Test Drive: 2016 Dodge Journey Crossroad Plus AWD

Crossovers are a blend of breeds, with station wagons and SUVs(with Car Dvd Player) being the main lines of lineage. The Dodge Journey also draws from a different DNA source. The biggest influence on the inside design of the Dodge crossover is the minivan. Invented by Chrysler more than thirty years ago, it was the minivan that effectively ushered the station wagon off the stage as prime people-mover. Journey's heritage is most evident in its interior packaging. The midsize crossover is available with five- or seven-passenger seating. Offered on all trim levels, the optional third row is suitably sized for kids. When not in service, the seatbacks fold flat, converting the cargo capacity from 10.7 cubic feet to 37 cu. ft. Folding the 60/40 second row seatbacks forward expands the available space to 67.6 cu. ft. Added storage is found below deck, behind the third row, and just aft of the first row. Floor bins in row two (removable for cleaning) can hold ice/drinks or any valuables that you'd prefer to keep out of site. The second-row seats also slide up/back to apportion more room for people or cargo, and they can be outfitted with available, integrated child booster seats. At full push-back, the second row can hold adults, though it's a snug fit if those ahead of you are tall. Stowage spots in the first row include the conventional (map pockets, glove box, covered center console) and the unconventional. Driver visibility is generally good in all directions, though the slab shaped, second row seat headrests take a bite out of the rear view. A partial fix is included in the Navigation and Back-up Camera Group ($1,195), as it adds both a rear park assist and back-up camera (along with a Garmin navigation system and Sirius XM traffic and travel). A blind spot monitoring system would be helpful to combat typical, rear blind spots, but unfortunately, it isn't offered. What about install an Android Car Gps? Standard on all but the top, R/T trim is a 2.4L four-cylinder, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. It generates 173 horsepower and 166 lb. ft. of torque, and the EPA fuel economy estimates are 19 mpg's city/26 highway. The four feels underpowered in Journey, and performance isn't helped by the outmoded four-speed transmission. For those reasons (and the fact that AWD isn't available with the 2.4L), the V-6 is the engine of choice. Linked to a six-speed automatic, it's listed at 283 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque. Towing capacity is rated at 2,500 lb. As you would expect, with 100 h.p. more and nearly the same advantage in lb. ft. of torque, the V-6 is far livelier than the four, and provides suitable performance for the job at hand. The six is expected to return 19/26 (FWD); 16/24 (AWD). While the mileage numbers for either motor aren't class-topping, the bottom line in the Journey engine comparison is this: The difference in performance between the four and six is noticeable; the difference in fuel economy is negligible. A regular contributor to the Times Union for more than 20 years, Dan Lyons is the award-winning author of six books, and photographer of 165 calendars. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!