2012 Dodge Journey

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New for 2012, the Dodge Journey comes with an American Value Package.  This package comes equipped with Uconnect Touch 8.4 multimedia system with navigation that gains voice-recognition technology, song-tagging capability and an eco-routing feature.  The base Dodge Journey comes with Chrysler's 2.4-liter 173 horsepower four-cylinder engine and a four speed automatic transmission, but a 3.6 L engine Pentastar V-6 that churns out 283 horsepower with a six speed automatic transmission is available.  The Journey is the only model in the U.S. to offer five or seven passenger seating, four or six cylinder engines, and a choice of front or all-wheel drive. The model also stands out with best-in-class storage flexibility with the ability to fold the front passenger seat flat and in-seat storage for extra room.

'12 Dodge Journey Interior

The Dodge Journey comes with an American Value Package that includes Uconnect Touch 8.4 multimedia system with navigation that gains voice-recognition technology, song-tagging capability and an eco-routing feature.  This package also includes seven airbags, air conditioning, power accessories, heated power mirrors, a 4.3-inch touch-screen, satellite radio, USB controls and a passive entry system with push-button start.  All Journeys have a dual-level glove box with Dodge's Chill Zone up top. Chill Zone uses the air conditioning system to keep up to four soda cans cool.  The front passenger seat bottom flips up to reveal a storage bin that has about enough room for a good-sized purse. The seat back also folds flat, allowing items up to nine feet long to be loaded into the Journey.  Furthermore the Journey also has two in-floor storage bins with removable liners. Each bin can hold up to six soda cans plus ice.

Exterior of the '12 Dodge Journey

The Dodge Journey has an aggressive looking front end due to its crosshair grille, lower bumper styling and flared fenders.  Some other  exterior features include standard 16-inch steel wheels with 17- or 19-inch aluminum rims optional, standard power heated side mirrors, dual exhaust tips with optional V-6, optional roof rails, optional LED taillights, optional front fog lights and an optional power sunroof.

Model Lineup

The 2011 Dodge Journey is offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, R/T, Crew, and Lux. The Express is only available with front-wheel drive and the 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with Dodge's AutoStick manual shiftgate. The other 2011 Journey models have a new 3.6-liter V6 with 283 horsepower, fitted to a 6-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick and are offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). Journey Express comes with cloth upholstery, cruise control, air conditioning with dual-zone manual climate control, Chill Zone beverage storage bin, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, 4.3-inch touchscreen, auxiliary input jack, USB port, power windows, power heated exterior mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, driver's seat height adjustment, 60/40-split-folding second-row seat, automatic-off headlights, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, and P225/70R16 all season tires on steel wheels.

Journey Mainstreet and Mainstreet AWD add leather-wrapped steering wheel, Sirius satellite radio, floor mats, rear cargo cover, and P225/65R17 tires on aluminum wheels. Journey R/T and R/T AWD upgrade to dual-zone automatic climate control, 6-way power driver's seat, 4-way power fold-flat front passenger seat, 8.4-inch touchscreen, SD card slot, UConnect Phone wireless cell-phone link, voice recognition, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, 115-volt power outlet, conversation mirror, automatic headlights, fog lights, removable/rechargeable LED flashlight, and P225/55R19 tires on aluminum wheels. It deletes the roof rails.

Journey Crew and Crew AWD add three-zone automatic climate control with rear controls, second-row 60/40 Tilt 'n Slide reclining seat, third-row 50/50 split-folding seat, and remote engine starting. Journey Lux and Lux AWD get leather upholstery, heated front seats, rearview camera, rear park assist, Bluetooth streaming audio, pre-programmed hands-free texting, and chrome alloy wheels.

Safety Features of the '12 Dodge Journey

Electronic Stability Control, which is standard on all models of the Journey, is a very important safety feature.  Electronic Stability Control senses wheel slippage and responds automatically to help the driver gain control.  Another important safety feature, which is standard on all Journey models are airbags. There are seven airbags that are strategically located within the vehicle.  They are advanced multistage driver and front passenger airbags, supplemental driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, supplemental side-curtain airbags in all rows and driver inflatable knee-bolster air bag.  AWD or all-wheel drive anticipates the need for added traction and responds to wheel slippage by transferring power to all wheels. This gives greater driving performance and increased safety and security. The system operates only on demand, avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption  This safety feature is available on the Mainstreet, R/T, Crew and Lux.

Conclusions

The Journey has one of the nicest interiors in the class, as well as an intelligent design with family-friendly entertainment and versatility features. For the young family on the go, the Journey will offer a pleasant ride, plenty of room, and enough space and entertainment options to keep the kids comfortable and occupied. If you are looking for a new vehicle in 2012, do not forget to check out the Dodge Journey.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com