EXTERIOR/INTERIOR
The exterior of the 2015 Dodge Journey features the automaker’s trademark rugged look, and it actually looks quite large, and attractive, from the outside.

Once you get inside though, the first thing you’ll notice is that the space isn’t what you imagined.

There are two versions of the Journey, two-row or three-row. I can say with confidence that getting the three-row version is a bad idea. While it’s offered to try to attract larger families to buy the vehicle, the reality is that the third row is so cramped, there is little room for even the little ones to sit.

If you do pick up the Journey, the best bet is to choose the two-row version and get some cargo space in the back. To put it another way, some vehicles seem to have a third-row option just because they can, without weighing the practicality of anyone actually using it.

Materials in the Journey are of decent quality for the segment and didn’t feel cheap, plus the interior design is quite impressive overall; with gauges and spacing set up well and plenty of headroom all around.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

My test vehicle featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine that offered 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque; it also had a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine of most models of the Journey offer a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but that’s pretty weak at 173 hp and 166 lb.-ft., so it’s worth the upgrade to the V6. (Also, if you stay with the four-cylinder engine, you won’t have an option to upgrade to all-wheel drive; only front-wheel drive is offered).

The power in the Journey is acceptable, but not thrilling. The Journey gets moving with some oomph, but not quite like i would have liked to seen it go. This is in part due to the fact that the vehicle just kind of feels heavier than it should for the size. It’s also worth noting that there is strong competition in this category from vehicles like Nissan’s Murano and Pathfinder models, and the Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5, among others.

TECHNOLOGY

Chrysler has done well by providing its family of vehicles with a quality UConnect tech interface over the years, and that trend continues on this vehicle.

The UConnect system is the jewel in the center of the tech in the Dodge Journey. The vehicle’s 8.4-inch screen is excellent and it works as well as almost any in-car tech system I have tried.

Audio options include AM/FM/Satellite radio/CD/SD card, and of course Bluetooth connectivity so your phone’s audio can be streamed. Voice commands for the vehicle (audio, climate, navigation) worked well for me, understanding my voice well and letting me keep my eyes on the road.

Optional tech features included rear-seat video ($1,195), Navigation and back-up camera group ($995), Premium speaker system ($395), and a Popular Equipment group that includes remote start, heated front seats and heated steering wheel, and automatic headlamp.

Overall, the tech experience in the Journey, as per usual with Chrysler family of vehicles, is among the best you’ll find.

SAFETY
One interesting safety option on the Journey is integrated second-row child booster seats.

I would have liked to see the rearview camera and rear parking sensors be standard, but they are only optional.

Airbags in front, side and at the driver’s knee level are included on all Journey models; along with other safety features such as antilock brakes and stability control. Government safety ratings on the Journey were strong for the class (four out of five stars overall).

MPG
Official numbers for fuel mileage on the AWD version of the Journey are 16 city/24 highway/19 combined. These numbers are disappointing in comparison to similar-sized SUV competitors, and may turn away folks who like other aspects of the vehicle.

PRICE

The Dodge Journey starts at $20,295 (honestly, this low starting price is the best draw of the vehicle, as many people are on a strict budget and can’t afford some of the more expensive rides they might prefer over the Journey). My test vehicle had enough features to reach a price of $35,845, so the price can grow significantly if you add enough to it.

BOTTOM LINE
The Dodge Journey serves a purpose as a low-cost midsize crossover SUV, and has a tech setup other cars would do well to emulate, but isn’t going to knock anyone’s socks off in terms of power or handling. Its third row option is puzzling and should be avoided, but sticking with two rows will get you into a midsize crossover SUV with plenty of storage space at a low price.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.