Midsize crossover vehicle makes great use of its innovative interior space.

The Dodge Journey is a great example of what a car company can achieve when it focuses the sum of its experiences to create one of the most practical, utility-minded and comfortable midsize crossover vehicles available.

The Dodge Journey (MSRP $21,600) strikes a balance between the minivans the brand is famous for and more truck-like sport utility vehicles like the Durango. In terms of exterior styling, the Journey is undeniably a Dodge, bearing the ram’s head logo proudly on the large crosshair grille with which the company has become associated. Although the vehicle’s profile suggests the Grand Caravan in terms of its greenhouse presentation and roofline, a shorter rear deck and greater ground clearance place it firmly in the crossover category. Additional sporty fender flares remove any doubt that the Journey bears anything more than a tangential relation to its minivan cousin.

The most attractive features that set the Journey apart from other crossovers can be found once any of its four doors are opened and the interior is examined for the first time. Capable of transporting up to seven passengers thanks to an optional third row of seating, the Journey is a competent people mover that incorporates several innovations into its cabin management. Stadium seating prevents those riding in the back from feeling lost in the shuffle during a road trip, and the Tilt ‘n Slide feature makes it easy to access that final row of seating by getting the second row up and out of the way in a hurry. Every seat save that of the driver folds forward in order to provide for a nine-foot cargo bay that can accommodate up to 67.6 cubic feet of luggage or other gear. The front passenger position also offers a storage bin that is hidden under the lower portion of the seat cushion, accessible via a simple forward flip.

Concerned parents will be pleased to note that, in addition to standard cloth and premium leather covers for the Journey’s seating, stain-repellent fabrics are also available. This helps make cleaning up after young ones a whole lot easier. The base Dodge Journey SE provides air conditioning and an MP3-capable DVD and CD player, as well as a refrigerated storage area suitable for transporting beverages. The SXT upgrades to cruise control, a trip computer and the option of a performance suspension system and upgraded wheels. The R/T’s interior is highlighted by upscale trim, automatic dual climate controls and steering wheel buttons to help interface with the vehicle’s entertainment system. A long list of options can be added to each trim level including a sunroof, roofrack, a rearview camera and even a Towing Package.

The Dodge Journey is built on a modified version of the same platform Dodge uses to underpin its smaller sedan, the Avenger. This translates into a much smoother and more connected ride than most drivers would associate with a crossover vehicle. Providing motivation for the Journey SE is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 173 hp and 166 lb/ft of torque. Fuel economy for this mill comes in at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. More power is available from a 3.5-liter V6 in both the SXT and R/T editions of the Journey. This engine’s 235 hp and 232 lb/ft of torque increase the vehicle’s drivability. Opting for the larger motor also introduces the possibility of all-wheel drive, which makes the Journey a more appealing option for families living in northern climates. The four-cylinder engine rates a four-speed automatic transmission from Dodge while the V6 is attached to a six-speed automatic with AutoStick manual shifting capabilities.

The Dodge Journey successfully melds the day-to-day functionality that most families demand from their vehicles with the type of comfortable and refined driving experience not usually found in a crossover of its size. With the budget-minded SE, well-equipped SXT and sporty-looking R/T all reaching out to their own specific area of the market, the only real question remaining is which version of the Journey best matches your own personal driving needs? Come see us to discover.

Tags: Dodge Journey, OKC, Oklahoma

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 at 2:03 AM and is filed under Dodge Journey. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.