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Dodge Journey SXT AWD

Published 9:44 am Friday, March 6, 2009

The all-new 2009 Journey is Dodge’s first foray into the popular crossover segment that takes a body with the characteristics of an SUV and places it on a car chassis.

True, conventional SUVs ride on a truck platform.

Crossover advantages are better fuel economy due to the vehicle’s lighter weight, and a smoother, more civilized ride because you’re in a car, not a truck.

The stylish Journey is positioned between the compact Caliber and the Grand Caravan minivan in the Dodge lineup. It provides seating for five people in its standard setup, but a third-row seat that boosts capacity to seven passengers is available.

In addition to a rear cargo area and the numerous storage spaces typically found in SUVs and crossovers, Journey has storage bins hidden in the floor, and available under the front passenger seat cushion. The bins are more than just a convenience feature — they increase security by giving owners a place to hide valuable items out of sight of car prowlers looking for an easy theft. With the optional Flip ’n Stow in-seat storage, the front passenger seat cushion flips forward for access to a 10.75 by 8.75-inch bin, large enough for stowing a purse, planner or headphones with the seat down.

In another thoughtful nod to convenience, Journey’s rear doors open 90 degrees, making entry and exit for second-row and third-row passengers much easier. The Tilt n’ Slide feature for second-row seats also contributes to easier access for third-row occupants.

Journey has stadium-style seating. The second row is slightly higher than the first, and the third is higher than the second. That way, everyone can see outside the vehicle — an especially nice feature when small children are on board. And speaking of children, Journey offers — standard or optional depending on model — Dodge’s YES Essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant and anti-static cloth seat fabric. Not only that, but Journey also has optional integrated child booster seats, which give a 4-inch boost to children seated in the second row, positioning them in the adult seat-belt zone.

Journey comes in three different trim levels: SE, SXT and R/T. The first is powered by a 173-horsepower, four-cylinder engine with 166 lb-ft of torque and an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. It is offered in front-wheel-drive configuration only.

The SXT and R/T are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive (for highway stability, not off-road excursions), and have a 235-horsepower V6 that produces 232 lb-ft of torque. Their EPA ratings are 16/23 with FWD and 15/22 with AWD. The SE’s transmission is a four-speed automatic. The other two models have a six-speed automatic with Auto Stick manual shift capability. R/T models are engineered with performance suspension.

My tester was an SXT with all-wheel drive. Standard items include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability and traction control, electronic roll mitigation, keyless entry, six-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and an audio system with six-disc in-dash DVD/MP3 player and Sirius satellite radio.

The tester’s options included a Convenience Group I package (roof rack, cargo cover, steering-wheel audio controls, garage door opener and more — $695); and a Safe and Sound Group package (MyGIG multimedia system, hard disc drive, rear backup camera — $695).

Journey’s roomy interior makes it seem larger than it is, but nimble handling gives the impression of a smaller vehicle. The V6 is healthy and strong, not disappointing.

Journey’s wow factor isn’t a chart-buster, but it hands-over the utility, practicality and innovative features buyers in this segment appreciate.