New sheet metal has freshened up the exterior, and roof rails are among its
standard offerings. SXT editions have fancy platinum accents. The tasteful new
interior has a nicer material quality. The new design is smooth and simple with
the right organization and spaciousness to make a family feel at home. The Dodge
Journey's dashboard is sleek and dressy with a soft-touch feel that fits
its modern style. The front row seats are American-sized, according to the
reviewers at the Car Connection. The second row seats can recline for greater
comfort. These seats can tilt and slide as needed for access to the third row.
The available third row immediately increases seating to seven. The Journey
also offers built-in child booster seats, a real plus for busy parents who
value their children's safety.
When it comes to value, the 2016 Dodge Journey really piles on the features.
This contemporary SUV has push button start and a standard touchscreen. The SUV
has helpful in-floor storage and an available in-seat hidden compartment. The
standard power-cool glove box makes it easy to keep formula or juice ready for
babies or toddlers. The large 37-cu.ft. cargo hold quickly expands, even
achieving greater length with the fold-flat front passenger seat. The Car Connection
notes that the fold-flat seats actually create a lower, flatter load floor than
many rivals. The climate controls are offered in a tri-zone format for greater
passenger comfort. A power sunroof adds a dash of the outdoors to the daily
drive. Leather upholstery is a major attraction on higher editions. Other
favorite features include a heated steering wheel and power seats with seat
heaters.
On the dash, two available UConnect touchscreens offer class-leading
capability. The 8.4-inch display comes with Bluetooth audio streaming and
hands-free texting. Voice commands make it easy to interact with its audio and
navigation functions. Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and many other critics call
this system one of the best available. Other tech features include a remote
starter and a rear entertainment center.
Two powertrains offer up excellent power and fuel economy. The most
fuel-efficient is the 177-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with front-wheel drive.
The second is a 283-horsepower V-6, which comes with a choice of front- or
all-wheel drive. The V-6 is standard on the R/T edition and any other edition
with all-wheel drive. The Car Connection reports that the suspension is
well-damped, making ride quality a strong point.
The two-row Journey is offered as an SE model while the three-row is available
on the SXT, Crossroad, Crossroad Plus and R/T trim levels. Dodge changed the
number of trims, actually reducing prices on three editions. The pricing scheme
continues to undercut rivals, especially when compared with other three-row
choices.