- Pentastar V6 engine has power and efficiency
- Interior storage options
- Comfortable ride
- Seven seat capacity and versatile flat folding seats
- Front seats lack support and no driver’s foot rest
- Suspension lacks body control
- Light steering lacks feel
- For turbo-diesel engine, hesitation on take-off
- Poor interior fit and finish
Review: Dodge JC.I Journey (2008-11)
Overview
Released in September 2008, the Dodge JC Series I (JC.I) Journey was initially available as a seven seat people mover. Manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, the front-wheel drive Journey was available with either a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit. As per the table below, the Journey was available in SXT and better-equipped R/T editions.
In March 2010, the Journey range underwent a minor update and the SXT was solely available as a five-seat model.
Engines
Of these engines,
- the 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine had an aluminium block, cast-iron cylinder liners, aluminium double overhead camshaft cylinder heads, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.9:1; and,
- the 2.0-litre Volkswagen turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, Pumpe Duse direct injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the Dodge JS Avenger with which it shared its platform, the Journey was 38 mm longer (at 4888 mm), 35 mm wider (1878 mm), 248 mm taller (1745 mm) and had a 125 mm longer wheelbase (2890 mm). Furthermore, the Journey had MacPherson strut suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both front and rear suspension had coil springs and anti-roll bars).
| Variant | Edition | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L V6 | SXT, R/T |
2.7-litre petrol V6 | 6sp auto | 136 kW at 5500 rpm | 256 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 2.0L CRD | R/T | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp DCT | 103 kW at 4000 rpm | 310 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Dodge JC Journey included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows of seats), ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover stability control (‘electronic rollover mitigation’) and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The 2.0L CRD was also fitted with a ‘hill start assist’ function.
From March 2010, the Journey was fitted with active front seat head restraints as standard.
Features
Standard features for the Dodge Journey SXT included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary inputs, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front and rear fog lamps, remote central locking, power windows mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, tyre pressure sensors, four 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Inside, the Journey SXT’s second row seats had flip and slide functions, while the third row of seats had a 50/50 split and reclining seatbacks; there was also an under-floor storage compartment and stain- and odour-resistant seat fabrics. In March 2010, standard features were extended to include UV-protecting tinted glass windows and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.
Compared to the SXT, the Journey R/T was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, roof rails and chrome highlights. From March 2009, the R/T was fitted with Dodge’s ‘Uconnect’ multimedia centre with 30GB hard-drive and reversing camera.
Brochure
Related links
Review: Dodge JC.II Journey (2012-16)
Overview
Released in January 2012, the Dodge JC Series II (JC.II) Journey introduced a new 3.6-litre V6 petrol ‘Pentastar’ V6 petrol engine which had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.2:1.
Visually, the Dodge JC.II Journey could be identified by its ‘crosshair grille’, revised bumpers and LED tail-lights. Inside, there was a redesigned dashboard, seats, more tactile materials and a three-spoke steering wheel.
| Variant | Edition | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 | SXT, R/T |
3.6-litre ‘Pentastar’ petrol V6 | 6sp auto | 206 kW at 6350 rpm | 342 Nm at 4350 rpm |
Features
Compared to its JC.I predecessor, standard features for the Dodge JC.II Journey were extended to include three-zone climate control air conditioning, a proximity key and heated mirrors.
The Dodge Journey R/T was further equipped with a satellite navigation system with an 8.4-inch touch screen, SD card input, remote USB port and Bluetooth connectivity with voice commands.
2015 Dodge Journey Blacktop edition
Released in 2015, the limited-run Dodge Journey Blacktop edition was based on the Journey R/T but distinguished by its 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, door mirror housings, front fascia, headlight housings and crosshair grille. The Journey Blacktop was available in six paint finishes:
- Redline Red;
- White;
- Pearl White Tri-Coat;
- Pitch Black;
- Granite Crystal; and,
- Billet Silver.
Brochure
Related links
