2009 Dodge Journey
by Jim Prueter- 02/08

Dodge gets its first crossover utility vehicle

Journey is Dodge’s first entry into a vehicle segment that seems to be expanding by the week. Sales of crossover utility vehicles have grown nearly 14 percent each of the past three years.

Arriving at dealers next month, Journey is a midsize crossover built in Mexico on the same platform as the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring. Size-wise, it falls between the compact Caliber and Grand Caravan minivan. Dodge says the Journey will compete with products like the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4, even providing one of each for comparison at the conclusion of our day-long drive behind the wheel of the Journey.

Dodge officials say Journey is targeted to a wide range of buyers: young singles, couples, families with small children and mature families. That just about covers everyone. Somehow it seems a reach to think young singles will fall in love with the Journey. The style is pretty homogenized. It’s not offensive to be sure, but we didn’t turn any heads with the never-before-seen Journey and certainly didn’t have anyone following us to snap pictures or prodding us to find out what it was we were driving.

Journey is available in three trim levels: SE, SXT and R/T. The SE starts just under the $20,000 mark, yet is well equipped with standard air conditioning, power rack and pinion steering, deep tinted rear windows, power mirrors/door locks/windows, illuminated cup holders, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, cloth seats, AM/FM/six-disc CD, DVD, MP3-compatible radio with six speakers, and Chill Zone — ä storage for two beverage cans just above the glove box door.

The base front-wheel-drive SE is the only Journey powered by the 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. I drove the SE mostly on flat, rural paved roads that invited a heavy foot to test the little engine’s capabilities. The results? Not bad, but noisy and buzzy under full acceleration. Not sure how the four-banger would handle mountainous roads, but given Journey’s portly 3801-pound weight, it could be a struggle.

I also drove the top-of-the-line R/T with all-wheel-drive. Both models returned a good, well-balanced driving feel. Journey is certainly not sporty, but the steering met expectations, brakes felt firm enough to be reassuring and the suspension kept body movements generally in check. Body roll on sharp curves and corners created mild panic on occasion — just enough to remind us that the vehicle seems better suited for straight trips to the elementary school and grocery store and back. Dodge bragged about the emphasis on creating a quiet cabin and solid ride. Chalk one up to them. Mission accomplished.

SXT and R/T versions are equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick shifting capability. I thought the gearshift lever was too far back on the center console to effectively use the Auto Stick mode.

Dodge expects about 70 percent of sales to be the SXT, starting at $22,985. In addition to the larger engine and six-speed transmission, the SXT moves from 16-inch wheel covers to 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, YES EssentialsÒ stain-resistant cloth upholstery, keyless entry, automatic headlamps, body-colored mirrors, trip computer, temperature, compass, power drivers seat and front passenger Flip ‘n Stowä in-seat storage. This is the first vehicle I’ve seen where the bottom seat cushion is hinged and flips forward to reveal a storage bin underneath. The bin is perfect to store (hide) a purse, umbrella, camera or other packages out of sight from passers-by.

Another in the “first vehicle to offer” category for the mid-sized crossover segment are integrated child booster seats in the second row. Bottom seat cushions pop up four inches so they’re positioned in the belted zone and eliminate the need for a portable child booster seat.

The second-row seats are elevated just over a half-inch and the third row is raised an additional inch (in models so-equipped) for better passenger visibility. Both rear rows have reclining seatback cushions, and the second-row seats adjust fore/aft so infants and small kids can move closer to mom and dad up front. Access to the third row is one of the easiest we’ve seen; it’s a simple one-lever tilt-and-slide mechanism that even a child can operate. Finally, there are separate bins under the floor in the second row. Dodge filled them with bottled water, soda and ice explaining that the lid, when closed, seals tight enough to keep melting ice water from splashing out while the vehicle is moving.

The Journey R/T lists at $26,345 and adds leather upholstery, automatic climate control, 19-inch wheels, roof rails, chrome-trimmed door handles, full-length console, upgraded interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated front seats.

All-wheel drive is optional on both SXT and R/T. It costs $2500 on the SXT because an appearance package with 19-inch wheels is required. It’s $1750 on the R/T.

Outside, Journey features the familiar Dodge crosshair grille. The hood is aluminum. The non-power tailgate is made of a lighter composite material for easier opening and closing and features a small spoiler.

Inside, Journey can seat up to seven, with five standard. Dodge says the two-person third-row will accommodate adult males at the 95th size percentile. At 6-foot-6, I’m well beyond the 95th percentile and didn’t attempt the third row. The long soft-touch dash angles sharply back and down from the windshield, and resembles what one would expect to find in a Dodge minivan. Front-seat leg, shoulder and headroom are impressive. Cup holders are everywhere with those on the center console illuminated.

Safety gear includes front, side and all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Brake Assist and traction control. In the event of an accident, after the airbags deploy, the enhanced accident response system kicks in, turning on the hazard lights and interior lighting and unlocking the doors. It also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine.

With Dodge arriving rather late to the crossover utility vehicle party, the real question is whether Journey will be able to draw buyers away from the likes of Santa Fe, RAV-4, Honda CR-V and Ford Edge. I liked the Journey better than the RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox, but not as much as the Santa Fe.

 

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