New 2012 Dodge Journey

Even though the 2012 Dodge Journey went through major revisions last year, that didn’t stop the crossover from dropping its base price significantly making it more affordable than ever.

Because of the new American Value Package, the base 2012 Dodge Journey drops more than $3,000 in price, which really is the bottom line when deciding on a new car. If you love technology, then you’ll be happy to know that the Uconnect Touch 8.4 multimedia system with navigation gains song tagging, voice-recognition, and an eco-routing feature.

The 2012 Journey is available in four trims: SE, SXT, Crew, and R/T, and with three different engines. A 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, followed by a 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6, which is also available in a flex-fuel E85 version. Both V-6 engines (the gas and the flex-fuel) are paired to a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is also available, but only with the V-6s. Maximum towing capacity is 2,500 pounds. Fuel economy is decent at 16-19 mpg in the city and 24-26 on the highway.

Exterior styling took on a more aggressive look last year with a larger air dam and crossbar grille. Sixteen-inch steel wheels and power heated side mirrors are standard, while 17- and 19-inch aluminum wheels, roof rails, LED taillights, front fog lights, and a power sunroof are optional. The 2012 Journey seats between five and seven passengers in either two- or three-rows of seats, and the Tilt ‘n Slide second-row seating feature allow easy access to the back row.

Standard features abound inside the 2012 Dodge Journey including illuminated cup holders, auxiliary input jack, USB port, and 4.3-inch touch-screen for the audio system. The previously mentioned optional Uconnect Touch 8.4 system boasts an 8.4-inch touch-screen interface, which controls all kinds of functions such as audio, Bluetooth® connectivity, Garmin navigation, and climate controls. Other optional features include leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning, built-in second-row booster seats, and a six-speaker, 368-watt Infinity premium audio system.

Dodge takes safety seriously with a suite of airbags including side-impact airbags for the front seat, side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, antilock brakes, front active head restraints, and a stability system with electronic roll mitigation and trailer-sway control as standard equipment. Rear parking sensors and a backup camera are optional.

With so many features now available at an even lower price, you won’t stop believing in this 2012 Dodge Journey.