2013 Dodge Journey SXT Blacktop (997)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2013 Dodge Journey SXT Blacktop small SUV. The base SXT front wheel drive is bargain priced with a smaller 4-cylinder engine that doesn’t do more than 1 mpg better than the V6 (standard on the Blacktop model), so if your budget permits I suggest you opt for the added power. All option items noted below as standard are for the model I tested and adds about $6,000 more than the base model priced at about $23,000. The base SE model is $19,495 and of course should be considered.

It has seating for 7 and really is a good SUV consideration for families on a budget and the built in Bolster seats is great for the kids. Dodge tells us it is the most affordable 7 passenger Crossover and it is hard to argue with that statement. It was introduced as a 2009 model year in late 2008.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 35%; Mexico 57%; Engine – Mexico, Transmission – USA. It is assembled in Toluca, Mexico. Classification is Small SUV. Cars from Dodge: Avenger, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Nitro and SRT Viper.

Handling & Performance:

Crossovers, of course, are still higher profile than a minivan but lower profile than a typical off road vehicle. Thus they do handle pretty well with the benefit of good visibility and a softer ride. I tested the 273 horsepower V6 but from past tests the base model with the 2.4 liter 174 hp inline 4-cylinder is only adequate.

Styling:

Conventional crossover SUV design.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Base cost is $23,000 for the SXT with 173 horsepower 4-cylinder engine and without the customer preferred options. With the options noted the cost is $29,000.

Conveniences and comfort:

Good features with comfortable seating and a comfortable ride. I was annoyed with a touchy accelerator pedal but by the end of the test period I was able to adjust. The large touch screen display will be appreciated as it is simple and well laid out. The most notable convenience these days is the push button start/stop that is super convenient in my opinion. It has well designed visors that give perfect coverage of side window glare. The radio is easy to tune and they must be listening since more and more I’m finding traditional knob tuning is coming back.

Consumer Recommendation:

This field of competitors is closely matched in price and features so price won’t be as much a consideration as brand confidence, which is considerable for all Chrysler products these days. The size is perfect for most uses and because it seats up to 7 it is a great family car. It is a FWD and although it doesn’t get as good fuel economy as I would like, it is livable at 25 mpg highway.

Recognized Competition:

Dodge Journey $23,000, Chevrolet Equinox $24,000, Ford Edge $28,000, GMC Terrain $26,000, Honda Crosstour $27,000, Hyundai Veracruz $28,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $29,000, Kia Sportage $19,000, Nissan Murano $28,000, Nissan Xterra $23,000, Subaru Outback $23,000, Toyota RAV4 $23,000, VW Tiguan $23,000.

Good News:

Comfortable seating and ride, roomy, good visibility and a perfect size for most uses with 3-rows of seating for up to 7, and is fairly priced.

Bad News:

Fuel economy only average.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter 263 HP V6 engine, 6-speed automatic trans., six airbags, LATCH child system, 4-wheel power ABS brakes, stability control, roll mitigation, traction control, cruise control, keyless entry push button start, power windows and locks, theft deterrent, tire pressure monitor, variable intermittent wipers, audio jack input for mobile devices, leather seating steering wheel and shift knob, 19” wheels with gloss black aluminum paint, climate control, 8.4” touch screen display, Uconnect SAT/CD/DVD/MP3/SD card input, power 6-way driver seat, 4-way power passenger fold flat seat with storage, security alarm, auto headlights, overhead console, remote start, rear backup camera, park sense assist, 2 nd row seats with child booster seating, heated steering wheel, Bluetooth with voice command.

Gas Stats:

$3.89 / Gal avg. August 17, 2013

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

17 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $29,250.