2010 Dodge Journey

The ongoing trend among today’s crossover SUV has progressively changed – from being a regular vehicle into a sophisticated people carrier. Other than that, crossover vehicles are also designed to stand out more in bad weather and on bad roads. And the 2010 Dodge Journey speaks volumes of why it remains popular in today’s SUV segment.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Crossover MSRP: $22,245.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.5 gallons (77 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 26 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 192.4 in. (488 cm) Width: 72.2 in. (183 cm)
Height: 66.6 in. (169 cm) Wheel Base: 113.8 in. (289 cm)
Curb Weight: 3796 lbs (1721 kg) Ground Clearance: 7.3 in. (18.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 39.7 cu ft Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: 16-valve VVT DOHC 4-cylinder Displacement: 2.4-liter
Horsepower: 173 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic VLP
0-60 mph: 9.6 seconds 1/4 Mile: 17.1 seconds
Available Trims & Engine
Option:2011 Journey Mainstreet MSRP: $24,445; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Option:2011 Journey R/T MSRP: $28,445; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Option:2011 Journey Crew MSRP: $28,445; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Option:2011 Journey Mainstreet AWD MSRP: $26,145; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:2011 Journey Crew AWD MSRP: $30,145; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:2011 Journey R/T AWD MSRP: $30,145; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:2011 Journey LUX AWD MSRP: $33,645; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy

Performance

This current Dodge car offers different trim levels. Under the hood of the base model known as Journey SE is a 2.4L four cylinder engine which produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque and is paired with four-speed automatic transmission. The SXT and R/T trims come with 3.5 liter V6 engine rated at 235 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque and matched with six-speed automatic transmission that can also be manually shifted to offer significant gains in performance and economy.

These trim levels are available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. According to EPA, the FWD can do 19 mpg city and 25 mpg in highway use. On the other hand, the AWD offers a fuel efficiency rate of 15/23 mpg city/highway.

Exterior & Interior

The youthful exuberance of 2010 Dodge Journey starts from the outside with its clean but bold body style. This SUV’s size is also well proportioned to city streets and average garage parking. Any model would turn heads in traffic with its chromed crosshair grille and headlamps and it is also eye catching especially at the front with the Dodge Ram’s head logo. The SE trim displays 16-inch steel wheels and a keyless entry; the SXT comes with upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, programmed headlamps and heated side mirrors; and the R/T model is striking on the outside with its 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Dodge Journey can comfortably seat up to seven adults depending on its trim level and can even accommodate a weekend’s worth of luggage or groceries. The base SE features a tilt-and telescoping steering wheel, modern accessories and a six-speaker stereo which also includes a six-disc CD/MP3 changer. The SXT’s enhanced interior exhibits technology advancements such as satellite radio, six-way power driver seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 115-volt power outlet.

This is also more user-friendly with its stain-resistant upholstery. And the Dodge Journey R/T’s premium features include dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, leather upholstery and heated front seats. The steering wheel with audio controls is also state-of-the-art. With its Bluetooth & iPod compatibility and hard-drive based navigation which incorporates voice commands and real-time traffic monitoring, travel is a delight to any technology savvy individual.

Safety & Reliability

The 2010 Dodge Journey offers impressive safety systems like antilock disc brakes to avoid uncontrollable skids, traction control for car’s protection in slippery roads, and active front head restraints, front-seat airbags & side curtain airbags to help reduce the risk of injury. A rearview camera and second-row child booster seats are optional for added protection. Also inclusive in upper trims are Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM) and Trailer-sway Control (TSC).

In terms of safety, the Journey is competitive with other SUVs. The federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a high rating in front, side and rear crash tests and roof strength assessment. With its standard electronic stability control, the Dodge journey earned a “Top Safety Pick” award. With regards to Predicted Reliability rating, J.D. Power gave the 2010 Journey with a score of 5.0 out of 10. This crossover SUV also offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile transferable power train warranty.

The Competition

The Toyota RAV4 (MSRP $22,475; 22 city / 28 hwy)costs only $1,000 more than the Journey, but it has more advanced interior and better fuel economy which rates at 22/28 mpg city/highway. Moreover, a third-row seat is available in RAV4’s base model. The basic Subaru Tribeca (MSRP $30,495; 16 city / 21 hwy) is also an option.

Pros & Cons

The Journey may have an improved interior but the excessive use of hard plastics and unpadded materials do not justify its expensive price. Though it was able to pass the examinations conducted by authorized institutions, still the Journey received safety recalls.

On the positive side, this Dodge vehicle’s base price is the lowest in its SUV category. According to Edmunds, it has sufficient legroom. And the overflowing futuristic accessories on the inside are first class and unbeatable.

Overall Rating
79 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2010 Dodge Journey crossover is a mini-minivan and excels in features and safety, but the driving experience leaves a lot to be desired.”Car Connection

“All Journeys have responsive steering with little on-center slop. Softly sprung SE models suffer from a surprising amount of lean in cornering. Tested SXT and R/T models are better poised around corners. All models have responsive brakes with reassuring pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“The 2010 Dodge Journey adds driver and front passenger active head restraints and a larger 9-inch screen for the available entertainment system. The fuel economy rating for the Journey SXT and R/T equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 increase by 1 mpg.”MSN

“The 2010 Dodge Journey offers minivan conveniences without the minivan stigma and pricing, but it’s not refined or capable enough to earn our recommendation.”Edmunds

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