2009 Dodge Journey

Regardless, the pitch makes sense: Dodge is aiming the Journey at people in transition (new families and recent empty nesters are the two primary targets) in the hope that it will be seen as something more than just another parts-bin-built crossover. As such, the Auburn Hills company decided to emphasize people-carrying ability over power and budget-oriented practical touches over frippery.

Predictably, then, seating capacity and clever available features are the 2009 Dodge Journey's strong points. As many as seven passengers can be crammed into the Journey's interior if you choose the optional third-row seat, and the list of standard equipment includes such positives as stability control; a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer; electronic brake assist; myriad storage spaces (see sidebar); and side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seats. Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, rear air-conditioning, a backup camera, and a 368-watt Infinity sound system, among other goodies, are all optional.

The 2009 Dodge Journey shares its underpinnings with the Avenger sedan, riding on a wheelbase that has been stretched 4.9 inches to 113.8 inches. Essentially a front-wheel drive vehicle, the crossover will be available with all-wheel drive only when powered by its largest engine - a 3.5-liter V-6 making 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter is attached to a six-speed automatic transmission and, with front-wheel drive, is expected to return 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. That's not bad economy considering that the middle-child V-6, a 2.7-liter producing 186 hp and 191 lb-ft returns the same economy on the highway and only one mpg better in the city. The reason for such a small difference in economy is that the smaller V-6 is attached to an automatic with only four forward speeds. Also running with a four-speed automatic is the base engine, a 2.4-liter VVT inline-four that produces almost as many ponies as the small V-6 - 173 of them (and 166 lb-ft of torque) and slightly better economy; it's rated at 19/25 city/highway.

Inside, the oddly sloped center console places frequently-used audio controls at the bottom near a blunt corner where many drivers rest their knees. And our jury is unimpressed by the sheens and textures of the plastics. Chevy and Ford have seriously upped the ante in this department.

Midsize Avenger sedan underpinnings make the 2009 Dodge Journey smaller and 500 pounds lighter than a similarly equipped Ford Flex, yet Dodge's aging single-cam 3.5-liter V-6 returns fuel economy lower than the Flex's by the EPA's reckoning and identical under our lead feet (14.9 mpg). It's also slower through the quarter mile. An elderly four-speed automatic hobbles the 2.4-liter four-cylinder front-drive version with worse fuel economy than a three-row RAV4 V-6 delivers. The welterweight 2009 Journey should feel lighter on its feet than its middleweight Flex and Chevy Traverse rivals, and while steering feel and maximum lateral grip are slightly better, howling understeer, poor body-motion control, and a tendency to crash over bumps make it feel discombobulated on twisty, undulating pavement.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey crossover offers BorgWarner's award-winning Interactive Torque Management (ITM 3e(TM)) system as an option for drivers who value performance, fuel economy and stability. Based on Chrysler's global D-segment platform, the Dodge Journey blends the capability of a sport-utility vehicle with the overall efficiency of a passenger car into a "right-sized" package available with best-in-class fuel economy and best-in-class starting price. In addition to providing the all-wheel drive coupling in the Dodge Journey SXT AWD and Journey R/T AWD, BorgWarner supplies the electronics, software controls and vehicle integration support.

Extreme functionality' sums up one Ward's judge of the Dodge Journey's flexible interior,

"To start, the Journey has more hiding places than a Nancy Drew mansion. Flip forward the front passenger-seat cushion to reveal a nicely sized compartment for keeping valuables out of sight. There are also concealed compartments under the floor in the rear cargo bay and ahead of the second-row seats -- the latter specially lined for potential use as an ice chest.

Now available at Dodge dealers nationwide, the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey redefines the expanding mid-size crossover segment, offering seating and cargo versatility, safety and security, child friendliness, great all-weather driving capability, best-in-class fuel economy (19 city/25 mpg highway) and a best-in-class starting price of $19,985.

The 2009 Dodge Journey crossover vehicle earned the highest five-star ratings for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal crash, as well as a five-star driver and rear passenger rating for side impact protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The brand's first ever crossover is set compete for market share against the Ford Flex and Saturn Outlook, and is offered with either a 173 horsepower 2.4 liter inline-four or a 3.5 liter V-6 that produces 235 horsepower. The part-minivan, part-suv 2009 Journey starts at $19,985 and is currently on sale in North America, with the rest of the world receiving the new model later this summer.

The 2009 Dodge Journey is the perfect example of a thoroughly modern vehicle: designed to have the ride and handling of a car, the looks and ride height of a truck/SUV, and the passenger capacity and handy storage of a minivan while offending no one who holds anti-minivan prejudices. It's far from the first of its kind, following to market key crossover vehicles like the mediocre Chevrolet Equinox, the competent Hyundai Santa Fe, and the disappointing Ford Edge.

The V-6 is harsh under full-throttle acceleration, but otherwise is a decent engine for this vehicle, offering enough power to launch you and a few passengers onto freeways with no worries. Can't vouch for it under a full load of cargo or towing a small trailer. Towing capacity is typical for this segment at 3500 pounds. There was little opportunity to wring out the chassis and suspension on the intro ride, though the 2009 Dodge Journey suffered no excessive body roll on the turns and the ride is comfortable and controlled. Expect moderate, predictable understeer.

The 2009 Dodge Journey is built on the company's global D-segment platform and is designed to meet the needs of customers ranging from young singles, couples and families with small children to mature families who want the flexibility to do more in terms of seating people or storing gear. Clever, flexible seating and storage combinations include standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room and available 5+2 seating, for times when additional passengers are along on the journey. Spacious storage bins, hidden in the floor and under the front passenger seat cushion, combined with a variety of fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, make 2009 Dodge Journey flexible, functional and fun-to-drive.

With its unique combination of purposeful versatility and bold, youthful styling, this new vehicle from Dodge delivers safety, quality and reliability at a great value. Journey also blends innovative technology, entertainment features and useful storage, all wrapped together with an attitude that can only be Dodge.

Safety also is at the top of mind for customers, and the 2009 Dodge Journey delivers with standard multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, three-row side-curtain air bags, standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS), standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), standard Electronic Roll Mitigation, an available back-up camera and available all-wheel drive (AWD) in the United States and Canada.

The 2009 Dodge Journey is an all-new entry in the midsize crossover SUV class. It also isn't as sporty as such rivals as the Nissan Murano or Mazda CX-7 and lacks the available power and refinement of better competitors. However, the 2009 Journey makes up for those deficiencies with intelligent cabin design and the availability of family friendly entertainment features. For the young family on the go, the Dodge Journey will offer a pleasant ride, plenty of room, and enough storage and entertainment options to keep the kids occupied.