The 2009 Dodge Journey is here!
Journey is about the size of a Chevy Equinox, and the competition includes the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe and even the Toyota RAV4. The Journey is narrower than the Edge or Santa Fe, but its long, 192.4-inch body opens up plenty of room for an optional third-row seat.
As this is a Chrysler product, there’s almost nothing the rear seats won’t do. Both rear rows have reclining seatback cushions, and the second-row seats adjust fore/aft, allowing you to move infants closer to mom and dad. What’s more, older children should be able to seat themselves in the third row without help. A simple yank on a sturdy lever activates the tilt-and-slide mechanism for the second-row seats and requires only minimal upper-body strength.
The rearmost bench folds flat into the floor in 50/50 partitions, as does the second row, but in 60/40 sections. Maximum cargo capacity is 67.6 cubic feet — on par with the Equinox but a few cubic feet short of the Edge and the rest.
Dodge minivan drivers will recognize some of the Journey’s amenities right away. In-floor storage bins in the second row can be used to stash some snacks, and thanks to their removable plastic liners, you can add ice and use them like coolers. You can also order built-in booster seats for the outboard positions of the second row.
Other nice touches include a hideaway compartment under the front passenger seat cushion (Flip ‘n Stow), a self-cooling glovebox (the Chill Zone) and a conversation mirror (Spy ‘n Drive).
The base Journey comes with a full complement of standard equipment, including antilock disc brakes, stability control, full side airbag coverage, air-conditioning and powered accessories. The SXT comes with an upgraded 3.5-liter V6 that delivers a 235 hp at 6,400 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and a six-speed automatic transmission makes the most of it. You also go from 16-inch steel wheels to 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, while picking up stain-resistant cloth upholstery and conveniences like keyless entry and — we’re not kidding — interior grab handles.
Finally, there’s the Journey R/T. Leather upholstery and automatic climate control are the major additions in the cabin, while on the outside you’ll find 19-inch wheels wrapped in 225/55R19 Kumho rubber. Also included are firmer dampers and a quicker steering ratio.
All-wheel drive is optional for both the SXT and R/T, and it’s a front-drive-biased setup that sends power only to the front wheels under perfect traction conditions. On slippery surfaces or under full-throttle acceleration, up to 58 percent of engine torque can be diverted to the rear wheels.
There are so many storage slots and cupholders in the Journey, you’ll be able to corral every last cell phone and sippy cup. There’s also an extensive array of entertainment options available. You could, for instance, order up the rearview camera and MyGIG music hard drive while skipping the navigation system.
Go to www.drivedavid.com for our complete selection of 2009 Dodge Journey.
