The versatile Dodge Journey crossover moves into 2013 with new features and even more value with a starting U.S. Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $18,995 (excluding destination), which makes it the fastest growing, most affordable crossover in the industry. Dodge Journey offers a gorgeous interior with premium, soft-touch materials throughout. The available Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine delivers a best-in-class 283 horsepower, and Journey continues to deliver the latest and greatest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group’s Uconnect 8.4 Media Center. Featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, now available as a stand-alone option on the SXT, standard Keyless Enter-N-Go with push button start and available heated steering wheel, Dodge Journey offers a lot of features for the money. With best-in-class storage space, available foldflat seats, second-row in-floor storage and front-passenger “Flip-N-Stow” in-seat storage, the Journey is a true utility infielder. The 2013 Dodge Journey is available in AVP, SE, SXT, Crew and R/T models. AVP, SE and SXT models come standard with new 17-inch wheels, while 19-inch alloy wheels adorn the Crew and R/T. Crew model prices have been lowered by $200 to a starting U.S. MSRP of $27,995, and the Crew now comes standard with a premium leather interior, heated steering wheel and heated front seats at no extra charge. Further highlighting Journey’s great value at every price point, R/T model prices have been lowered $1,000 to a starting U.S. MSRP of $28,995. The R/T models also get standard new perforated leather seats, dimpled leather heated steering wheel and dimpled shift knob, red accent stitching on the steering wheel and a new performance suspension for even more responsive handling. A final new touch for 2013 is the addition of a max air conditioning setting for the climate controls and instantaneous fuel consumption indicator on the color Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) screen. SXT models receive a new standard twin five-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheel and available Uconnect 8.4 Media Center and power sunroof. Power and efficiency The Journey AVP, SE and SXT models are powered by a 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque, linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. This four-cylinder engine delivers 26 mpg on the highway. The award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine optional on SXT and standard on Crew and R/T models produces a best-in-class 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a smoothshifting six-speed automatic transmission. This Pentastar V-6 engine was recognized as a Ward’s “10 Best Engines” for 2012. In addition to excellent power, it delivers up to 25 mpg on the highway. With a 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, owners can rest assured knowing their powerful and efficient Journey is well covered. A work in craftsmanship and attention to detail Dodge Journey offers levels of refinement not typically found in the crossover market. A beautifully crafted one-piece instrument panel sets the tone. A standard EVIC is positioned in the center of the gauge cluster, which has a full-color display backlit in Dodge red lights, giving it a soft glow unlike any in the segment. Integrated center stack bezels are sculpted, and designers softened the radius to make more room for the driver’s knees. The center console has a lot of cushion on the armrest. Lift the lid, and there’s a larger center storage bin with a 12-volt outlet and USB port where owners can hook up their MP3/iPod charging connections and hide them away. The design team also worked to make the Journey’s interior very comfortable. There’s a large front storage bin with side nets a multi-function three-spoke steering wheel with standard integrated cruise and radio controls. Comfortable seats might just make drivers want to take the long way home to get a little extra seat time. Engineers also developed many treatments to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. One example is the Journey’s dual dash silencer, which isolates the cabin, making for a nice, quiet ride. The interior isn’t just a nice place to be, it also offers best-in-class utility. Second and optional third-row seats fold flat to create 67.6 cu. ft. of cargo space. Second-row seats recline and have optional class-exclusive integrated child boosters. Available third-row seating is a popular option that is available on all trim levels and not offered on most of Journey’s competitors. There are also innovative removable storage bins in the floor ahead of the second-row seats that can hold everything from muddy clothes to soda cans, to concealing valuables like a camera, laptop or purse. With fold-flat front passenger, second-row and third-row seats, second-row in-floor storage and front passenger in-seat storage,Dodge Journey has best-in-class storage. Journey also offers many standard features not commonly found in the segment, such as 4.3-inch touchscreen radio, power heated and fold-away mirrors, seven airbags, dual-zone climate control, illuminated cup holders, Keyless Enter-N-Go with push-button start, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls and the class exclusive second-row in-floor storage bins. Owners will feel like they have the world at their fingertips with the Journey’s available touchscreen command center, Uconnect. From navigation to voice-command music selections to the ability to check fuel prices, the Uconnect media center makes life in the Journey an excellent adventure for the driver and passengers. Four Uconnect models are available, all featuring easy-to-use controls and class-leading technology. With its touchscreen display and user-friendly, touch-key categories, connecting and controlling personal devices is simple, intuitive and customizable. From motorin news