The Crossroad is the newest member of the Journey family lineup. It is powered by one of two impressive power train selections. The 173 hp 2.4 L Dual VVT inline-four with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the 283 hp 3.6 L Pentastar VVT V6 with 6-speed automatic for performance. Fuel economy is 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the V6, and 19/26 for the 4-cylinder.
The Crossroad looks strong and a little menacing with a bold, rugged posture. Nineteen inch hyper black aluminum wheels provide a solid foundation. Unique front and rear facials adorn platinum chrome accents proclaiming kingly pride. The gloss black grill and the black bezels surrounding the headlamps and LED tail lamps are distinct features of the Crossroad model. Platinum chrome lower side sills with premium door trim and light gray accent stitching inside were all topped off by the roof with platinum chrome rails.
A leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob sets the cabin’s tone. A/C auto temperature control with dual zone control and humidity sensor keep the atmosphere pleasant, while the 6-way power driver seat and power 4-way driver lumbar adjust help the body to relax and sit comfortably. However, the seats could have been larger. Numerous soft touch surfaces inside, and the TFT instrument panel with Liquid Graphite accent was easy to reach and read.
The front passenger seat folds flat for loading cargo that need a little extra extension. Rear seats will recline or fold flat, presenting 67.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The second-row 40/60 seat with fore/aft adjust would carry a good cargo load as well.
The 8.4-inch touch screen was barely large enough to see clearly once you lost perimeter space to icons. Uconnect included CD/DVD/MP3, which will keep the occupants nicely occupied. There is a one-year free subscription for Sirius XM satellite radio.
Of course there are all kinds of power features like power windows with driver’s side one-touch down and 12-volt front and rear power outlets.
Storage, storage and more storage everywhere—leather trim seats with mesh inserts, center console storage, special glove box, and passenger in-seat cushion storage. Dual in-floor storage and cargo area storage are there for big items. There is a standard hidden storage bin and access door to the tool and jack compartment located behind the rear seat.
Front and rear seat cup holders can accommodate 20 ounce drinks or juice boxes. Two more cup holders are found in the second row fold-down armrests.
Some of my journalist friends called the Crossroad “The most versatile vehicle in its class.” Stated because it seats six folks comfortably plus one to grow on, and on top of that it has numerous useful features.
Dodge DNA has boosted Crossroad expansiveness, technology, numerous seat configurations, and a powerful engine that handles a 2,500 pound load. Standard Trailer Sway Control helps control the payload being towed.
This Journey has a confident swagger, appearing sure-footed even when roads were coated with a thin layer of ice like Dallas recently experienced.
Crossroad took the curves with little sway as strong tires gripped the roadway and the steering had inclinations of that strength in the turns.
The comfortable and agreeable interior and rugged outdoor look of the exterior made the manufacturer’s suggested retail base price of $26,595 most digestible.
There are eleven equipment options to choose from. I would recommend two of those options. Both are around $1,000. The Navigation and Back-Up Camera Group is a must. Parkview, ParkSense Rear Park Assist and the camera are all vitally important. Technology like Travel Link and traffic alert are both essential and come with a 5-year subscription.
If you are going to transport children, juvenile adults, or grumpy old men, the Rear Seat Video Group is a must. Video remote and wireless head phones keep the entertainment going in the back seat and adult socializing. Grandpa can watch Gunsmoke and the kids can play games. Saves the driver from screaming, cussing, and threatening while helping to stabilize a rocky marriage.
Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Rust-Through Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Roadside Assistance (certain restrictions apply)
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
