A REVIEW: 2014 Dodge Journey SXT Blacktop, 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

Logic Is A DODGE

By Darlene Donloe

You’re considering purchasing a new car. Not sure what to buy? If you want a vehicle that is robust, you can’t go wrong with either the 2014 Dodge Journey SXT Blacktop or the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, which is currently celebrating its 30^th Anniversary.

THE CAR: 2014 Grand Caravan SXT

This 30^th Anniversary Edition minivan looks good with its granite crystal metallic clear coat exterior and it’s black/light graystone interior and leatherette and suede bucket seats.

This minivan has plenty of room to get you from Point A to Point B. And, you can bring along your friends. For even more space, the Super Stow ‘n Go® Seats can fold flat into the floor.

This minivan is so cool it has a number of firsts.  It’s so cool it’s the first minivan with a Blue-Ray Rear entertainment system. It’s also the first minivan to offer a selectable fuel economizer mode and it’s the first minivan with child safety locks on the sliding door.  While it looks like a minivan, it doesn’t feel or ride like one.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 30^th Anniversary fender badging and logo on gauge cluster, key fob and available 6.5-inch Uconnect® System touchscreen. Transmission 6-speed automatic transmission. Powered by a 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine with up to 25 hwy mpg with up to 500 hwy miles per tank. 17-inch aluminum satin carbon wheels (SE only). Bright chrome roof rack, window trim belt molding and available got lamps Available Uconnect® System Hands-Free Group with touchscreen and one year of SiriusXM Satellite Radio.  More than 55 standard and available safety, security and technology features including seven standard airbags.

MSRP: $32,475

FUEL ECONOMY: 18/26

THE DRIVE: Bravo!

THE CAR: 2014 Dodge Journey SXT Blacktop

This sporty crossover with a Redline 2-Coat Pearl exterior and black interior with leader-trimmed bucket seats and light gray accent stitching, is very versatile and comfortable.  The drive is average and the pedal is firm. It doesn’t have quick acceleration, but it’s not slow either. I love the panic-stop distance of 124 feet from 60 mph.  Great for group transport. Lots of storage space.   Even ride.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine, 283-horsepower V6, 6-speed automatic transmission, Keyless Go, active head restraints, Blacktop Package includes: 19-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, gloss black front grille, gloss black lower front fascia accents, black headlamp bezels, gloss black exterior mirrors. 4-speed shiftable automatic, front wheel drive, four door SUV. 8.4-inch Uconnect® Touchscreen (largest touchscreen in its class), SiriusXM® Travel Lin for live weather updates across North America; Uconnect® Voice Commandgives you hands-free control of the Bluetooth® phone and radio; Seating for five and lots of cargo space.  Towing capacity is 2,500 pounds.

MSRP: $30,960

FUEL ECONOMY: 17/25

THE DRIVE: Pleasant!