Competitors:
Jeep Liberty (platform sharing), Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra
Design Philosophy:
Rugged styling, SUV practicality with a focus on aggressive aesthetics
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a capable and stylish compact SUV with off-road potential
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Transmission (automatic and manual, if applicable), driveline, differentials
Brake Systems:
Brake system components, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical Systems:
12-volt system, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electronics, powertrain control module (PCM)
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, glass, bumpers
Climate Control:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, routine inspections, fluid changes, filter replacements
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, internal component repairs
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Tune Up Procedures:
Ignition timing, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel system cleaning
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including electrical system testing and component diagnosis
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed disassembly and overhaul procedures for major components like engines and transmissions
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for Dodge-specific or specialized tools
Transmission 3.7L:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission 4.0L:
5-Speed Automatic (NAG1 / 545RFE)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Not widely available or offered for this model year in most markets, primarily automatic
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Length:
Approx. 179.0 inches (4547 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.0 inches (1854 mm)
Height:
Approx. 70.0 inches (1778 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.8 inches (2789 mm)
Curb Weight Start:
Approx. 3950 lbs (1792 kg) for base models
Curb Weight End:
Approx. 4300 lbs (1950 kg) for higher trims/AWD
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4 Stars (2009 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4 Stars (2009 model year)
NHTSA Side Crash Front Driver:
5 Stars (2009 model year)
NHTSA Side Crash Front Passenger:
4 Stars (2009 model year)
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Passenger:
4 Stars (2009 model year)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars (2009 model year)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side curtain airbags
Audio System:
Available premium audio systems, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary audio input
Navigation:
Optional navigation system
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type
Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine, generally 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) for iridium/platinum plugs
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to owner's manual for exact specification based on engine and climate)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, pink color (e.g., Mopar P50285003)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (for 4-speed automatic), ATF+4 or equivalent for 5-speed automatic (refer to manual)
Common Issue 1:
Fuel pump failures
Common Issue 2:
Rattling noise from the exhaust system (heat shields)
Common Issue 3:
Power steering leaks or pump issues
Common Issue 4:
Water pump leaks (especially on V6 engines)
Common Issue 5:
Interior trim rattles and squeaks
Brand:
Dodge (a division of Chrysler)
Model Introduction Year:
2007
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Jeep Liberty (KJ) and Mitsubishi Outlander (first generation)
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA