Saturday, March 1, 2014

2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad soldiers on



Introduced to the market in 2008 and updated in 2011, the Dodge Journey crossover has had all the freshness of a retirement village in recent years. Filling a potentially important niche for Dodge as an affordable, family-sized vehicle, the Journey has gotten one last mild refresh here in Chicago. Feast your mild-appearance-package-loving eyes on the 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad.

We can't be sure if the inspiration for the Crossroad appellation was the 2002 blockbuster film, Crossroads, starring Britney Spears, or the 1986 cult-classic, Crossroads, starring Ralph Macchio, but based on the CUV's newfound boyish charm, we're betting on the Karate Kid.

Dark finish 19-inch wheels, platinum chrome accents and a manly new front fascia tell the world that this isn't the Dodge Journey that they've long since forgotten about. In fairness, the Crossroad is easily the best-looking iteration of the Journey to date, and should be better to live with, too, considering its revised cabin, leather seats and standard Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system.

For just $24,995 (and another $995 for destination fees) you can start down your own Crossroad – assuming of course you're content with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, front-drive model. We're still not sure what the all-wheel-drive, 3.6-liter V6 equipped Journey Crossroad will run, but we're guessing Mr. Macchio will be able to swing it.