By NITISH S. RELE

nitishrele@gmail.com

Probably one of the most under-rated midsize SUVs on the market is the Dodge Journey, which is 7 inches shorter and 700 pounds lighter than the Durango. Seating up to seven passengers, it is available as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive and in two trims: 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder engine (173 horsepower) or the 3.6-liter V-6 engine (283 hp @ 6350 rpm and 260 pounds-feet of torque $ 4400 rpm), which was our test drive (R/T trim).

A precise 6-speed auto transmission is standard on the steel unibody structure. Suspension is handled by an independent MacPherson strut and a multilink rear system, which isolates occupants from road noise and imperfections. The power rack-and-pinion steering is razor sharp, with a firm on-center feel.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, electronic stability control, traction control, remote keyless entry, front active-head restraints, four-wheel antilock brakes, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system.

The aggressively-styled Journey sports the traditional Dodge crosshair grille surrounded by horizontal halogen headlights. The interior is accommodating and attractive, especially black leather seats with red piping. Storage compartments are galore with a deep center console, huge under floor cargo bin, and front-passenger under-seat and second row in-floor bins. Other amenities are dual-zone auto climate control, tilt/telescopic steering column, 40/60 rear flat seat, six-way power driver seat, compass, driver information center and an 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen for navigation, audio and phone controls.

With a well thought-out cabin, backed by a potent engine and affordable pricing, the Journey definitely deserves a serious look. In particular, families with children will not be disappointed.

 

Previous articlePress Releases For November 2012
Next articleSnap Fitness Offers Holiday Tips To Avoid The ‘Gain’, Plus 7 Days Free
Kelly Wise Valdes
Kelly Wise Valdes has been writing for the Osprey Observer since 2008. She graduated in 1989 from Florida Southern College with a B.S. in Communications and enjoys writing and traveling. She currently resides in northern Hillsborough County with her husband, David. When not traveling and writing, Kelly and her husband enjoy spending time with their five grown children (as well as their grandchildren) that still keep them very busy.