price point. Yes, the Journey is all about value, and to that end Canada’s number one selling crossover is obviously hitting the nail right on the head.