Used 2014 Dodge Journey

The midsize 2014 Dodge Journey crossover SUV is where versatility and interior space meet with a modest budget and decent fuel economy. Prospective buyers will be attracted to its interior, which is full of clever and handy storage spaces, including under-floor compartments beneath the 2nd-row seats and a front passenger-seat bottom cushion that lifts to access yet more space for odds and ends. A big plus is the Journey’s optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, which is one of the best on the market and delivers generous power with smooth operation and noteworthy fuel economy.

The 2014 Dodge Journey certainly looks like an upright SUV, but the first time behind the wheel will prove it drives like a very competent car. The suspension has the compliance to deal with all sorts of bumps and bad pavement yet, on those curving mountain roads or even just freeway onramps, it has a level of firmness and control that keeps the Journey cornering securely and with a minimum of bobbing and weaving. The first and second rows of seats drew praise from their occupants, but the consensus opinion is that the third row is more appropriate for the kids in the family. The standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is adequate but no more, and is the best reason for choosing the much more satisfactory Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, which is one of the best V6 engines on the market today.

Inside is where the 2014 Dodge Journey earns your appreciation. Upholstery is in quality fabrics or soft leather, and soft-touch surface treatments are generously applied. Select the available audio system with the 8.4-inch touch screen and Uconnect communication and connectivity choices, and you’ll be operating one of the industry leaders in intuitive functions. The 3rd-row seat folds flush, the 2nd-row seats can slide fore-and-aft, and the higher trim levels feature a flat-folding front passenger seat that allows stowing extra-long cargo items all the way up to the instrument panel.

Is it an SUV or the reincarnation of a station wagon? With the 2014 Dodge Journey, its long profile exceeds the length of much of the competition, but the Dodge designers have cleverly given it exterior treatments, such as the chrome-trimmed crosshair grille and some eye-catching aluminum-alloy wheel choices, that keep it from being merely bland. If a more stylish look is important, opt for the R/T version, with its 19-inch wheels, monochromatic treatment and distinctive R/T labels.

FLIP ‘N STOW STORAGE
The 2014 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.

3.6-LITER PENTASTAR V6 ENGINE
Smooth and responsive, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine cranks out 283-horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and is its own best reason for choosing it for the Journey. It’s matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and doesn’t “hunt” for gears in uneven terrain.

Standard equipment on the 2014 Dodge Journey includes a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 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, 2nd-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.

Trim levels for the 2014 Dodge Journey are AVP, SE, SXT, Limited and R/T. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission are optional on the SXT and standard on Limited 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, 3rd-row seating, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, 17- and 19-inch wheels, 3-zone automatic air conditioning, Tilt ’n Slide 2nd-row seats, Flip ’n Stow compartment, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and SiriusXM Radio.

Intended for commuting and gasoline mileage, the standard 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine in the 2014 Dodge Journey provides adequate power when lightly loaded, but no more than that. Bigger loads, all-wheel-drive and enhanced driver enjoyment call for the potent 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which makes 283 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque and is not only the engine many people will want, it’s our recommendation. Matched with the smooth 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, being EPA-rated at 17 and 25 mpg, city/highway, with front drive and dropping only to 16 and 24 mpg with all-wheel drive. The Journey’s V6 is also E85-compatible.

2.4-liter inline-4
173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 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)