The 2011-2017 Dodge Journey crossover (a/k/a Fiat Freemont)

The 2011-2017 Dodge Journey crossover (a/k/a Fiat Freemont)

The Dodge Journey was redesigned in 2011, with a retuned suspension, new V-6 engine, and an interior which "wowed" the critics. A mildly retuned Fiat Freemont version, with a diesel and manual transmission, started selling at several times the volume of the Dodge Journey in markets outside North America.



For 2014, there were minor changes to the features in Canada; in the US, Crew was renamed to Limited, new option packages (particularly American Value Package) cut prices, satellite radio was optional across the line, and some options were available on lower models than in 2013. New colors for 2014 include Black Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, and Redline Red 2 Pearl Coat. 2015 saw a new Crossroad model which stayed on through 2017.


The PowerNet electrical architecture supports Uconnect Touch, which includes navigation, dual zone climate controls, and the ability to check gas prices.

For 2017, the Journey GT replaced the Journey R/T. The Journey Crossroad got a new "satin carbon" wheel finish, not actually shown in their photo above, and two new colors, Spitfire Orange and Rhino.



The 2011 Dodge Journey was more nimble and composed. Chrysler Group engineers improved routine ride handling by re-engineering the suspension geometry, using better tires, and redesigning the steering for a more precise and coordinated response.



At 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Dodge Journey equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivered a 20 percent boost in power compared with the V-6 engine it replaces. This capable powerplant can be very smooth, but when pushed, the transmission reacts quickly and the V6 becomes a screamer.

Engineers reduced noise, vibration and harshness by installing new, premium sound-deadening treatments and insulation throughout the vehicle.



A larger instrument cluster has a standard electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) in the center of the new gauges. It's a full-color display backlit in Dodge red lights, giving it a soft glow unlike any in the segment. New, integrated center stack bezels are less angular and more sculpted, and designers softened the radius to make more room for the driver's knees. The heating and cooling outlets are also redesigned to make them better looking and better functioning.

The center console has more cushioning on the tilt-and-slide armrest; under the lid is a larger center storage bin with a 12-volt outlet and USB port where owners can hook up and hide their iPod or generic MP3 player.

To increase comfort, the Journey design team changed the seats and moved the shifter and cupholders, making them easier to reach, and added a larger front storage bin with side nets. The new three-spoke Dodge brand steering wheel has integrated controls. Six new interior color and trims complete the makeover.

The climate controls are on the touch screen, but physical controls are also provided underneath it for distraction-free driving. iPods are now much better integrated into the system; and the USB port is lit at night.



On the outside, Journey added a new front fascia with the signature Dodge "split crosshair" honeycomb grille. The fog lamp bezels are bigger, and Journey models with the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 got a new lower fascia with the honeycomb texture in the grille (late availability). New 19-inch wheels, a new, less angular rear fascia and "ring of fire" LED taillamps wrap it up from front to back.

Journey had safety and security features including active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC) with all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation and brake assist, new driver-side knee blocker air bag, supplemental side-curtain air bags covering all three rows, supplemental front-seat-mounted side air bags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, LATCH child seat anchor system and trailer sway control.



Dodge Journey R/T and LUX

Allpar exclusive: The Dodge Journey R/T appeared around May 2011; at around $29,000, the R/T model included 19 inch wheels, unique cloth, body-color front grille and lower "chin bar," fog lamps, 3-zone auto temperature control, satellite radio, U-Connect™, premium stereo, remote start, and power driver's seat. AWD added around $1,000. Overall, it's around $1,000 less than the current comparable Journey.

The Lux model started at around $33,000 (with AWD, $34,000). That's a reduction of around $1,000 from current pricing. In both cases, the price drop was presumably created by eliminating rebates.



The Dodge Journey was built in at Chrysler Group LLC's Toluca Assembly Plant in Toluca, Mexico. It arrived in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2010.

2016 Dodge Journey

The 2016 Dodge Journey had the lineup cut from seven to five models, with the SE replacing the American Value Package, or AVP (the price is $2,600 less than the 2015 SE for FWD and $1,200 less for AWD); the SXT had its price cut by $800; the new Crossroad cuts $600; and a new Crossroad Plus adds leather seats with mesh inserts, large touch screen, power drive's seat, and "other interior features." Journey colors now include Jazz Blue and Olive Green paint. The R/T continues.

The rumors

Reliable source JRS200x wrote (correctly) that the Pentastar engine (whose use was predicted by oh2o) is rated at 283 horsepower in the Journey, with the usual 260 lb-ft of torque; that's enough to propel the crossover from 0‐60 mph in 8.9 seconds (9.1 seconds with AWD), similar to its current acceleration, but with less noise and somewhat better gas mileage (17 city, 25 highway, ironically the same as the large minivans). He also wrote that only the base Express model would retain the four cylinder engine and four speed automatic. (The 0-60 figures may be changed later.)



"Dart" wrote: "In front, it has the same headlights and bumper, with a new segmented cross hair grill. In back, it has new tail lights with a different shape, particularly on the side, like the old Jeep Grand Cherokee; when the driver applied the brakes, a circle of red LEDs appeared. The current dual, white bands housing turn and backup lights are now one thick horizontal band." The forthcoming R/T will have a more aggressive lower front fascia.



Dodge claims an all-new interior for the car. Pricing will reflect a higher level of luxury and a more capable V6 engine (see chart, above right), as well as the newly standard stability control with traction control, roll mitigation, brake assist, and trailer sway control. It also includes a new radio with an 8.4" touch screen, with and without navigation, which includes climate controls; the interior includes new, more comfortable seats and standard steering wheel audio controls. (Note: the large touch screen may only appear on R/T, Crew, and Lux packages, and climate controls may be duplicated on the steering wheel to avoid distraction; thanks, JRS200.)




K. Oellinger pointed out that the Fiat Freemont V6 (version of the Journey) would be the most powerful standard-production (e.g. not Tuning or Abarth) Fiat ever. It will have a manual transmission with either 140 or 170 horsepower diesel, or an automatic with either 170 hp diesel or 276 hp gasoline engine. It is, as Dan Minick predicted, to be marketed as the successor to the Fiat Ulysse. See our metric converter.



Yet to be discovered:

oh2o wrote that the "late entry" Dodge Journey R/T will include, among other features, AC power outlet, rear power outlet, 19 inch aluminum wheels, second row seat with fore/aft adjustment and in-floor storage bins, 368 watt amp, subwoofer, active head restraints, dual-zone automatic climate control, air filter, AutoStick, body color mirrors and fascia, bright door handles and grille, cargo net, LED interior lighting, fog lights, heated front seats, illuminated cupholders, interior observation mirror, leather, LED taillamps, overhead console, performance steering and suspension, folding power mirrors, remote start, cruise, satellite radio, tilt/telescope steering column, all-row side airbags, trip computer, and garage door opener.

Fiat Freemont • Dodge Journey Crew Review • Journey Lux Review • 2009-2010 Dodge Journey• Journey Competitors • G1 Review

Specifications



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