Used 2013 Dodge Journey

The 2013 Dodge Journey maintains its mid-size crossover SUV vehicle status, offering room for up to seven passengers, but with pricing and fuel economy figures on par with smaller SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. In terms of quality and design, the Journey’s interior is a cut above most, full of high-end features and clever storage compartments demanded by families on the go. In the second row of seats are under-floor storage compartments, while the front passenger-seat bottom lifts to reveal more storage space. But the best part of the 2013 Journey is its available V6, which we think is one of the most powerful, smooth-running and fuel-efficient V6 engines on the market.

Although the 2013 Dodge Journey might look as though it would ride and handle like a tall SUV, the feeling we experienced seemed more in keeping with a well-mannered wagon. Dodge has given the Journey a very taut suspension that absorbs most road irregularities without complaint, yet is still stiff enough to keep the Journey from rolling and bobbing on windy roads. Passengers in the front and second-row had nothing but praise for their accommodations, but those in the third row agreed it was best suited for small children. As for power, we found that Journey’s standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine didn’t exhibit much performance, even when moving a light load. For overall performance and peace of mind, we’d recommend going with the Pentastar V6. The 3.6-liter Pentastar is one of the best V6 engines ever produced by Dodge, and may even rank as one of the best V6 engines of all time.

Step into a Journey Crew or R/T trim and you’ll find various interior color choices in rich fabrics or plush leather. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and the big 8.4-inch touch-screen audio system, featuring the Uconnect suite of communication and connectivity options, is one of the best, most intuitive systems available. On the versatility front, the 2013 Dodge Journey mid-size SUV features a flush-folding third-row seat and second-row seats that can slide fore-and-aft (making access to the third-row seat a bit easier). Upper-level trims also have a flat-folding front seat that increases the cargo floor right up to the dashboard.

As mid-size SUVs go, Dodge’s 2013 Journey is on the larger side of the scale. Its tall stance and long profile give it the look of a big wagon, similar to the old Chrysler Pacifica. The Journey is so long, in fact, that it dwarfs the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape by nearly 10 inches. To keep the exterior from looking too much like a bland family wagon, Dodge has dressed it up with a chrome-trimmed crosshair grille, flashy alloy wheel choices and, on V6 models, a more aggressive lower air intake. The R/T trim takes things up another notch with a monochromatic exterior, 19-inch wheels and R/T badging.

FLIP ‘N STOW STORAGE
The 2013 Dodge Journey’s front passenger-seat cushion flips forward to expose a big storage bin that can hide valuables from prying eyes, or just keep things in place.

UCONNECT 8.4-INCH NAVIGATION RADIO
Highlights include voice-activated controls for the Bluetooth, navigation, audio and iPod, as well as "Eco-Route" guidance and song tagging. There’s even a subscription option to Sirius Travel Link, which can provide updates for traffic, find the cheapest gasoline prices, report on sports scores and weather conditions and even give movie times.

Standard equipment on the 2013 Dodge Journey includes a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic transmission, power heated side mirrors, three 12-volt outlets, a 4.3-inch touch-screen AM/FM radio with a single-CD player, an audio input jack and USB port, keyless entry, push-button start, 17-inch wheels, second-row in-floor storage and a covered storage bin in the rear cargo area. All models feature electronic traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, and 3-row side-curtain airbags.

Beyond the base Dodge Journey for 2013, there are four other Dodge Journey trims: SE, SXT, Crew and R/T. The 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission are offered on the SXT and standard on Crew and R/T trims. Options vary by trim and include all-wheel drive, UConnect Hands-free Communication network, leather seating surfaces, ParkView rearview camera, ParkSense parking assist, navigation, a power moonroof, six premium speakers with subwoofer and 368-watt amplifier, third-row seating, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, 17- and 19-inch wheels, 3-zone automatic air conditioning, Tilt ‘n Slide second-row seats, Flip ‘n Stow compartment, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

Engineered for commuting and good gasoline mileage, the 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine in the 2013 Dodge Journey provides adequate power when lightly loaded. But bigger loads and the AWD system demand the potent 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which pumps out 283 horsepower and is not only the engine many people will want, it’s the one we recommend. Coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 3.6-liter V6 never fails to deliver power when asked and, once up to speed, keeps the Journey moving with remarkable fuel efficiency. The Journey’s V6 is also E85-compatible.

2.4-liter inline-4
173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg

3.6-liter V6
283 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (front-wheel drive), 12/18 mpg (front-wheel drive, E85)
16/24 mpg (all-wheel drive)