Dodge’s attempt to re-inject some life to the Journey looks to have paid off with the 2013 model. Although that’s not much of a stretch, given the mediocrity that plagued its past iterations, you have to give credit to Dodge for giving the Journey all the necessary tools - and then some - to be able to properly compete against a competitive market segment.

So, yeah, the 2013 Journey is a lot better than its past namesakes and while it still can’t be considered a "class-leader," it’s made huge enough strides to be treated with respect and attention.

The 2013 Journey’s reasonably sporty feel, combined with impressive looks and refined interior makes it an SUV worth your time and money. And, oh by the way, it now comes with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that produces arguably one of the highest outputs of any SUV in its class.

For those looking to have a family-friendly SUV with a hidden thirst for power lurking underneath, the 2013 Journey is as good a choice as any.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2013 Dodge Journey

  • 2013 Dodge Journey
  • Year:
    2013
  • Make:
  • Model:
  • Engine:
    inline-4
  • Transmission:
    Four-Speed Automatic
  • Horsepower @ RPM:
    173 @ 6000
  • MPG(Cty):
    19
  • MPG(Hwy):
    26
  • Torque @ RPM:
    166 @ 4000
  • Displacement:
    2.4 L
  • 0-60 time:
    9.5 sec. (Est.)
  • Top Speed:
    125 mph (Est.)
  • Price:
    18995
  • car segment:
  • body style:

Exterior

2013 Dodge Journey High Resolution Exterior
- image 517838

Not a lot of drastic changes were done to the exterior of the 2013 Journey. Although it could have gotten some, it’s hard to complain with the aggressive and sculpted look of the SUV, a must for a vehicle that’s best described as a family friendly ride. The signature "split crosshair" grille is still clearly visible while a more aggressive lower front fascia and a rear fascia with integrated, dual bright exhaust tips are added into the SXT, Crew, and R/T models.

Overall, it’s still a clean look and sporty look for the 2013 Journey.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase in (mm) 113.8 (2889.8)
Overhang — Front 38.9 (989.3)
Overhang — Rear 39.7 (1008.5)
Track — Front 61.8 (1570.8)
Track — Rear 62.3 (1581.8)
Overall Length 192.4 (4887.6)
Overall Width 72.2 (1834.5)
Overall Width with Mirrors 83.7 (2127.0)
Overall Height 66.6 (1692.6)
Vehicle Height including Roof Rack Assembly 69.5 (1765.2)
Drag Coefficient (Cd) 0.368
Fuel Tank Capacity, (gallons / (L) 2.4-liter and 3.6-liter FWD — 20.5 (77.6) 3.6L AWD — 21.1 (79.87)

Interior

2013 Dodge Journey High Resolution Interior
- image 517840

The interior of the 2013 Dodge Journey offers plenty of items that can be described as welcome surprises, especially considering the lineage of the SUV. For a change, the interior looks practical and ergonomically friendly, welcome developments for a family friendly SUV that really wasn’t worth the price it commanded for its previous models.

This time around, Dodge paid careful attention in making the interior as versatile as ever. Second and optional third-row seats fold flat to create an impressive 67.6 cubic-feet of cargo space. Those second-row seats also have the ability to recline and come with optional class-exclusive integrated child boosters. Stow away compartments also make themselves known inside the cabin of the Journey, particularly the innovative removable storage bins in the floor ahead of the second-row seats, capable of holding a multitude of items.

The center console’s design is pretty simple, but whenever you have a infotainment system in there, simple is always better. The soft back-lit red glow is a nice touch too. Even the controls are distributed evenly, providing ample amounts of space to lessen confusion from a driver who doesn’t need any of it when he’s driving the Journey.

And just to highlight the Journey’s stature as a family friendly SUV that offers more premium features than most of its competitors, Dodge went ahead and ramped up on the standard features, giving the Journey a 4.3-inch touchscreen radio, power heated and fold-away mirrors, seven airbags, dual-zone climate control, illuminated cup holders, Keyless Enter-N-Go with push-button start, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls and the aforementioned class exclusive second-row in-floor storage bins.

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity (front/second/third rows) 2/3 standard, 2/3/2 optional
EPA Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m) 133.975 (3.794) – 7-passenger / 134.552 (3.810) 5-passenger
Total Interior Passenger Compartment Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 123.701 (3.503) – 7-passenger / 99.614 (2.821) 5-passenger
Front row
Head Room without Sunroof 40.8 (1036.3)
Head Room with Sunroof 39.2 (995.0)
Legroom 40.8 (1036.3)
Shoulder Room 57.5 (1459.7)
Hip Room 53.8 (1366.5)
Seat Travel 10.23 (260)
Front Compartment Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 55.39 (1.57)
Second row
Head Room without Sunroof 39.9 (1013.0)
Head Room with Sunroof 39.2 (994.8)
Legroom 36.1 (916.7)
Couple, First to Second Row 30.5 (773.8)
Shoulder Room 56.9 (1444.4)
Hip Room 54.4 (1381.9)
EPA Rear Seat Volume Index or Third row Volume, (cu. ft. / cu. m) 44.1 (1.2)
Third row
Head Room 37.7 (957.4)
Legroom 23.4 (595.5)
Couple, Second to Third Row 30.1 (765.1)
Shoulder Room 43.5 (1104.9)
Hip Room 40.0 (1016.3)
Rear Passenger Volume cu. ft. (cu. m) 22.2 (0.63)
Cargo Width @ Wheelhouse 41.4 (1050.5)
Trunk Liftover Height 30.8 (782.4)
Cargo Volume
Behind First-Row Seat, cu. ft. (cu. m) 67.6 (1.915)
Behind Second-Row Seat, cu. ft. (cu. m) (5-passenger vehicles) 39.61 (1.121)
Behind Second-Row Seat, cu. ft. (cu. m) (7-passenger vehicles) 37.0 (1.0)
Behind Third-Row Seat, cu. ft. (cu. m) 10.7 (0.3)

Performance

2013 Dodge Journey High Resolution Exterior
- image 517836

The Dodge Journey comes in two unique powertrain options. For the Journey AVP, SE and SXT models, the engine is a 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque while mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, delivering 26 mpg on the highway.

For those looking to get a Crew or R/T model, a 3.6-liter V-6 engine is offered with a best-in-class output of 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque to go with a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the impressive power output, this engine also allows the Journey to deliver up 25 mpg on the highway.

Engine 2.4-LITER DOHC 16-VALVE, VVT, SMPI I-4 3.6-LITER DOHC 24-VALVE, VVT, SMPI I-4
Availability AVP, SE and SXT SXT, Crew and R/T
Type and Description Four cylinders in-line, tuned intake manifold with dual counter-rotating balance shafts and dual variable-valve timing 60-degree bank angle, liquid-cooled, three-plenum intake manifold with electronically controlled manifold tuning valve and short-runner valves
Displacement 144 cu. in. (2360 cu. cm) 220 cu. in. (3,605 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke 3.46 x 3.82 (88 x 97) 3.78 x 3.19 (96 x 81)
Compression Ratio 10.5:1 10.0:1
Power (SAE net, estimated) 173 bhp (129 kW) @ 6,000 rpm (71 bhp/liter) 283 bhp (211 kW) @ 6,350 rpm (67.1 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE net, estimated) 166 lb.-ft. (225 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) @ 4,400 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed 6,500 rpm (electronically limited) 6,800 rpm (electronically limited)
EPA Fuel Economy mpg (City/Hwy) 19/26 17/25 FWD; 16/24 AWD

Suspension

2013 Dodge Journey High Resolution Exterior Wallpaper quality
- image 517839

The 2013 Journey comes with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension system, complete with coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar with an isolated suspension cradle. Similarly, the rear suspension of the Journey features a multi-link independent system with coil springs, a link-type stabilizer bar, gas-charged shock absorbers and an isolated rear suspension cradle.

Suspension
Front Independent MacPherson strut, coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar with isolated suspension cradle
Rear Multi-link independent with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, gas-charged shock absorbers and isolated rear suspension cradle

Pricing

2013 Dodge Journey High Resolution Exterior
- image 517834

The 2013 Journey comes with a base price of $18,995, a pretty affordable price for a car of its size. Higher trim models like the Crew and R/T models understandably have higher price tags, too. But the good news is that Dodge slashed off the numbers for the 2013 model, resulting in the Crew trim only having a $27,995 MSRP — $200 lower than in past models.

Similarly, the most potent of the trims, the R/T, also saw its price drop by $1,000 to a starting price of $28,995.

Competition

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Exterior
- image 483873

Mistsubishi’s Outlander still looks weird but it does come with some new - and admittedly curious - offerings, including a choice of two engines; a four-cylinder and a V-6 that develops 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and 224 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque, respectively. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, although it’s easy to see why the Journey, with its 263-horsepowr V-6, clearly has the leg up on its Japanese competitor.

2014 Mazda CX-5

2014 Mazda CX-5 High Resolution Exterior
- image 517322

It’s hard to argue against an SUV that was just rated as a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star car from the NHTSA. It’s new styling is a huge plus too and the choice of engines has more offerings on the table. But where the CX-5 falls woefully short is its lack of a V-6 engine.

Conclusion

2013 Dodge Journey Exterior
- image 517837

Given the plethora of competitors the 2013 Journey has to deal with, it’s going to have a tough time in distinguishing itself relative to the other models. But on the bright side, the Journey does have a load of impressive standard features that few others in its class can boast of. That’s a huge plus in this segment especially now that a 3.6 V-6 engine is offered for the Journey.

Ratings

Category Rating Details
Driving A- Smooth And Quiet On The Road
Performance B- If Budge Permits, Do Away With The 2.4 And Just Jump On The 3.6
Look B Still Looks The Same Outside; Plenty of Upgrades Inside
Value A Base Model Is Less Than $20,000
Overall B+ Family-Oriented Approach Mixed With Sprinkles Of Style And Performance Gives The Journey A Good Card In The Hole
  • Leave it
    • Plenty of competitors
    • The 2.4 is still a little weak
Kirby Garlitos
Kirby Garlitos
Automotive Aftermarket Expert - [email protected]
Kirby’s first exposure into the world of automobiles happened when he caught Knight Rider on television as a five-year old boy. David Hasselhoff didn’t leave much of an impression on him (that happened later on in Baywatch), but KITT certainly did. To this day, Kirby remains convinced that he will one day own a car with the same ‘spirit’ as the original KITT (not the 2008 monstrosity). He doesn't know when that will be, but until then, he’s committed to expressing his love for KITT, and all cars for that matter, here at TopSpeed.  Read full bio
About the author

Press Release

The versatile Dodge Journey crossover moves into 2013 with new features and even more value with a starting U.S. Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $18,995 (excluding destination), which makes it the fastest growing, most affordable crossover in the industry.

2013 Dodge Journey High Resolution Exterior
- image 517835

Dodge Journey offers a gorgeous interior with premium, soft-touch materials throughout. The available Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine delivers a best-in-class 283 horsepower, and Journey continues to deliver the latest and greatest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group’s Uconnect 8.4 Media Center. Featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, now available as a stand-alone option on the SXT, standard Keyless Enter-N-Go with push button start and available heated steering wheel, Dodge Journey offers a lot of features for the money. With best-in-class storage space, available foldflat seats, second-row in-floor storage and front-passenger “Flip-N-Stow” in-seat storage, the Journey is a true utility infielder.

The 2013 Dodge Journey is available in AVP, SE, SXT, Crew and R/T models. AVP, SE and SXT models come standard with new 17-inch wheels, while 19-inch alloy wheels adorn the Crew and R/T.

Crew model prices have been lowered by $200 to a starting U.S. MSRP of $27,995, and the Crew now comes standard with a premium leather interior, heated steering wheel and heated front seats at no extra charge. Further highlighting Journey’s great value at every price point, R/T model prices have been lowered $1,000 to a starting U.S. MSRP of $28,995. The R/T models also get standard new perforated leather seats, dimpled leather heated steering wheel and dimpled shift knob, red accent stitching on the steering wheel and a new performance suspension for even more responsive handling. A final new touch for 2013 is the addition of a max air conditioning setting for the climate controls and instantaneous fuel consumption indicator on the color Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) screen.

SXT models receive a new standard twin five-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheel and available Uconnect 8.4 Media Center and power sunroof.

Power and efficiency

2013 Dodge Journey High Resolution Exterior
- image 517841

The Journey AVP, SE and SXT models are powered by a 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque, linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. This four-cylinder engine delivers 26 mpg on the highway.

The award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine optional on SXT and standard on Crew and R/T models produces a best-in-class 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a smoothshifting six-speed automatic transmission. This Pentastar V-6 engine was recognized as a Ward’s “10 Best Engines” for 2012. In addition to excellent power, it delivers up to 25 mpg on the highway.

With a 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, owners can rest assured knowing their powerful and efficient Journey is well covered.

A work in craftsmanship and attention to detail

2013 Dodge Journey Interior
- image 517842

Dodge Journey offers levels of refinement not typically found in the crossover market. A beautifully crafted one-piece instrument panel sets the tone. A standard EVIC is positioned in the center of the gauge cluster, which has a full-color display backlit in Dodge red lights, giving it a soft glow unlike any in the segment. Integrated center stack bezels are sculpted, and designers softened the radius to make more room for the driver’s knees. The center console has a lot of cushion on the armrest. Lift the lid, and there’s a larger center storage bin with a 12-volt outlet and USB port where owners can hook up their MP3/iPod charging connections and hide them away.

The design team also worked to make the Journey’s interior very comfortable. There’s a large front storage bin with side nets a multi-function three-spoke steering wheel with standard integrated cruise and radio controls. Comfortable seats might just make drivers want to take the long way home to get a little extra seat time.

Engineers also developed many treatments to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. One example is the Journey’s dual dash silencer, which isolates the cabin, making for a nice, quiet ride.

The interior isn’t just a nice place to be, it also offers best-in-class utility. Second and optional third-row seats fold flat to create 67.6 cu. ft. of cargo space. Second-row seats recline and have optional class-exclusive integrated child boosters. Available third-row seating is a popular option that is available on all trim levels and not offered on most of Journey’s competitors. There are also innovative removable storage bins in the floor ahead of the second-row seats that can hold everything from muddy clothes to soda cans, to concealing valuables like a camera, laptop or purse. With fold-flat front passenger, second-row and third-row seats, second-row in-floor storage and front passenger in-seat storage,Dodge Journey has best-in-class storage.

Journey also offers many standard features not commonly found in the segment, such as 4.3-inch touchscreen radio, power heated and fold-away mirrors, seven airbags, dual-zone climate control, illuminated cup holders, Keyless Enter-N-Go with push-button start, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls and the class exclusive second-row in-floor storage bins. Owners will feel like they have the world at their fingertips with the Journey’s available touchscreen command center, Uconnect. From navigation to voice-command music selections to the ability to check fuel prices, the Uconnect media center makes life in the Journey an excellent adventure for the driver and passengers. Four Uconnect models are available, all featuring easy-to-use controls and class-leading technology. With its touchscreen display and user-friendly, touch-key categories, connecting and controlling personal devices is simple, intuitive and customizable.

Safety is paramount

Journey is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick four years running and is loaded with an abundance of more than 40 safety and security features, including standard advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control with all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation and Brake Assist, driver-side knee blocker air bag, side-curtain air bags covering all three rows, front seat-mounted side air bags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, LATCH child seat anchor system and trailer-sway control.

Confidence in any condition

The 2013 Dodge Journey’s chassis architecture delivers an exhilarating driving experience coupled with precise steering for maximum control. Strong torsional stiffness in the steering column intermediate shaft isolator, in conjunction with Journey’s rear suspension geometry, delivers precise steering feel and a connected steering response. R/T’s more aggressive suspension tuning – new for 2013 – give a sportier ride and even greater handling precision for when the roads turns twisty.

Dodge Journey also offers all-wheel-drive capability, perfect for drivers who want some extra grip for a more performance feel, or who live in the Snow Belt or rainy parts of the country and appreciate the extra traction Journey’s all-wheel-drive system provides. Journey’s all-wheel-drive system works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed to maximize fuel efficiency. All-wheel drive also is used on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during performance driving. This system provides added traction on snow, ice and other lowtraction surfaces without having to be switched on and off.

When traveling faster than 25 mph, Dodge Journey’s all-wheel-drive system sends torque to the rear wheels when cornering with the throttle open to make the car turn more easily, which makes the handling more neutral. This is more readily accomplished with Journey’s electronically controlled coupling (ECC) than with viscous-coupling or gerotor systems that require some degree of front-to-rear slip before torque is transferred to the rear wheels. At speeds greater than 53 mph, the control strategy provides minimal torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions to provide better fuel economy.

Dodge Journey features standard electronic stability control (ESC) and all-speed traction control, which help keep the crossover on path in a variety of road surface and weather conditions. Journey’s available all-wheel drive electronic control module works with the ESC and traction control systems, allowing the ESC system to use the ECC to help gain control of the vehicle, reducing the amount of torque that the ECC transmits to the rear wheels. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes and electronic-roll mitigation also are standard on all 2013 Dodge Journey models.

A family mover with style

On the outside, Journey maintains its sculpted, clean, aggressive lines and front fascia that sports the signature Dodge brand “split crosshair” grille. Journey SXT, Crew and R/T models feature a more aggressive lower front fascia and a rear fascia with integrated, dual bright exhaust tips (V-6 only). Bold “ring of fire” LED taillamps (SE, SXT, Crew and R/T models) have a distinctive style out back, while available 19-inch aluminum wheels provide a dramatic styling statement.

2013 Dodge Journey AVP

2013 Dodge Journey High Resolution Exterior
- image 517836

With a starting U.S. MSRP of only $18,995 - making Journey the most affordable midsize crossover in the country - the 2013 AVP model includes new 17-inch wheels and tires, a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 16- valve four-cylinder, automatic transmission, air conditioning, electronic stability control (ESC), Brake Assist, all-speed traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), seven airbags, active front head restraints, 4.3-inch Uconnect Media Center, Keyless Enter-N-Go with push button start, premium soft-touch surfaces, power windows, locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry and much more. AVP also is available with seven-passenger seating at a starting U.S. MSRP of $20,045, making it the most affordable seven-passenger crossover in America.

2013 Dodge Journey SE

Receiving the same new 17-inch wheels and tires as the AVP model, SE also is available with sevenpassenger seating and adds standard deep-tint sunscreen glass, roof rails and distinctive LED taillamps.

2013 Dodge Journey SXT

Dodge Journey SXT models feature standard new 17-inch aluminum wheels, foglamps, SiriusXM Radio with 12-month subscription, performance front and rear fascias, body-color exterior mirrors, front and rear floor mats, cargo compartment cover and cargo net. New for 2013, SXT offers an available 8.4- inch Uconnect Media Center and power sunroof. The award-winning 283 horsepower Pentastar V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic is available. SXT also is available with all-wheel-drive (AWD, V-6 only) and seven-passenger seating on both the four-cylinder and V-6 models.

2013 Dodge Journey Crew

Crew model prices now have a lower starting U.S. MSRP of $27,995, along with added content providing more than $1,500 in added value for 2013. Now standard on every Crew is a premium leather interior with heated steering wheel and heated seats. Nineteen-inch aluminum wheels, 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect Media Center, fold-flat front passenger seat with in-seat storage, leatherwrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote start, automatic temperature control, security alarm, bright door handles and roof rails and much more are all standard. Also available is AWD and sevenpassenger seating.

2013 Dodge Journey R/T

R/T models receive more than $1,500 in added value for 2013, including added standard equipment and a $1,000 reduction from last year’s U.S. MSRP – now starting at just $28,995. It starts with a retuned high-performance suspension for sportier handling. Red accent stitching on the dimpled leather seats and heated steering wheel are also new this year. A monochromatic exterior and 19-inch satin carbon aluminum wheels add to the sporty character of the R/T. Also included on every R/T is a six premium speaker 368 watt amplifier. The R/T is available with both AWD and seven-passenger seating.

Exterior colors for the 2013 model year include Copperhead Pearl, Blue Pearl, Brilliant Red Tri-Coat, Bright Silver Metallic, Storm Gray Pearl, White, Pearl White Tri-Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl. New colors for 2013 include Winter Chill Pearl Coat and Fathom Blue Pearl Coat.

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