To say that Chrysler has had a pockmarked history in South Africa would be putting it mildly. International ownership shuffles and local dealer network concerns didn't do the brand any favours either and when it was announced in 2017 that Chrysler was planning on canning all RHD variant of their ranges to focus on their domestic offerings, it was safe to say that the writing was on the wall.
Chrysler and Dodge products were removed from the local market in the months that followed with Jeep being the sole American offering left behind. The FCA group continued to sell Fiat and Alfa Romeo products, along with the aforementioned Jeep units. Dodge was now gone and it took with it the friendly and agreeable Journey, a compact SUV that took the fight to the likes of the Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and VW Tiguan (amongst others).
Related: Dodge Journey test drive: make sure to check these features out.
As is usually the case when things like this happen, the market is flooded with used models as owners fear for the long-term repercussions of owning a vehicle from the freshly departed brand. As a result, you can pick up a Dodge Journey for not too much money. They can still be serviced by the FCA group of dealerships, so there's no reason not to consider one.
We want to help make this decision easier for you by comparing the infotainment systems found in the top 3 contenders, namely the Journey, Kuga and RAV4, all from the 2015 - 2017 period. Apples with apples and whatnot.
Dodge Journey
In the Dodge Journey you're going to hopefully get the Uconnect Touch 8.4 system. This system, while popular, was an optional extra at the time of ordering. Many of the models will be fitted with this touchscreen system that, as you've guessed, uses an 8.4-inch screen for multimedia purposes and vehicle controls.
This system will be familiar to you if you've interacted with an FCA product from the time. It will offer you CD and DVD playback as well as AM/FM band reception. Further inputs are accepted in the form of USB and AUX and the unit is Bluetooth enabled to allow for audio streaming or hands-free telephony. You will get navigation with this system which also features voice control for address input. The voice control can be used for other functions as well.
One is able to control the system through the touchscreen or by making use of the two large knobs on either side of the HVAC controls. These will allow for volume and tuning functions while track skip/search functions can be taken care of with the multifunction steering wheel.
The menu is laid out in a simple fashion with the lowermost edge of the screen housing the shortcut areas that will take you to the various functions including digital control of the climate control.
Ford Kuga
The 2017 Ford Kuga not only sported a new face, but it added Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system into the mix. Gone was the switchboard of buttons from the SYNC2 and SYNC1 systems and in its place a refreshed take on infotainment and control. Fitted with a high-mounted 8-inch colour touchscreen, the SYNC3 is a simple and intuitive system to use with a simplified home screen layout that allows you to access your function of choice with ease.
Accepting inputs from CD, USB, AUX and Bluetooth connections, the unit is able to stream audio from a multitude of sources. AM/FM reception is included and the voice control will recognise no fewer than 5 different languages. Cut through all of this though with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for screen mirroring of approved in-car apps. Sync Applink allows for access to specific apps, such as AccuWeather, for real-time updates and information.
Interaction with the unit is either via the touchscreen, multifunction steering wheel or from the control centre which houses a centrally mounted volume/power knob, flanked by several shortcut buttons for simplified control. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone tethering and access to approved in-car apps.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 was facelifted in 2016 and the update saw a host of tech features added to the mix. The 2016 model is fitted with a 7.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, mounted high up in the dashboard. This unit offers basic functions and features and will accept input from CD, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connections. AM/FM receptions is standard fare but navigation is/was an optional extra.
This system is controlled via the touchscreen but users will prefer to use the two knobs in the top corners of the screen or the six pushbuttons off to either side as the touchscreen itself is prone to lagging behind with a slow response time. There is also the option of controlling the system with the multifunction steering wheel controls.
While Toyota owners will be able to accept this system, it proved to be the Achilles heel of the RAV4 with many of its direct rivals offer far more functionality and compatibility, especially with regards to smartphone tethering. Truth be told, this is still a point of concern for the Toyota/Lexus range to this day.
