If OJ Simpson had a Dodge Journey during that famous police chase in 1994, he might have increased his chances of outrunning Los Angeles’ finest.
The sprightly Journey looks like an SUV but it has big-sedan like performance that provides a best-of-both-worlds practicality and driveability.
It’s propelled by Chrysler’s 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, which is also found in the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Wrangler. It’s very responsive and makes a nice noise when you put the foot down. It has a firm but smooth ride.
Fuel economy is as expected with an engine this size. Interestingly, it’s a bit more economical than the 2.7L engine it replaced in 2012.
Like most American cars available here, it comes with a host of bells and whistles as standard. The base-model SXT comes with six-way adjustable power driver’s seat with lumbar adjust, six-speaker audio system with 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen, phone connectivity, three-zone climate control, roof rails and front and rear fog lights.
For an extra $4000, you can upgrade to the R/T model I drove, getting leather upholstery, heated front seats, sat-nav, reversing camera and sensors, and a sub-woofer.
One thing it could do with is more USB ports for charging devices – anyone with teenagers will know what I mean.
The R/T has a ceiling-mounted DVD player for the rear passengers that can be controlled via front touch screen or remote control. And it also has bluetooth headphones to save the driver from having to put up with atrocious distractions such as Dora the Explorer.
The adjustable back seats have built-in boosters that fold upwards to let the little ones see out the window. The vehicle easily turns into a seven-seater via the extra bench seat that folds up from the rear cargo area.
There’s heaps of storage too, including a nifty space under the front passenger seat cushion.Two hatches under the rear foot wells can each store eight drink cans – with ice!
The Journey is the only Dodge in the Chrysler Group’s Australian line-up that suggests that the US car giant recognises that it has something to offer beyond its various Jeep models, not least the extra two seats.
DODGE JOURNEY
Recommended price: SXT $32,500, R/T $42,039
Techy stuff: 3.6L V6 petrol engine, 6-speed automatic transmission
Fuel economy: 10.4-litres per 100km combined
It’s available at Werribee Chrysler Jeep Dodge , 163-179 Old Geelong Road www.werribeechryslerjeep.com.au
