Journey translated from English as "journey", and this word is best suited to describe the model of the same name. Judge for yourself: squat and two-volume, roomy, with impressive ground clearance and, most importantly ... now with all-wheel drive- it can be attributed to several classes of cars at once! Dodge's ambitious goals are to unite in one car best qualities minivan, station wagon and, above all, SUV. How well did they do it? Let's check.

So, Journey, almost 5 meters long and two wide - impressive dimensions. How amazingly interior designers disposed of the space they got into their hands! From the abundance of all kinds of niches, glove compartments and drawers, the eyes run up - they are even under the feet of the rear passengers and in the front seat!

Remember what was characteristic of the interiors of American crossovers of past years? Forget the impregnable rocks of faded and hard plastic. The front panel of Journey is not inferior in quality to business class sedans! Large climate control buttons and a media system, impressive air ducts, a roomy case in the armrest - there is no need to save space, there is plenty of it.

Sitting in a Dodge, you immediately try on the role of a kind of father of the family. You look around the property, visually laying out the bags in the corners and seating the children. This is an exciting activity, as the proprietary Flip-N-Stow interior transformation system, using the example of Journey, has worked in full force. The front passenger seat folds down to form a table. The rear ones are shifted with one movement of the lever on the back, opening the passage to the third row. By the way, if there are children in your company of seven people, it’s better to put them there, adults “in the gallery” will complain about the lack of floor under their feet. Having folded the second and third row of seats, we get a cave with a volume of almost 2 thousand liters.

The thoughtfulness of space can be traced literally in everything: the cabin mirror for the driver is built into the eyeglass case.

A system that will save you several thousand rubles and a lot of free space is a second-row seat that can be transformed into a child seat.

Under the hood of the Russian Journey, you can find only one engine - the most powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar in its range, with a power of 283 hp. This is the same V-shaped unit, which in 2011 entered the top ten best engines according to Ward magazine.

The behavior of the Journey on the road is more like a sedan, albeit big and powerful, but still a sedan, which is an absolute advantage over the huge minivans that make us bus drivers. It is not for nothing that Journey was created on the basis of the new Chrysler Sebring - the main heir to the American school of imposing movement. This is also achieved thanks to a well-chosen pair of "engine / automatic" - powerful motor confidently pulls in a wide range of speeds, and a six-speed automatic with road settings is in a hurry to change gear without waiting for a hysterical roar.

The situation does not change much off-road. Here Journey gathers, armed with numerous auxiliary systems and stubbornly climbs over snowdrifts and snow slides, transferring the necessary moment to rear axle. Getting a car into a skid, even on an ice rink, is as difficult as making the engine show its full potential - Tractoin Control and ESP stop all driver errors in the bud. Of course, what a skid, children can sit behind! The basic equipment of the Dodge Journey includes an ESC dynamic stabilization system and works at any speed traction control system, helping to keep the crossover on a given trajectory under various road and weather conditions. Both work together with the all-wheel drive control function, which helps them realize part of their capabilities by redistributing torque between the axles.

However, Journey's Olympic serenity can be deceptive, especially in relation to drivers and passengers. To overcome off-road obstacles, Dodge engineers equipped the car not only with all-wheel drive, but also with an impressive ground clearance of 197 mm, and so that you do not feel something was wrong - modified with previous generation soundproofing and energy-intensive suspension in a sedan style. A driver, yawning, can drive through a snow trap like a section of an American highway, and then be surprised a lot when he gets out of the car and appreciates what he has just overcome.

The maximum version of the Dodge Journey, presented on our market, will cost the buyer 1.7 million rubles. For this amount, the car is simply a must have for any family man who dreams of long trips and outings with the whole family. No Subaru Forester or the Audi A4 Allroad will not be able to boast such a roomy interior and the possibility of transforming the interior space, which means it will not be able to give its owner the same degree of freedom as the Journey.

Whole photo session

Sometimes the Dodge Journey is called an all-wheel drive minivan ... In fact, this is an ordinary crossover that has incorporated all the characteristic features inherent in American cars.

There were times when travel was the main, if not the only, way to get information about the world around us. The names of most famous travelers of the past are immortalized in various literary works and city monuments.

In the 21st century, when there are no white spots left on the maps, travel in the minds of the majority has acquired a cultural and entertainment connotation and has become one of the varieties of outdoor activities.

Thinking about the specifics of the test drive of the seven-seater Journey crossover - the second and last representative model range Dodge (only two cars are officially presented in Russia - Caliber and Journey), we first of all paid attention to its name. A hand in the process of creating the name Journey (English "journey") was clearly made by "Captain Obvious". Such big crossover should be perfect for moving to the resting place of a group of friends with all the necessary camping belongings. So we decided to go on a white Dodge on a completely non-mysterious journey to the banks of the Volga.

The main thing

Answer the question, what is most important in a car designed for long-distance and not very travel? A large trunk so that you can take with you mountains of both necessary and useless things in nature? Cruise control so that the driver can relax a little on the track? Air conditioning, comfortable seats, pleasant musical accompaniment?

In fact, everything is much more complicated. First of all, you need to decide - what is a modern journey? Is the process of moving in space in harmony with nature? Or just a period of time during which people get to the final goal - a place of rest?

And what vehicle better suited for travel in that case? For example, Robert Pirsig, in his famous work Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, explains that if you are not striving for a goal, then it is best to slowly travel on two-wheeled vehicles, because in this case it turns out to literally “merge with nature” , smell the smells, feel the oncoming wind, absorb the rays of the sun. Wait, we're talking about cars. If you project the idea of ​​an American author on cars, it turns out that it is best to travel carelessly in a convertible or roadster with the top down.

If the journey is not an end in itself, and you just need to comfortably get to the place of rest planned in advance, then, of course, you will need something large and roomy. In our case, the second travel option and Dodge Journey as a transport.

But still, what is the most important thing in a car for simple movements over long distances? The main thing is that there are many compartments in the cabin designed to store drinks, which brighten up the process of moving passengers to their resting place, if you know what I mean. Joke! Although, as they say, in every joke ... In terms of hidden containers and pockets, it seems that Journey has no equal. cargo compartments of various volumes can be found literally in every corner: under the front right seat, under the feet of the rear passengers, do not forget about big trunk.

Of course, without roomy interior, comfortable seats and air conditioning, you won’t go far either, and the “automatic” with cruise control will greatly simplify the trip, but Journey also has all these functional features.

Journey has excellent visibility, making it very easy to park on it. At the same time, the steering wheel makes 2.9 turns from lock to lock, and the turning circle is 10 m.

Let's start

In fact, sometimes "Journey" Due to the presence of a third row of seats, they call it an all-wheel drive minivan. Yes, with the same success you can call a minivan and Volvo XC90, and any other seven-seater crossover.
Someone nods in the direction of design, they say, Journey looks like a Dodge Caravan minivan. In this case, everything is explained simply - corporate identity. By the way, it was the features of the updated family style that made the white crossover positively stand out against the general background. Unlike the vast majority of aggressive and intimidating modern crossovers, Journey has a completely peaceful design! In a pleasant dark leather trim and soft comfortable seats with mild support, there are also notes of peaceful calm and impressiveness.

First of all, preparing the car for a short two-hundred-kilometer run, I had to fold the third row of seats as unnecessary. Calling this car a seven-seater is generally possible only with a stretch - only children are suitable as passengers for the "gallery", and even then only the smallest ones. Much more practical to get rid of last row, thus increasing the volume of the trunk from a meager 167 liters to an impressive 784 liters.

In such luggage compartment already three large tents will fit, and many more things needed friendly company in order to live a normal weekend on the banks of the river.

Hidden containers still had to be loaded with tonic drinks, but there was a good reason for that. It was necessary to somehow improve the mood of friends, because we had to go to the Volga without music, completely ... It was not possible to evaluate the sound of the Alpine branded audio system, it simply did not work, and this was on a car with a mileage of only 6000 km. But I already made a playlist of songs from the old Californian rock band Journey of the same name in advance for a larger entourage ... Well, at least the Alpine nameplates in the cabin are stylish!

But the mood of the passengers was increased by a comfortable rear sofa, the presence of a large supply of legroom and a well-thought-out air conditioning system with special “ventilation shafts” for the second and third rows. Three adults sitting on the second row will be able to endure even a long journey without strain and fatigue.

In general, Dodge with each new kilometer more and more convinced that he was a real modern "traveler".

In the Euro NCAP rating, you can only find the “twin brother” of Journey - Fiat Freemont. The car received a five-star rating and 82% for driver and adult passenger protection. Standard equipment includes front and side airbags, curtain airbags for all rows of seats, and a full range of modern systems active safety(four-channel ABS with assistance system when emergency braking, stabilization system, traction control).

Highway to…Volga!

One has only to go to the open spaces of some highway and press the gas pedal once, and, consider that all the dots over the "i" are automatically placed. Journey is a true American highway cruise ship. The suspension gently swallows bumps, transmitting only slight monotonous swaying to the body.

You say, under the hood is a 280-horsepower Pentastar V6? It looks more like some kind of less powerful power unit, for example, a 2.4-liter GEMA. But no, it is the 3.6-liter that drives the Dodge Gas engine V6 since on Russian market only this fixed version is supplied for 1,699,500 rubles. What is the reason for such impressiveness, in a six-speed "automatic", or is it still in the engine settings?

In general, the Pentastar V6 engine debuted quite recently - in 2011. The cylinder block has an open architecture, i.e. the cylinder walls are completely separated from the body by a cooling jacket. Such a scheme is simpler and cheaper to manufacture, and even better heat removal, however, the stresses on the bending of the cylinders increase.

There are several main changes in relation to the "previous" Chrysler LH engine. First, in the design of the cylinder heads. They now have two camshafts and a system of variable valve timing (inlet and outlet), as well as a more reliable chain drive that replaced the belt drive. The exhaust manifold is now integrated into the cylinder head to reduce the overall number of parts. An oil cooler appeared in the collapse of the cylinders, and the filter of the lubrication system became uncased, which simplifies its replacement. Everything attachments attached directly to the motor itself, allowing to reduce the level of vibrations and noise.

Cylinder blocks, by the way, are cast under high pressure from aluminum, which, together with other design changes, made the Pentastar V6 19 kilograms lighter than the 3.5-liter engine of the previous series. The short-stroke V-six in the specification for the Journey produces 287 hp. at 6350 rpm and 353 Nm at 4400 rpm, and 90% of the torque is already available from 1800 rpm.

The Journey needs 6.5 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h. Passport acceleration time from standstill to 100 km / h is 8.4 seconds (it feels a little more).

And the reason for the lethargy in the responses of the motor lies in the settings electronic block control, because the Pentastar V6 meets all the most stringent modern environmental standards, including the Californian LEV-III and PZEV and the European Euro 6. In other words, the “strangled” motor is only enough for smooth acceleration of a heavy American crossover with a curb weight of 2031 kg. But what is most depressing, despite all the efforts to optimize the workflow and reduce harmful emissions and fuel consumption, the real average gasoline consumption is 14 liters per 100 kilometers. By the way, according to the Russian specification, it is recommended to fill in the 95th gasoline, although the Pentastar V6 engine was initially configured for American gasoline with an octane rating of 87, therefore, the domestic 92nd should not “choke”.

If you go to work in the capital with its eternal traffic jams, the consumption does not get only 100 milliliters to the magic mark of 20 liters. However, the white Dodge is extremely surprising in how comfortable and easy it can be to move through traffic jams. Excellent all-round visibility, large mirrors, a six-speed “automatic” smoothly shifting gears, and most importantly, the dimensions of the body, which you have time to get used to in just half an hour. Thanks to this, parking and maneuvering in cramped conditions on an American crossover is also not difficult. By the way, on Journey, despite its rather big cost, there are no parking sensors in the standard equipment. Maybe the engineers decided to save on them? True, as additional equipment parking sensors can still be ordered, but again only for the rear of the car, and only complete with a rear view camera. Such, in my opinion, completely unnecessary Journey package, called the “Driver Convenience Group”, will cost 39,000 rubles.

Outside the city, you can achieve the most "humane" fuel consumption - 9 liters per "hundred". But for this you have to be very gentle with the gas pedal, or simply use the cruise control on cruising speed 100-120 km/h. There is no desire to drive faster, since aerodynamic noises are clearly audible already from 90 km / h.

In the trunk there is a funny rechargeable flashlight, which helps out perfectly during outings into nature, as well as a compact dokatka.

cruiser

You sit on your favorite armchair in the living room with friends, peacefully sipping strong coffee from a cup, and then suddenly the whole living room comes to life and begins to move quickly and carry away its visitors in an unknown direction ... The driver feels something like this while driving Journey. Big comfortable car, accepting an exclusively imposing manner of movement in space. Even better, if cruise control is activated, which can be done by successively pressing just a couple of keys. The only negative is that the car reacts too slowly if you change the speed not with the pedals, but with the buttons on the large comfortable steering wheel.

But this is a trifle, compared with the three ergonomic "features" that the Americans managed to allow when designing a car. The first is that the windshield wipers and lights are combined in one lever located to the left of the steering column. It takes a long time to get used to the algorithm of the mechanism overloaded with functions.

The second "feature" concerns the fuel replenishment process. Access to the car is keyless and the engine starts with a button, but the filler flap is unlocked with a tiny key mounted in the immobilizer key fob. Nonsense XXI century!

Well, in conclusion - the steering column is located very low, which is why in the process of landing and disembarking you can hit it with your right knee. Tested on myself - it hurts!

Of course, don't be fooled by the Journey's off-road performance either. This “ship” with an impressive clearance of 197 mm for a crossover, but equipped with the simplest all-wheel drive system with an electronic clutch, floats only on asphalt expanses, and if there is at least shallow sand or mud under the wheels, mercilessly skidding, it immediately “runs aground” .

Lots of delicious

"Jorny" is indeed quite talented. It is primarily a universal, but not only. A little more minivan - this is in terms of the possibilities of transforming the interior. And also a little off-road vehicle - impressive wheels with meaty high-profile tires and decent ground clearance are trying to indicate this. By the way, there are all-wheel drive modifications, but such “Jornies” from America are not a foot.

What impresses me the most is his honesty: unlike all kinds of SUVs, he does not try to disguise himself as a jeep. Therefore, the appearance of the car is quite peculiar. In front is a passenger car, but not an ordinary one, namely a Dodge: a family cross with a ram provides one hundred percent identification. From the stern side, “Zhora” still looks like an all-terrain vehicle thanks to the high bumper and large lanterns. In profile, the car is original: a nose from a sedan and wheels from a jeep were attached to the minivan. But there is no effect of Irish stew: Journey looks very harmonious. In addition, it immediately becomes clear that this is a surprisingly functional contraption.

salon invention

In fact, the Journey was conceived with an eye on seven seats, but the third row is, in general, an amateur thing. Access to two separate seats, which form a flat area when folded, is quite convenient, thanks to the sofa helpfully moving forward and upward. But even a person of average height will not be able to accommodate there - only children. Yes, and the highchairs will turn out to be expensive - $ 2300, since they can only be ordered together with 3-zone climate control. But everything else that nature has generously rewarded "Jorni" with pleasure will be appreciated not only by families with many children.

He does not take up space. The trunk itself is quite decent in size, but due to the folding sofa it easily doubles. Moreover, the front passenger seat can be “bent”, and then something pretty grandiose will easily fit into the cabin. And under the forward-leaning cushion of the same chair there is a secret place.

In general, various boxes and niches for belongings are located here in the most unexpected places. Of the most impressive finds, I note pantries in the floor under the feet of the rear passengers, equipped with practical plastic troughs: a whole dozen cans of cola will fit in such a cellar. Boxing between the seats on the central tunnel is a classic of the genre. But two glove boxes in the front panel in front of the passenger are generous. True, they are rather stubby in size, but the one that is taller is conceived by the refrigerator: air from the air conditioner comes into it. Even the eyeglass case on the ceiling is wrapped with a twist: being supplemented with a spherical mirror, in the ajar state, the cover of the “case” allows you to control the situation in the rear from the front seats.

On high

Since the “Jorny” is quite large in ground clearance and stately in cabin height, you get into it rather than sit down - in this sense it is very similar to an all-terrain vehicle. The rear seats move longitudinally along the “rails” and also have a backrest tilt adjustment - there will be no problems with convenience. But my place is ahead. And here the surprises begin.

It was not difficult to quickly find the optimal posture: the adjustment ranges of the chair are more than sufficient. I think that the long-haired Dimanchik, with his height of one hundred and ninety, would have settled down without problems - especially since the supply of space above his head is almost unprecedented. I was more pleased with the remarkable fact that the steering column is adjustable for reach. And not by conventional millimeters, as, say, in the “Caliber”, but by several full-weight centimeters. Another pleasant surprise was the soft plastic of the front panel - for an "American" this is almost nonsense.

On the basic modification The SE interior is simpler than the R / T version, but it does not seem poor at all: even the polyurethane steering wheel is pleasant to the touch. The center console is framed in metal, but it looks very decent. And R/T, supplemented with climate control, looks even better: chrome-plated handles and button blocks made of high-quality plastic draw the most daring associations. Almost a Volkswagen!

However, that's exactly what almost. Because the instrument panel visor is made of hard “wooden” plastic, because the buttons on the steering wheel also lack elegance, because the leather in the expensive version does not impress with the finish. But the direction is set correctly: in comparison with their relatives - "Caliber", "Avenger" and even the expensive "Nitro" - the interior decoration of the "Jorny" is an order of magnitude higher without any embellishment.

Best the enemy of the good

The functionality of the crossover left such a pleasant impression that it was already possible not to drive at all: no matter how the Dodge turns out to be on a trip, I am already happy as a boa constrictor. But, on the other hand, maybe a surprise awaits me here too?

It is clear that it would be naive to expect some special agility from a car with a modest 2.4-liter engine by American standards - and even on a well-deserved 4-speed “automatic” - it would be naive. Well, it accelerates, well, it goes. Rolls normally. It can roll fast, it can slow - the main thing is that it should be even. Because the car is rather reluctant to overtake: the box is slow to think, and the capabilities of the engine itself are still limited. But this does not annoy me: I am ready to rush slowly. It is much more important for me that in cruising mode, the Zhora does not bother with a cacophony of sounds: the soundproofing of the car deserves all praise.

“Jorni” scurries confidently along the smooth New Riga, demonstrating an excellent exchange rate stability and unshakable character: the body does not move on gentle waves - there are no hints of American buildup at all. But as soon as we leave towards Seliger on the periphery, the asphalt trash begins. And what do you think? "Doju" any roads are expensive! On broken asphalt, the crossover stubbornly cuts kilometers, hiding the true face of the landscape behind thick wheels and an omnivorous suspension. Dimanchik would be just happy!

Between Van and Jeep

I decided to shove the story about the shortcomings of the Dodge into the last chapter. I will just list what I did not like - there will be very few of them.

The parking brake is not designed with a handbrake, as we would like, but with a separate pedal - hefty and very unsuccessfully prescribed on the way to the rest area for the left foot. And if I had a shoe size larger than 41, I would probably constantly cling to this scissor.

Didn't like the visibility. In the interior mirror, almost nothing can be seen except for the headrests; in front, the horizons are limited by thick A-pillars. And only the exterior mirrors pleased - you can’t find fault with them.

One could also complain about the large loading height of the trunk. That's basically it. Not too many cons, right? But the pluses are enough for several cars. In fact, “Jorni” has no competitors: between mini-vans and all-terrain vehicles there is only “Zhora”. And I am inclined to regard the lack of all-wheel drive as a blessing: all the leaders are needed - pay extra and buy a jeep. Here, there is nothing superfluous. And the R / T equipment is also too much: a democratic SE with a rag interior and balanced driving characteristics is not only more pleasant, but also cheaper by 260 thousand rubles. Which is wisely worth spending on a couple of bikes, skis and tents.

By the way, in America you can buy a Journey with all-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter engine with 235 horsepower. But the most annoying thing is that even such a car in the States costs five thousand “green” cheaper than our simplest SE. But it’s better not to tell Dimanchik about this ...

From the bar table

The two main configurations of the Jorney differ not only in the set of equipment, but also power units. The more affordable SE is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-four with 170 hp. With. Already in the database - 6 pillows, automatic transmission, stabilization system, alarm with immobilizer, air conditioning, tire pressure sensor and full power accessories. Such a car will cost $34,300. An R/T with a V6 engine (185 hp) is $11,100 more expensive, but such a crossover is already equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, leather interior, fog lights, cruise control. control, 2-zone "climate" and on-board computer. Sunroof, sophisticated multimedia system and third row of seats - for an additional fee.

Last year I decided to change the car. The 2007 Forester is a great car. But tight. I chose among the Forester 2013 MY, Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer. And then the son recommended to see the Dodge Journey. Last year, 2012 cars remained on sale with good discounts. After the test drive, there were no questions left. I took it.
What do you like about this car? Yes all! Spacious interior, great soundproofing, great music. It should be noted the package. I have an R/T car that has everything: parking sensors, a rearview camera, a self-dimming rearview mirror, roof rails with crossbars for the trunk. All dopa cost 10 thousand rubles: mudguards and engine protection. Do not need anything else. Casco - 40 thousand rubles. (they counted on the Forester - about 80 tr). And the price. At the price in the cabin new car about 1.6 million, I bought mine in 2012 for 1.39 million (excluding hull and special stages). I took a 5-seat: 7 seats are not needed, but due to the 5-seat body there is a rather large luggage compartment under the floor.
Engine - V-shaped 6-cylinder 3.6 L Pentastar. This is one of the best Chrysler engines. It is regularly put on most models of Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge. Very accepting. Up to a hundred accelerates in 8 s. Gasoline consumption on the highway is about 9-10 liters, in the city - about 16 liters. The old Forester with a 2-liter aspirated ate more per liter.
Box - 6 speed automatic. Works like clockwork. There is a possibility of manual switching. If you drive along the highway with 6th gear on and a speed of 90-100 km / h, then the consumption can be reduced to almost 8 liters.
Gasoline - 92nd. When refueling, I save 2 rubles per liter.
Driving is a pleasure. The suspension is soft, softer than European ones, but moderate, not nauseating. Manageability is excellent. Very playful car at all speeds, which is convenient when overtaking. The interior is quiet and comfortable. rear seats move, the back tilts. When buying, I looked at the results of crash tests. For Jorny, safety is 5 out of 5. Very stable on the track. In winter, it did not get stuck anywhere and did not skid. After long trips, you almost never get tired.
Disadvantages that can be indicated: 1) insufficiently good dipped beam (replaced standard lamps with lamps with twice the light output at the same power; 2) "special" rubber size 225/55 R19 - the choice is very small, but 235/55 R19 fits well ; 3) low overhang front bumper(although he did not sit on the curbs); 4) transport tax at 40 thousand, but it’s not a pity to pay for such a car. The space is very well organized in the cabin: a large center console box, two boxes under the passengers' feet, and one more under the front passenger seat.
In general, very satisfied. I recommend everyone pay attention.
Last year it was said that the Jornies would stop selling. But I was in the salon last week - cars of 2014 are on sale. Journeys enter Russia only in maximum configuration R/T with all-wheel drive. A complete analogue of these cars - Fiat Freemont come with smaller engines, with front or all-wheel drive, mostly in 7-seater version and at a lower price.

I had to do a lot. We dismantled and reassembled passenger seats, loaded bags and looked for the limit of man-seats that the thug Journey really has.

Salon - this is, of course, the most significant trump card of this gigantic angular body.

Seven of us can sit down here, and it will not be painful torture! The front is completely beautiful: the chairs are well profiled, quite rigid and have - just imagine! – tangible lateral support. Remember Voyager with an ottoman instead of a driver's seat! I have one in my living room, in front of the TV - and only there, and not in the car, it belongs to it.

Journey is stricter in this regard: its interior is generally dominated by sharp edges and straight lines, without the traditional American “plush”, which in general create a rather pleasant impression of the cabin.

Even armrests are provided for the third row of seats, and the chairs themselves cannot be called Spartan, but to get to the “gallery”, you need to work hard. To the laughter of the photographer, my colleague and I took turns exercising in penetrating the back sofa between the counter and the back of the second row. It's good that it is adjustable in inclination, and even split - so we managed to make the “hole” a little larger, but still the movements were far from grace.

Crossover, mini-van... Chrysler, it seems, didn't decide what they did, and the manager at the showroom, echoing the American bosses, called the Journey this way and that.

Look sideways at a good ground clearance at 182 mm - and it will seem that the crossover ... But when you look from behind the wheel, doubts melt: a mini-van! The gearshift lever, set back and tilted like a bus, fits very comfortably in your hands, and the driver himself sits high.

Just what is it that flickers before your eyes? Mean scales of devices, with semicircular scales, huddle in a rectangular plastic box. Next to the cascading middle console, it looks frivolous. Yes, and it's all pretty mean and mundane. Where is the style, where is the emotion?

Emotions, emotions... Where can I get them? There are none in the sluggish response to the gas pedal, the steering wheel is pleasantly heavy, but sharp maneuvers are contraindicated in the chassis: the short nose of Journey reluctantly follows commands, the steering wheel is empty and makes you strain.

At hard acceleration time seems to freeze around Journey. The arrow creeps unbelievably slowly along the funny little dial of the speedometer, but under the hood - wow! - 170 l. with., enclosed in a 2.4-liter volume! Not enough "taboon"? But the “senior” motor in the line, although 300 cubes more, is only 15 hp more powerful. With. Will he be noticeably more cheerful?

Will. The two extra cylinders don't just digest more fuel - the engine runs with a six-speed "automatic" (instead of the four-speed on a car with a 2.4 liter engine), which has a more advanced work program and a close range of the first two gears (4.127 and 2.842, respectively), which should provide more easy start. If, of course, the owner of the Dodge Journey needs it ...

We did not go off-road: for example, we left the mud from under the wheels in a wasteland. We were uncomfortable there too: “civilian” rubber, there is not enough traction, the steering wheel becomes completely sluggish ... The stabilization system does not gradually bring the car down, which has lost its trajectory, but insidiously and tightly clamps the pads on the disks when you want to get out of the skid yourself with “gas” .