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 The 2011 Dodge Journey receives a number of significant changes, including a new, more powerful 3.6-liter V6, retuned suspension and steering, and a revamped interior featuring higher-quality materials and a new touch screen interface. An even more noticeable aspect of the 2011 Journey's transformation concerns the interior. The combination of a handsome new design and soft-touch plastics gives the interior a level of sophistication that was sorely lacking in the previous version. An 8.4-inch touch screen that dominates the dash of upper trim levels adds to the modern look and allows easy access to both audio and climate controls and cutting-edge features like the available Sirius Travel Link satellite infotainment service.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover offered in five trim levels: Express, Main Street, Crew, R/T and Lux.

The entry-level Express model comes reasonably well-equipped with a four-cylinder engine, 16-inch steel wheels, heated outside mirrors, roof rack side rails, dual-zone air-conditioning, illuminated cup holders, a 4.3-inch touch screen interface, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

Move up to the Main street trim level and you get a V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, body-color mirrors, a rear cargo compartment cover and satellite radio. The Crew model adds 19-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat with built-in storage compartment, reclining 60/40-split second-row seat with fore-aft adjustment, an overhead console with conversation mirror, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start, a 115-volt AC power outlet and a premium Infinity audio system with an 8.4-inch touch screen and SD card slot.

The R/T model gets you all the Crew's standard features but with dual-zone climate control and distinctive interior and exterior trim. The top-of-the-line Lux adds a handful of desirable extras; including 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and a Garmin-sourced navigation system.

Many of the features included on the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trim levels via optional packages. Other notable options include a sunroof, a 50/50-split third-row seat, built-in child booster seats, a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Power trains and Performance

The 2011 Dodge Journey is available with a choice of two engines. The entry-level Express model gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are expected to be 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

All other Journey trim levels are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered as an option. Dodge estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for front-drive and 16/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Safety

For 2011, the Dodge Journey is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control with a rollover sensor, traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and side curtain airbags for all three rows.

The Journey has not been rated using the government's new 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings were a perfect five stars in all front- and side-impact categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Journey its highest "Good" rating for both frontal-offset and side impacts.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2011 Dodge Journey's switch to top-quality soft-touch plastics, along with a sleek new design, projects a far more refined image. Worthy of special mention here are details like hidden storage bins and available child booster seats. The long and wide-opening (nearly 90 degrees) rear doors make getting little ones in and out of car seats a hassle-free affair. With both the second and third-row seats folded down, the Journey offers 68 cubic feet of total cargo capacity a useful amount. Perhaps the most significant change for the 2011 Journey is the incorporation of the huge 8.4-inch touch screen that dominates the dash of upper trim level models. Besides providing a slick way to access everyday controls, the screen plays a role in some of the cooler tech features offered here, including displaying the image from the rearview camera and the wide range of useful info delivered by the available Sirius Travel Link service.