Car Preview: 2011 Dodge Journey

• Competes with: Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Outlander

• Looks like: Dodge is taking interiors seriously

• Drivetrain: 283-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with six-speed transmission; 2.4-liter four-cylinder with four or six-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive

• Hits dealerships: Late 2010

Chrysler is continuing to update its lineup with fresh interiors and engines. The latest is the Dodge Journey. When I reviewed the original I thought it offered a lot of content in an interesting size. It just happened to be horribly powered with a roughshod interior.

The 2011 tries to fix these problems. Along with the all-new Pentastar V-6 being offered in top trims, the interior of every model has been completely redesigned. We’ve seen mild refreshes from Chrysler before, but this is an overhaul.

Not only are the materials, gauge cluster and dash all new, but even the shifter and cupholders have been relocated. In Journeys equipped with navigation, you get an entirely new multimedia setup that’s different from any previous Chrysler product. The current uConnect unit looks ancient next to the competition from GM and Ford. This new system might be able to rival them. We’ll have to test it out in person to decide if it’s an improvement, but from the images below it looks promising. The Journey will still come standard with five seats, and an optional third row will increase total seating to seven.

On the outside, the front and rear get some mild changes, with the grille and LED taillights being the most notable. Dodge also says they’ve added “premium” sound-deadening treatments and insulation. We’re not sure what that means, but there can’t be anything wrong with spending more money to make the car quieter.

Chrysler confirmed the base engine is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder from 2010. The four-cylinder will be mated to either a four- or six-speed automatic. Unfortunately, that’s not the best four-cylinder on the market and might not make up for the new interior upgrades.

The differing trim levels and pricing have not been released, but we expect pricing to be similar to the outgoing model, which ranges from $20,845 to $29,745. The Journey arrives at dealerships by the end of 2010.