Dodge announced that the 2014 versions of the Journey SE crossover equipped with the V6 Pentastar engine can be had with all-wheel-drive system. Priced from $24,895 (plus $995 destination charge), the new AWD variant is $1,800 cheaper than the SXT version.

2014 Dodge Journey SE V6 is powered by the renowned 3.6 liter Pentastar unit, rated here at 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission in the AWD version, and return 24 mpg on the highway, which is only 1 mpg lower than the FWD model.

Journey’s on-demand all-wheel-drive system is not only supposed to make the 7-seater crossover more versatile and give it a bit of off-road capabilities, it also helps the driver during spirited driving. AWD is activated on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during performance driving. Working in tandem with the car’s electronic stability control (ESC), this system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces without having to be switched on and off.

Standard features of the 2014 Dodge Journey SE V6 include 17-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), seven airbags, 4.3-inch touchscreen Uconnect Media Center, Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, cruise control, deep-tint sunscreen glass, black side roof rails and distinctive LED tail lamps.