2014-Dodge-Journey-Crossroad-mediumThe Chicago Auto Show this year will see the coming of a new Dodge Journey Crossroad MY2014. 2013 has been, apparently, the best sales year for the Journey, so Dodge would rather continue the profitable trend. Let's see what they have in store for us with this one then. First up; the oily bits.

As standard, the Journey comes with a 2.4-liter four-pot that produces 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and delivers 26 mpg on the highway. It's OK but uninspiring.

The optional 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, on the other hand, sounds like the one to go for. It has 283 hp in store and 260 lb-ft of torque. The accompanying transmission is a six-speed automatic. Thus, returns almost exactly the same amount of mpg as the 2.4-liter: 25 on the highway.

If you want the Journey to be all-wheel-driven, you'll have to specify it on the options list. The system is pretty clever, engaging all the wheels only when grip starts running out. It also works on proper pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph – should help cornering. It's all very cleverly engineered really: the AWD is managed by the electronic stability control (ESC) system which in turn also governs the electronically controlled coupling (ECC).

On the outside, the Journey sports a new front and rear fascia, chrome patterns on them and chrome roof rails, gloss black grille, fog lamp surrounds and tail light bezels. The 19-inch aluminum wheels also come in a Hyper Black five-spoke design.

Standard features to appeal to the occupants inside include a 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, power front seat and a front passenger fold-flat seat with hidden storage bin under the seat cushion. There are also power heated and foldaway mirrors, seven air bags, illuminated cup holders, Keyless

Enter ‘n Go with push-button start and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. It's pretty spacious too. Fold flat the second- and third-row seats and you create 67.6 cu. ft. of cargo space – best in class, apparently.

Dodge Journey Crossroad (2014) - picture 1 of 19
Dodge Journey Crossroad (2014) - picture 2 of 19
Dodge Journey Crossroad (2014) - picture 3 of 19
Dodge Journey Crossroad (2014) - picture 4 of 19
Dodge Journey Crossroad (2014) - picture 5 of 19
Dodge Journey Crossroad (2014) - picture 6 of 19
Dodge Journey Crossroad (2014) - picture 7 of 19
Dodge Journey Crossroad (2014) - picture 8 of 19

Source: Dodge