The 2017 Dodge Journey GT AWD Blacktop has just been taken for its first test drive – results are a little mixed, but the Journey seems to make up for its relatively lacklustre acceleration with a capable ride that won’t shy away from off-road adventures.
Truth be told, the Dodge Journey has become something of an oddity. Look to the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, or Ford Edge to find recently redesigned vehicles that feel extremely fresh. Look to the Dodge Journey to find a vehicle that hasn’t been updated in any particularly significant way since 2010; from exterior styling to infotainment system, everything is as it was coming on eight years ago.
What Dodge are clearly hoping people will pay attention to is the powertrain, and there’s a lot to like when you turn in that direction. The range-topping GT trim with Blacktop package uses a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine; that’s one of the most legendary engines of our time, a three-time member of Ward’s 10 Best Engines List that’s able to deliver up to 283 hp. This particular flavour of 2017 Dodge Journey also fits a high-performance suspension system.
However, it’s a vehicle of compromises. The three-row crossover isn’t where you look for white-knuckle performance, but the Dodge Journey is still soundly outpaced by its rivals in terms of acceleration.
Just take a look at how fast they managed to get from zero to 60 mph:
- 9 seconds in the 2017 Dodge Journey
- 2 seconds in the 2017 Toyota Highlander
- 2 seconds in the 2016 Honda Pilot
- 2 seconds in the 2016 Ford Edge
So not great. If you’re looking for something to take yourself around the city, the 2017 Dodge Journey might be out of the running. At the same time, it manoeuvres well, offers excellent steering, and feels more agile than its rivals when it gets up to speed.
It also comes to a stop faster. Here’s some braking from 60 mph times:
- 115 feet with the Journey
- 126 feet with the Highlander
- 119 feet with the Pilot
- 120 feet with the Edge
It also exhibits excellent backcountry performance thanks to solid construction and the healthy kick of torque outputted by the Pentastar engine – that’s the same engine you’ll find in models like the Ram 1500 and even the Jeep Wrangler. The 2017 Dodge Journey GT AWD Blacktop might not be a superstar in terms of acceleration, but it’s ideal for those who focus on nimble braking and dependable backcountry capability.