boltsnapper

The 2.4 is a tank. Had one in our 09 and only major issue we had in the 80,000 miles we owned it was an intake runner valve failure that was covered under warranty. Make sure you get an extended warranty. We took a trip to the beach one year, about a 700 miles round trip, 5 of us with one of those hard carries strapped to the roof and the back end full of coolers, etc. It did just fine. Just give yourself plenty of room and time when  merging onto freeways...lol. Welcome to the forum!

Copper core plugs wear out faster. Exceeding the limit will risk mileage decrease and possible engine running issues. I think I went to 35k before I changed mine and they looked fine. You can experiment and see how long you can mke the original plugs last. I think someone on here went to like 80k on the OEM plugs and the gap was about 1/2"...lol
 
Change them every 30k and use OEM plugs. The engine runs best on copper core OEM plugs. It takes maybe 30 minutes to change them. Better safe than sorry. 

Most modern cars now are using Iridium plugs which have a longer life span. The 3.6L uses them. The 2.4L uses copper core so has a change interval same as cars of the past. Compared to the 3.6, the plugs are easy to change.
 
You can try a more expensive plug. No harm but the cost.

Your gas mileage will likely decrease.
 
mechanical-idiot

check with your dealership as the org on my daughters 2.4 were off amazon
4 New NGK V-Power Spark Plugs ZFR5F-11 # 2262 Sold by: B2C Auto Parts   $11.15

I have been very happy with my 2016.
 
Good luck with yours and welcome to the forum.

Welcome and congrats. From a van to the DJ, sounds like a family car. I specifically went with the 3.6 because of the family trips and tow capacity for the family toys since my previous van only had the 3.0 engine that was a bit under powered in my opinion. Regardless, enjoy the new ride. 

Welcome.  The 2.4 is anemic but quite reliable.  Don't try to get anywhere fast.  
 
Peace.

welcome to the group,as far as the 2.4 vs the 3.6,,, less power and usually not that much better mpg. but not a game changer ,also the spark plug replacement is a lot easier but more often than the 3.6. i use to always have a caravan with the 3.3 engine, that was a great engine they should have used that instead of the 2.4 in my opinion. other than that i have had 2 journeys a 2011 with 70 k on it and now my 2014 crossroad  with 92 k on it... just change your plugs every 30 k and use the OEM plugs as the 2.4 they say runs best with them and do your regular maintenance and enjoy the ride...