The Dodge Journey Returns To The Mexican Market For The 2023 Model Year!

The “Built-In Mexico” 2009 to 2020 Dodge Journey (JC) had become a family favorite crossover for Mexican families. In 2022, the Journey name returned to the Mexican market on a totally new package from Stellantis’ connections with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC) and their Trumpchi GS5. Instead of being the budget-minded family-oriented three-row that everyone loved, it is now a five-passenger two-row crossover.

The second-generation Dodge Journey enters the 2023 model year as one of the best-selling SUVs in Mexico. 

The Dodge design studio did a good job incorporating the new signature Dodge styling elements into the Trumpchi GS5. One of the stand-out features is just how good the Dodge-signature “bandit-style” grille looks on the GS5. The new Journey also takes advantage of the GS5’s 190 LED rear taillight bar that mimics another signature styling element – the “race-track” taillamp design. Overall, the GS5 looks much more sporty from the outside than the Mexican-built 2020 Dodge Journey that it replaces.

The cabin is extremely spacious, with the capacity to transport five passengers in comfort, as well as one of the largest cargo spaces in its category, with the possibility of configuring the 60/40 rear bench or reclining both seats leaving the floor completely flat.

The GS5 also donates an interior that utilizes better materials, with soft-touches surfaces, and attention to detail that again surpasses the 2020 model. For SXT and Sport models, there is an analog gauge cluster with a 7-inch LCD digital information screen in the center. On the top-tier GT model, that gauge cluster is replaced with a 12.3-inch LCD digital cluster allowing for a much more modern and technological look. Matter of fact, it is the first Dodge vehicle to feature such a display. 

An 8-inch central-mounted touchscreen infotainment system is standard, however, it isn’t Uconnect 5-based. Using the system straight from the GS5, the Trumpchi’s system offers Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment across the lineup. The system also allows for the driver to use the reversing camera with dynamic grille lines, and the support of a 360-degree surround-view camera system on Sport and GT models in HD resolution.

The center console is finished with piano black accents, while the T-shifter gear lever is wrapped in leather. The Journey center console also has controls for three different drive modes (Standard, Sport, and Comfort), an electronic parking brake, front seat heating and ventilation, stereo volume control, and menu settings for the infotainment system.

Under the hood is a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine delivering 169 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The turbo 1.5-liter features a BorgWarner low-inertia electronically controlled turbocharger and a second-generation Bosch high-pressure injection system to ensure the stability of combustion, and reduce emissions, and fuel consumption.

The turbo 1.5-liter is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission from Aisin which offers quick response shifting, low fuel consumption, self-learning, and adaptive intelligent control. The Aisin unit allows the Journey to have Engine Start/Stop (ESS) and Natural Control.  

Journey’s McPherson independent front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension ensure a soft smooth ride no matter the road condition. With a hydraulic brushing design, the front suspension lower arm can effectively suppress the shock and vibration transmitted by the road surface, implementing a shock-free driving experience. The high-clearance rear trailing arm was designed to absorb shock and helps smooth out the ride as well.

The 2023 Dodge Journey lineup will consist of the following equipment packages and pricing…

2023 Dodge Journey SXT – $602,900 MXN (or about $30,175.75 USD) –

• 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

2023 Dodge Journey Sport – $665,900 MXN (or about $33,330 USD) – 

• 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

2023 Dodge Journey GT – $699,900 MXN (or about $35,030 USD) – 

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

The 2023 Dodge Journey seems to provide the Dodge Mexico portfolio, with a stylish five-passenger crossover with lots of equipment for an affordable price. Some would say that alone would follow in the footsteps of the 2020 model. 

The 2023 Dodge Journey is available in 6 exterior colors including, Granite, Bright White, Silver, Bright Blue, Gloss Black, and Shiny Copper.

For those living in Mexico, the 2023 Dodge Journey is already arriving in dealer showrooms.

2023 Dodge Journey Image Gallery:

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Image Source: Chrysler Autosur Campeche