Dodge Unveils First New Model in 6 Years
It looks like the Stellantis merger is spreading some love Dodge’s way. The Dodge Journey held on for a long time-some thought too long. And sales showed that to be true. But now Dodge has just announced an all-new Journey that will be available in 2022.
Dodge’s Journey crossover was 12 years old when it was killed in 2020
The Journey crossover first made its appearance in 2008 as a 2009 model. It was by far the oldest model in its segment. By 2020, Dodge decided 12 years was good enough and pulled the plug.
Now Dodge is launching this Chinese crossover, built on the all-new Trumpchi GSS platform. In fact, it is already in production. Trumpchi, which is part of the large GAC Group, is a partner with Dodge in China.
As of now the Dodge Journey will be sold first in Mexico
For now, it will only be sold in Mexico, where the former Journey was produced. Next year it will expand sales to Latin America. Beyond that, we don’t know whether it will see a return to the US.
Specs call for a turbocharged 1.5-liter gas engine. It cranks out 166 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, spinning a six-speed automatic transmission. Beyond that, we haven’t seen info from Dodge concerning whether a hybrid version will be available, and how much it will sell for.
Dodge also sells another rebadge in Mexico; the Attitude. It’s a small sedan, and it too isn’t currently being sold in the US. We have also been hoping for the Brazilian-built Ram 700 pickup, similar to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, to make its way to the US. But so far no way.
Are these other new Dodge models coming?
What else is coming that we might see? There are rumors buzzing about a Dodge Hornet. This would be based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale hybrid crossover. And a 2022 Dodge PHEV is coming as well.
Expect to see many new models from the manufacturers under the Stellantis umbrella as if taps into rebadging Citroen, Peugeot, and Lancia models. Part of the basis behind the merger is to build up Citroen and Peugeot numbers through economies of scale with rebadges.
Before Stellantis, Peugeot was ready to relaunch in the US
Before the merger, Peugeot was planning on entering the US market after a long absence. So the wheels were in motion even without a plan for dealerships, service, and parts distribution. Now, that work dovetails nicely under the Stellantis roof.
This will especially benefit bolstering catalogs for Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, and Alfa Romeo. Obviously, Ram and Jeep brands can now expand into markets Citroen and Peugeot already have a strong presence in already. Keep your eyes on Stellantis as this all ramps up.
