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2016 Dodge Journey SE Road Test and Review

Charles Krome
by Charles Krome
July 21, 2016
4 min. Reading Time
2016 Dodge Journey hero on road ・  Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey hero on road ・ Photo by FCA Media

If you could boil today’s 2016 Dodge Journey SE review down to just a few key points, it would be these: Not only is the Journey the least expensive three-row crossover in the country, it’s also versatile, loaded with value, and relatively well equipped considering its cost. Now, the Journey does ride on a somewhat older platform, dating back to 2009, and that means it is missing some of the modern technologies available in its rivals. Yet that same platform brings the flexibility of two- or three-row interior configurations—a choice offered by few other compact crossovers—along with two engine selections and available all-wheel drive. The Journey’s larger-than-expected footprint also stamps this Dodge as a worthwhile entry for shoppers on a budget.

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Pricing

We’ve specifically chosen the 2016 Dodge Journey SE for review because it’s the entry-level model, and customers will no doubt want to know if its impressively low MSRP—of $20,995—got that way by not including even the most basic amenities. Well, such is not the case. That’s the price for the two-row Journey, and it covers air conditioning, six-speaker audio, roof rails, power windows and door locks, plus heated, power-adjustable exterior mirrors. Also, the typical two-row compact crossover, like the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, all cost thousands more than the Journey.

Indeed, the price of admission for the three-row Journey is $22,990, and that compares to an MSRP of $24,350 for the tow-row Toyota.

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Powertrains, Performance, and Efficiency

The 2016 Dodge Journey SE isn’t the most efficient kid on the block, but its standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 173 horsepower, 166 lb.-ft. of torque, and EPA ratings of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.

Much more competitive are the Journey’s V6 fuel-economy grades: With its 3.6-liter engine producing 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the EPA line for the Dodge is 17/25/19. The only one other V6 available in the segment, from GM, is rated at 17/24/20.

Shoppers also should be aware that the V6 Journey can tow up to 2,500 lb., while four-cylinder-only crossovers, such as the Honda and Toyota, top out with only 1500 lb. of pulling power.         

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Exterior Design and Lighting

The 2016 Dodge Journey SE has fairly simple exterior styling—not necessarily a bad thing in this segment—with a few distinctive cues such as the brand’s traditional “cross-hair” grille and its standard roof rails. Up front, the Journey’s grille also is centered between standard halogen headlamps with daytime running lights.

However, it’s the Journey’s size that truly sets it apart. At 192.4 inches in length, it’s 4.6 inches longer than the next closest compact in size, as well as more than an inch longer than Toyota’s midsize crossover. The Dodge crossover lineup, to be clear, does position the Journey as its compact choice, since there’s also the larger Dodge Durango that’s solely served up in a three-row format.

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Interior Design and Capacities

With the center stack and driver’s instrumentation both housed in curvy, pod-like shapes, and the center area between the front seats showing a sort-of stepped look, the cabin of the 2016 Dodge Journey SE is unexpectedly eye-pleasing. Yet it’s highly functional, too, with more total cargo space than both the Chevy Equinox and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The latter comparison is particularly important because the Outlander does happen to offer three rows of seating, like the Journey. However, the Journey, in fact, has more cargo space behind all of them.

Dodge also takes care of its passengers with noticeably more first- and second-row headroom than the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, or Toyota RAV4, which, remember, don’t furnish third-row seating at all.

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Audio and Infotainment

The Nissan Rogue, for one, has a standard four-speaker audio system, but six speakers are the norm for the 2016 Dodge Journey SE, with that setup also coming standard with handy features like steering-wheel-mounted controls, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, an auxiliary input jack, and a USB port to listen to audio from digital devices. Among the top options for the SE trim are a one-year subscription for SiriusXM Satellite Radio and a Uconnect Voice Command system that’s backed by Bluetooth technology. But if in-vehicle entertainment isn’t a main focus here, customers who want more content can get it in upper-trim editions, which can be ordered with popular items like navigation, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and a subwoofer and 368-watt amplifier for enhanced audio.

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Available Equipment

At this stage in our 2016 Dodge Journey SE review, we’ll look at the two popular option bundles for this model. The first is the Flexible Seating Group. The Journey, as a reminder, comes standard with two rows of seats, and this package starts by adding a third, with a 50/50 split for versatility and a reclining function for comfort. In addition, the second row is upgraded to a 60/40 split bench that slides forward for easier access to the back row. Dodge further bolsters the package with a tri-zone climate system for air conditioning and heating for all three rows.

For a premium touch, the Popular Equipment Group boasts cues such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Safety Technology and Ratings

The 2016 Dodge Journey SE is limited to the basics in terms of safety tech, although it certainly has a lot of them. Thus, the Journey’s airbag array includes multi-stage front-passenger airbags, a knee-blocker airbag for the driver, and side-curtain airbags designed to protect all three rows of seating. Also working together to enhance occupant safety in the Dodge are electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation and brake assistance, and even if those features are available across the segment, they’re welcome nonetheless.

Dodge drivers who opt for upper-trim Journeys can order the brand’s ParkView rear backup camera and a rear parking-assistance system.

The 2016 Journey has earned a 4-Star Overall Safety Score from the NHTSA.

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Other Cool Features

The optional third row in the 2016 Dodge Journey SE is a boon to families, but so is a class-exclusive enhancement for the second row: The Journey is the only vehicle in the segment that can provide children’s booster seats that are built right into the second row seating. They quickly deploy to create a better fitting seat for smaller, younger passengers, then just as quickly fold out of the way for adults. Another benefit for the back row is the Journey’s available rear-seat entertainment system. Leveraging a drop-down video screen, wireless headphones, and a remote control, and accompanied by an audio upgrade, this setup is unmatched by rivals from Ford or Chevy, to name just two.

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Dodge Journey SE: Final Thoughts

Touted as a high-value choice in a highly competitive segment, the 2016 Dodge Journey SE lives up to its reputation by combining a low MSRP with more than enough content to satisfy many members of its target audience. And that value proposition extends to its available third row and all-wheel-drive technology, both of which can be ordered for the Journey SE without too much damage to the bank account. That third row is especially rare in the Journey’s rivals as well, as only two other compact crossovers offer one. Now, you won’t get the best fuel-economy or safety ratings, but if you put your priorities on pricing and practicality, you stand to get plenty of that from Dodge.

 Photo by FCA Media

Photo by FCA Media


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