Production Starts On The New Chinese-Built 2022 Dodge Journey For Mexico!

Making its debut in 2008, the Dodge Journey replaced the shorter-wheelbase Dodge Caravan in the brand’s lineup and put the brand into the growing crossover segment. It’s unique packaging allowed the Journey to offer a three-row midsize crossover layout at an affordable price. At first, the Journey’s flimsy and awkward interior design at the initial launch kept customers at bay. But when the 2011 model hit the market with a slightly updated exterior, upgraded powertrain, and a pleasant new cabin design that the Journey began a sales upswing. 

Thanks to its modest amenities and budget-friendly price, the Mexican-built Journey went on to become the second best-selling vehicle in the brand’s portfolio. But after a decade of no real investment, Dodge axed the Journey with no real replacement in sight.

Last month, Dodge reached out to us, sharing a few teaser images of a new midsized crossover that the brand was working on for the Mexican market. Automatically, we picked up on the vehicle’s styling and released it was a Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC) produced vehicle called the Trumpchi GS5. The Chinese GAC Group has had a long-standing joint venture with the former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which is of course now half of the Stellantis identity. The joint venture GAC-FCA builds a number of Jeep vehicles for the China market that include the Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, and Grand Commander.

It was earlier this week, that GAC started production of a rebadged version of its Trumpchi GS5 for the Dodge brand for the Mexican market. The first-ever Chrysler Group vehicle in North America, we will wear the Dodge Journey nameplate when it arrives in the market in the upcoming months.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Autocosmos.com (@autocosmos)

The 2022 Dodge Journey will be available in three trim levels (SXT, Sport, and GT). Thanks to leaked details surrounding the new 2022 Dodge Journey lineup, we can actually look at some of the features for each particular model.

2022 Dodge Journey SXT – 

• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Sunroof
• Smart Key Access & Start
• LED Headlamps
• LED Taillamps
• Backup Camera
• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• Cloth Seats
• ESP, ABS, & Hill-Descent Assist 
• 7-Inch TFT Guage Cluster
• 8-Inch Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 18-Inch Aluminum Wheels
• 8-Way Power Driver Seat

2022 Dodge Journey Sport – 

• Panoramic Sunroof
• Faux Leather Seats
• 10-Way Power Driver Seat
• 4-Way Power Passenger Seat
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
• Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
• Automatic Headlights
• Automatic High-Beams
• 360-degree Surround Camera
• Side Curtain Air Bags
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind-Spot Monitoring

2022 Dodge Journey GT – 

• 12.3-Inch Guage Cluster
• 19-Inch Aluminum Wheels
• Hands-Free Power Liftgate

Now, while the last generation Dodge Journey was known for its three-row seven-passenger capability, the newest vehicle to carry the nameplate will instead feature a two-row five-passenger layout. For those who are looking for more people moving capability, they will have to upgrade to the three-row Dodge Durango.

Under the hood, is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine making 166 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. While it may not seem like a lot of power, Dodge did kill off its Pentastar V6 option during the final production year of the last generation Journey, leaving it with the 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four-cylinder as its only available powertrain. The turbo 1.5-liter makes just short of the Tigershark in horsepower but adds 30 more lb.-ft. of torque, so it should have adequate power for the Mexican marketplace.

The 1.5-liter is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is standard across the Journey lineup.

Currently, Dodge only has plans for the Journey to be marketed in the Mexican marketplace. According to sources, Dodge plans on selling around 4,000 units by the year’s end there. It should be interesting to see the markets take on the new vehicle, considering that the last generation vehicle was built in Mexico at the Toluca Assembly Plant and that the newest version is built in China.

While Dodge has yet to announce the official vehicle or pricing just yet, it is expected that the new 2022 Dodge Journey should have a starting price between $560,000 MXN (or about $27,315 USD) and $650,000 MXN (or about $31,705 USD). The new Journey is expected to start arriving in Dodge Mexico showrooms, in late November.

Stay tuned to MoparInsiders.com, as we will continue to bring you more details about the 2022 Dodge Journey as they become available.

Source: AutoCosmos.com