If you are on the market for a new vehicle, you may notice some things have changed. A lot of the makes and models that used to be available are no longer as accessible as they once were. There are some new names. What is the Dodge Journey, a van, or an SUV?
The Dodge Journey is a crossover; it's an SUV with three-row seating like a van that handles like your car and has the stance of an SUV. Dodge took the chassis and drivetrain of an Avenger midsize sedan and gave it the short wheelbase and seating of a Dodge Caravan.
While this might be confusing to some people, we took the time and researched it for you. Read on to find out what we were able to discover about the Dodge Journey.
What Is a Crossover?
Many people would describe a crossover as a combined vehicle using two different types of platform and drivetrain. The standard SUV is based on a truck platform. A crossover uses the existing chassis of a van or midsize car and has similar capabilities to that of an SUV.
This is the case with the Dodge Journey. You may notice that Dodge Caravan is no longer available on the market after this model year , and that was one of the best selling minivans of all time. Dig a little deeper and find out that the Dodge Journey is based on the chassis of the Caravan. It has the seating of the Caravan and has the SUV abilities of a Jeep.
Not all models can be taken offroad, so if that is what you need, you will need to make sure that you speak to your dealer to determine that you find the right model.
Is The Journey Four-Wheel Drive?
The standard Dodge Journey is not a four-wheel-drive vehicle; it comes with a four-cylinder engine and a 4-speed transmission. There is a model that comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive option, so if you are looking for more of an active SUV style, that would be the model for you.
The V6 model is also the only model that comes specifically with a towing package. It is important to remember that all-wheel drive does not mean that you can or should tow with it.
Dodge Journey Fuel Mileage
As far as Vehicles go, the Dodge Journey offers some excellent fuel mileage, at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. If you are looking for something lightweight and sporty, this may be the way for you to go.
The V6 engine offers comparable fuel mileage to the inline 4-cylinder model.
Is The Dodge Journey a Full-Size SUV?
No, the Dodge Journey is considered a midsize SUV. Don't let that fact dissuade you, though. The Journey is packed with all kinds of storage space and seating for the entire family. The configuration and the gas mileage available on the Dodge Journey make it a favorite in the market.
How Many Rows Of Seats Are In a Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey boasts a magnificent three rows of seating for the entire family. It was designed with comfort in mind, so there is plenty of foot and arm space. Some models offer two rows of seating with extra storage space. Seats may also be removable.
Dodge took more than just the chassis from the Grand Caravan. They were also able to redesign the interior of the Journey to have the seating capacity of the Dodge Caravan.
Does the Dodge Journey have Apple Carplay?
The Dodge Journey does offer Apple Carplay but only on specific models. If the model that you purchased comes with Uconnect, you should be able to use Apple Carplay with it.
Uconnect is a standard feature on the 2018 Crossroads and GT models, and it is also an option for the SXT and all-wheel drive as well; however, outside of that, your options are going to be very limited.
Can I Tow With a Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey does have a tow package. The base model can tow up to 2,500 pounds. There is a V6 model with a tow package, and that allows you to tell a little bit more.
Realistically you will want to stay on the lighter side as far as Towing goes with the Dodge Journey as you will need to understand tongue weights as well as towing capacity.
Lighter boats, jet skis, and small trailers should be easily pulled with the Dodge Journey. You need to know your towing capacity, payload, and weight of all cargo and occupants in the vehicle.
When looking into the Dodge Journey and feel free to ask the dealership about specific models and engine configurations as there are some options available that are not standard. If you need to do any sizeable towing, the dealership may be able to help you get the package that you need.
The Dodge Journey has a fantastic review as Edmonds listed it as a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Depending upon your necessity and a vehicle and the Dodge Journey is probably going to be a great option.
If you are looking for a minivan, this may not be for you, but if you are willing to give it a chance, you may discover that you find something even better, as it does offer all of the amenities of a minivan with the handling and soul of an SUV.