2014 Best Cheap SUVs

Dodge Journey

Often overlooked, this midsize crossover is a way to combine two uncommon features for under $30,000: seven-passenger seating and a V-6 engine. Journey is styled a bit like a station wagon and a rather plain one at that. But credit Dodge with a model-year 2014 upgrade to the interior marked by liberal use of soft-touch materials and a handsomely revamped dashboard. Four-cylinder Journeys are underpowered and come only with front-wheel drive and a retrograde four-speed automatic transmission. We recommend a midline SXT model. Starting at $27,690 with AWD, it has Chrysler’s smooth 283-horsepower V-6 and a modern six-speed automatic. The 50/50 split-folding third-row bench is part of the $1,300 Flexible Seating Group, which thoughtfully includes rear air conditioning and heating and an easy-to-use flip-and-slide second-row entry feature. Now you’re at $28,990 and still have room for the $995 Quick Order Package 28C, which adds a power driver’s seat, Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8.4-inch dashboard infotainment display. An SXT AWD Journey’s road manners are more pleasant than exciting. The available third-row seat is kid-sized but handy nonetheless. And with the V-6, you’ll never want for power, though its 19-mpg city/highway combined EPA rating is nothing special.