2015 Dodge Journey Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Another Dodge product that’s rumored might get dropped soon, the capable Journey soldiers on into 2015, though with few apparent upgrades....

Another Dodge product that’s rumored might get dropped soon, the capable Journey soldiers on into 2015, though with few apparent upgrades. There have been some whispers that this roomy midsize crossover will carry 3 rows of seating for 7 passengers as standard equipment in higher trims this coming year, but for now it appears that the usual 2 rows of seats (for 5 folks) returns in all trims, with the third row relegated once again to optional status.

Also returning from 2014 will be the traditional trim lineup of the base American Value Package (hereafter known as the AVP), the slightly up-featured SE, the lower mid-level SXT, the upper mid-level Crossroad, the posh-leaning Limited and the performance-oriented though euphemistically over-hyped R/T (Road/Track). Again, all trims except the AVP are delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) but can also be purchased with available full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) for those wintry commutes.

Along with a cargo bay that’s again maxed out at 67.6 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded, higher Journey trims offer a standard fold-flat front passenger seat with a handy storage area beneath for some extra toting capability.

As for looks and creature comforts, expect few if any significant changes from 2014. The AVP should again boast 17-inch steel wheels and heated power-adjustable mirrors outside, with cloth upholstery, full power accessories, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering adorning the interior. Dual-zone manual climate control is also expected to remain, as are reclining second-row seatbacks and a single-CD player with 6 speakers, a USB port and basic Uconnect infotainment with a 4.3-inch touchscreen.

The SE adds standard roof rails, tinted glass and LED taillights, while the SXT flaunts 17-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear fascias, a cargo cover and satellite radio.

The distinctively styled Crossroad tosses leather upholstery and the fold-flat front passenger seat into the mix, along with leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Bluetooth hands-free technology and black chrome exterior trim.

The top-shelf Limited, meantime, adds a power sunroof, remote engine start, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, dual-zone auto climate control and upgraded Uconnect with an 8.4-inch display.

Finally, the R/T deletes the roof rails but carries on with all the other Limited features, then adds a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded 19-inch wheels and a monochromatic exterior color scheme, upgraded leather upholstery (with distinctive red stitching) and a premium audio system boasting 368 watts, a DVD player and monitor, a subwoofer and a memory-card slot. Said top-shelf audio components, by the way, are optional in the Crossroad and Limited trims.

Look for such further options as a towing prep package to return for 2015, along with seating for 7 in 3 rows, a navigation system, the aforementioned upgraded Uconnect technology and rear-seat DVD entertainment. Of course, available added equipment is dependent on the particular trim chosen.

Powering all FWD-equipped AVP, SE, SXT and Crossroad Journey iterations again for 2015 is the standard 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that combines with the traditional 4-speed shiftable automatic transmission (Autostick in Dodge-speak) for 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Look for 19 mpg city/26 highway out of this tepid 4-banger, with towing maxed out at 1,000 pounds with the proper equipment installed.

For some real highway-heavy power, however, check out the 3.6-liter V6 that comes standard in the Limited and R/T (FWD and AWD) and each AWD variation in the lower trims. This peppy 6-banger again mates with a standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission to put out 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Expect mileage in the neighborhood of 17/25 in FWD editions and 16/24 in AWD versions, with maximum towing capacity bumped significantly to 2,500 pounds with the proper equipment.

Finally, standard safety stuff on all 2015 Journey trims is expected to remain 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection and head airbags for either 2 or 3 rows. A post-collision safety system remains standard lineup-wide, while the SXT and higher trims boast standard front fog/driving lights and the Limited and R/T additionally sport a standard remote antitheft alarm.