Believe it or not, but following its thorough—and, we think, effective—Journey refresh for 2011, Dodge reports the crossover racked up the highest sales of its life last year. Still, for buyers looking for tough SUV looks, the wagon-like Journey can leave a bit to be desired, so Dodge is rolling out a new Crossroad trim level for 2014 that ups the rig's visual ante. The manlier Journey is making its in-the-metal debut at the Chicago auto show next week, a fitting venue given the Crossroad's all-weather-ready appearance and our nation's near-perpetual state of snowpocalypse-ness.
Crossroad models are set apart by new front and rear fascias with platinum chrome accents and a gloss-black-colored grille and fog lamp nacelles; black 19-inch wheels; and black headlight and taillight surrounds. We like the way the lower parts of the bumpers and the rocker panels are rendered in black plastic, and combined with the other dark-colored trim, makes for a pretty sweet-looking Journey almost regardless of which paint color is chosen. (Buyers will be able to select from Pitch Black, Bright Silver, White, Copperhead Pearl, Fathom Blue Pearl, Granite Crystal, Pearl White, and Redline Red.) Oh, and there's a "Crossroad" badge on the Journey's butt.
The cabin has been spruced up, as well, with standard leather seats with mesh inserts and contrasting Slate Gray stitching; the same thread holds together the stuff wrapping the steering wheel, shift knob, center armrest, and door panels. A sort-of matching Liquid Graphite–colored gloss finish is applied to the dashboard, center console, and door trim, and overall the dark-on-dark theme looks pretty darn attractive. Positioned between the mid-level SXT and top-shelf Limited trim levels, the Crossroad backs up its handsome innards with a boatload of standard content, including Chrysler's 8.4-inch Uconnect touch-screen infotainment display; power driver's seat; proximity key with push-button starting; and power-heated and folding side mirrors.
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Unfortunately, the Journey Crossroad doesn't come standard with Chrysler's powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6; the 283-hp mill is optional, as is all-wheel drive. The standard engine is a 173-hp 2.4-liter four that's hitched up to an ancient four-speed automatic to power the front wheels. We understand this likely helps keep the base price down to a manageable $25,990, but we say spring for the V-6 (and its modern six-speed auto) and all-wheel drive to back up the Crossroad's visuals with some dynamic oomph. Still don't think the Journey looks tough enough, even in Crossroad trim? There's always the pricier and larger Durango with its base V-6, which also happens to match or exceed the V-6–powered Journey's fuel economy.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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