Dodge has been manufacturing its mid-size crossover, the Journey, since 2009. Still a relatively new player in the popular segment, the Dodge Journey offers plenty of flexibility with seating for five, or seven passengers. The Journey received a minor updating for its 2011 year, and has remained largely unchanged since.
That is, until now. Last year, Fiat Chrysler unveiled the completely redesigned 2016 Dodge Journey, and the popular crossover is more capable, and offers more value, than ever before.
Meet the 2016 Dodge Journey
The new Dodge Journey sets out to make a major impact in its segment. With flexible seating, a low starting MSRP, exceptional fuel economy, and loads of interior space – the new 2016 Dodge Journey is changing the way consumers look at the midsize crossover segment.
The entire Journey was rebuilt, from the ground up. Starting with the platform it shares with the Chrysler 200 sedan. Previously built on a modified Dodge Avenger platform, the new Journey is able to offer better efficiency with its sedan-based platform. The 2016 Dodge Journey comes standard with Front Wheel Drive but is also offered with available All-Wheel Drive, for an increase in price. Whichever Dodge Journey you choose, you will be getting great value and amenities, across the board.
The second generation of the Dodge Journey is starting off strong, and nearly everything about the crossover has changed. Let’s take a look at each of the trim levels available with the new Journey, and what they include.
- 2016 Journey SE: This base model is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine, and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Starting at just $20,895, this FWD model is affordable and comes standard with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, a three-zone automatic climate control system, and a rear heater. For those who value flexible storage solutions, the SE offers in-floor storage bins in the second row.
- 2016 Journey SXT: The next model up starts at $24,395, and comes with more standard features than the base trim level. Featuring the same engine, and features as the SE, the SXT also offers satellite radio hookup, a USB port, fog lamps, a rear cargo net, and steering wheel mounted audio controls – all standard.
- 2016 Journey Crossroad: Nearly $2,000 above the SXT starting price, the Journey Crossroad comes with an upgraded Touring suspension. It features a revised exterior with Gloss Black Grille, Black Bezels on the headlamps and tail lamps, 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, and a black leather steering wheel.
- 2016 Journey Crossroad Plus: This beefed-up version of the Crossroad starts at $26,995, and comes equipped with even more standard features. Featuring a large 8.4-inch touchscreen display, a standard passenger in seat cushion storage bin, a 6-way power driver seat, and soft touch leather-trimmed seats. Platinum chrome accents ring a level of luxury to this Journey model, along with front and rear aim-able interior LED lights. This 2016 Journey is great for drivers who value tech and convenience, but who wish to stay under the $30,000 price tag.
- 2016 Journey R/T: This version of the Journey is the highest trim level available, and starts at $31,395. This model comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and is paired with a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. The R/T comes standard with heated front seats, a high-performance suspension, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, a premium sound system with a subwoofer, and automatic headlights.
All base 2016 Dodge Journey models come with the standard 2.4-liter, aside from the R/T model, and AWD versions of the crossover.
How it Compares to the Competition
The Chrysler-Fiat Group went to great lengths to create the all-new 2016 Dodge Journey. Their efforts are already paying off, and the new Journey is already set to do very well when compared to the competition.
The crossover segment is one of the fastest growing, and most popular in today’s automotive world. That means that there are a lot of competitors, and a lot of those competitors are tough to stand up against.
The major competition for the all new 2016 Dodge Journey is the Chevrolet Equinox, the Ford Escape, and the Kia Sportage. We took the time to compare each of these models against the new Dodge Journey, to see how they stack up. All of the models compared are the base trim level offering available.
- Price: The 2016 Dodge Journey is by far, the most affordable in its segment. The Equinox came in at $24,520 while the Ford Escape started at $23,450. The Kia Sportage came the closest to the Journey but was still $1,000 more than the Journey.
- Fuel Economy: The 2016 Dodge Journey gets an EPA-estimated fuel rating of 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The Equinox came out much higher, with a highway rating of 32 miles per gallon, and led all of the models being compared. The Escape offers 31 mpg highway while the Sportage offers 28 mpg on the highway. The Journey did come out ahead in the size of the fuel tank, which can hold 20 gallons of gasoline.
- Power: All of these crossovers offer the same 2.4-liter engine, but the Journey had higher horsepower ratings than the Escape. The Journey’s base horsepower is 173 while the Equinox and the Sportage make 182 horsepower, and the Escape comes in last with only 168 horsepower.
- Space: The 2016 Dodge Journey offers the same seating capacity as the other models in its segment, and had comparatively the same passenger and cargo volume. The Journey offers a passenger volume of 100 cubic feet, along with the Equinox and Sportage. The Escape came in last with 98 cubic feet of passenger space. The 2016 Dodge Journey came out ahead with 68 cubic feet of maximum storage capacity, a number that is shared by the Escape. The Equinox fell short with 64 cubic feet, while the Sportage came in last with only 55 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
The Perfect Crossover
The 2016 Dodge Journey is a great crossover and competes well with other models in its segment. Offering a great list of standard features across all models, and a low starting MSRP, the 2016 Journey is a great vehicle for drivers who value amenities, and who want to stay within budget.
For those who want more out of their crossover, the 2016 Dodge Journey is offered in various packages and special edition trim models. Chief among those, is the statement-making Blacktop package, which can be added to the 2016 Journey R/T model for just $395.
The Blacktop package will give your Journey an entirely different look, and features 19-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels, a Gloss Black Grille, Gloss Black lower front fascia accents, Black bezels, Gloss Black exterior mirrors, and Black roof side rails. If you are out to make a statement with your vehicle, then this is a great, affordable choice.
However you choose to outfit your 2016 Dodge Journey, one thing is for certain: You will be driving a reliable, affordable, and efficient crossover. If all of that sounds good, and you want more room, but don’t want to sacrifice the price you pay at the pump, then check out the all new 2016 Dodge Journey. Now available at Dodge car dealerships nationwide.
