2011 Dodge Journey Des Moines

The Journey has represented Dodge in the crossover segment since the 2009 model year, and for 2011 the Journey gets some updates that make it better than ever. The Journey for 2011 gets new trims and a new 3.6-liter V6 engine. The biggest changes come under the hood, where Chrysler's new Pentastar V6 makes an appearance, and inside, where an all-new interior  is an impressive upgrade from before. Standard safety features include six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, traction control, and stability control. The base front-wheel drive model is the Express and it includes a 173-hp 2.4-liter engine matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel and all-wheel drive models are available in Mainstreet, R/T, Crew, and Lux trims. The Dodge Journey offers intelligent cabin design and the availability of family-friendly entertainment and versatility features. For the young family on the go, the Journey will offer a pleasant ride, plenty of room, and enough storage and entertainment options to keep the kids occupied.The Journey has standard seating for five and optional seating for seven with the two-person third-row seat. Whereas Dodge's Grand Caravan minivan can have Stow 'n Go or Swivel 'n Go seating, the Journey offers a new Flip 'n Stow system, which is essentially a storage bin under the front passenger seat cushion that's revealed by tilting forward that cushion. There are also separate bins under the floor in the second row.

Powering the 2011 Journey

The Journey gains the new 3.6-liter, 283-horsepower, 260 lb-ft. of torque V6 already introduced in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, among other Chrysler products. This all-new engine will be mated to a six-speed automatic in this application, a departure from the five-speed automatic offered in the Grand Cherokee. Journey's new Pentastar V-6 option is an impressive improvement over the old 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. Handling is reasonably responsive in the Journey, and some of the changes to the suspension - like stiffer, better-responding shocks and lowered ride height - are welcomed changes. The ride quality remains a strong point, with the proper damping and roll control for a family vehicle. Braking is strong, and wheel sizes range from 16-inchers on base vehicles up to optional 19-inchers.           

2011 Dodge Journey Design

The new Dodge Journey looks essentially the same from the outside, but what' has changed is the old dash, with its funny, tilted, squared-off gauges. The Journey has many available convenience features including a fold-flat front passenger seat for transporting long items, Flip'n'Stow and In-Floor storage areas under the front passenger and rear seats, and Tilt'n'Slide to enable easy access to the third-row seat. The Journey is recognizable as a Dodge thanks to its crosshair grille bordered by rectangular wraparound headlights. Large front and rear fender flares accent wheels as large as 19 inches in diameter. The Journey measures 192.4 inches long overall, 72.2 inches wide and 69.9 inches tall with the available roof rack. The liftgate has a small spoiler.

Inside the '11 Dodge Journey

Inside, the 2011 Journey gets new features and improved actions. Four adults, or two adults and three kids, are happy enough inside the Journey, with flat seats and right-sized head and leg room taking good advantage of the Journey's proportions. On mid-grade-and-up Journeys, the second-row seat slides fore and aft to free up more leg room, and on the same versions, front seats have storage built in beneath the seat cushion, and the center console gets a new tilt-and-slide top. Bins and cubbies abound, and the cargo hold specs out at 37 cubic feet behind the second row. Flip everything down behind the front seats, and you get 67.6 cubic feet of space. The Journey sports some of the most extensive offerings for entertainment in this class. Standard features include air conditioning; cruise control; power locks/mirrors/windows; a cooled glove box; a telescoping steering wheel; and an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 capability. Options include a Garmin navigation system; Sirius Satellite Radio, TravelLink and Backseat TV, an on-the-go service with a small selection of kid-friendly programming; a DVD entertainment system; and a premium audio system and uConnect multimedia with MP3 player controls. Bluetooth is added on the top three models for free, but it's available on the base and Mainstreet trims. The Journey's interior borrows heavily from Chrysler's latest parts bin, including some switchgear already seen in the 2011 Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Dodge Durango. Still, the look is much more upscale than before and it includes a number of new features. Situated between the dual main gauges is a full color vehicle information center display. Backlit in red, it is easily visible through the automaker's new three-spoke steering wheel. The center stack shows an all-new navigation system that apparently isn't related to the automaker's current Media Center setup. The screen is larger than before and nearly all features are integrated into the touch-screen setup aside from volume and a single knob. The Journey also features revised climate controls unlike those seen elsewhere in the automaker's lineup.A redesigned center console includes a 12-volt outlet and a USB port, as well as a padded center armrest. New seats and fabrics further seal the deal inside.

Conclusions

The Dodge Journey was first introduce in 2008 as a mid-size crossover aimed at providing a well-packaged, stylish and feature-filled vehicle. And for the last few years Dodge has successfully provided families looking for that perfect vehicle at an affordable price. The Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover based on a car-like structure. It's capable and versatile enough to compete with large truck based sport utility vehicles. The Journey continues to face a number of competitors, including the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Tribeca and Toyota Highlander. For the latest updates on this new model, visit the official Dodge Journey site!