Better Drive than an SUV, More Style than a Minivan - Introducing the 2009 Dodge Journey Crossover

 


What exactly defines a crossover can be a bit confusing. Some crossovers are based on cars; some are their own creations entirely. Also, they have spread themselves thinly over every size category from tiny to rather large. The Dodge Journey falls right about in the middle.  The 2009 Journey shares its flexible architecture with several other models, including the mid-size Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger sedans. The Journey, however, sits a good bit higher and stretches 1.7 inches longer, nose to tail, with an extra 4.9 inches added to its wheelbase, which now measures 113.8 inches.  The 2009 Journey competes with other medium-size crossovers such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe.  The biggest benefit of the Journey is that it presents a tidier package than the largest vehicles in its class, but still offers three rows of seating.

Journey Handling

 The Journey's ride and handling is mostly good but let down in all-wheel-drive mode by hefty steering. The suspension design uses MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link. This design gives the Journey good ability to isolate bumps without transferring harsh impacts to other wheels. On front-drive models, the Journey's steering is reasonably well tuned, not sportscar-accurate but quick and light enough. It's when you opt for all-wheel drive that the scenario shifts; on all-wheel-drive Journeys, it takes more muscle to move the wheel--and there's less responsive feel returned when you do.  The Journey has excellent road manners. The sound insulation is excellent, protecting occupants from blasting stereos of other vehicles as well as wind noise.  From the driver's position, visibility is good going forward, but the rear window is fairly small and does not allow much visibility to the immediate rear of the tall crossover; and the rear quarter panel has a hopeless blind spot when the middle row of seats is up, compounded by the headrest of the rearmost seats.  Base Journeys come with 16-inch wheels, while the SXT sports 17-inchers. From there Dodge jumps right to 19-inchers for a sporty look--but reduced steering feel and a slightly harder ride.

 Features on the Journey

The Journey is relatively tame compared with some other Dodge vehicles The Journey has large front and rear fender flares accent its wheels, it measures 192.4 inches long overall, 72.2 inches wide and 69.9 inches tall with the available roof rack. The liftgate has a small spoiler. Basically, it appears to be a tall, stretched Avenger, which is more or less what it is. It may not be aggressive or unique, but few shopping for a crossover family vehicle are really looking for either of the two. The Journey's boxy -but not boxy enough to make a statement, the exterior is totally, completely, forgettable. Even with flared fenders, the Journey has nothing to make it stand out in a crowd.

 Dodge Journey Cabin

The interior of the 2009 Journey is less refined than those found in competitors. Whereas Dodge's Grand Caravan minivan can have Stow 'n Go or Swivel 'n Go seating, the Journey offers a new Flip 'n Stow system, which is essentially a storage bin under the front passenger seat cushion that's revealed by tilting forward that cushion. The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees for ease of entry and loading, and there's a clever concealed storage area under the front-passenger seat cushion. Like the occasional-use rearmost seats, the middle seats can fold down to make more room for cargo; if all seats are up, there is very little cargo room. Front seats are firm but moderately comfortable; middle seats bring up the joke about scientists discovering a material harder than diamonds, which is being put to use in Chrysler seats. The rearmost seats are likewise made of park-bench materials. 

The rear seat video is good quality and has a nicely sized screen; and the system provides a mounting point for the roof-mounted rear climate controls, which may be too high up for younger passengers. As one would expect from a vehicle designed to replace minivans, there are plenty of storage places, including a center armrest in the back seat that doubles as a cupholder; map pockets with integrated large-drink holders on every door; a dual glove compartment whose upper level is designed to keep a large drink bottle cold; a small but deep covered center bin; a smaller center bin and a large bin under the center stack; an upper storage area aboe the center stack; a sunglass bin that doubles as a clever mirror to let parents keep an eye on all five rear seats; and underseat storage. The most unique aspect of the vehicle by far is the standard, removable underfloor cooler/storage. The second-row seats slide and fold forward for third-row access in a one-handed operation, and the third-row seatbacks split, fold forward, or recline up to six degrees. The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees for ease of entry and loading, and there's a clever concealed storage area under the front-passenger seat cushion.  The front head restraints angle a bit too forward. To Dodge's credit, the Journey's interior is much better than that of the Avenger?at least in upper trim levels, thanks to a tasteful sprinkling of chrome.

2009 Power

The Dodge Journey is offered with a choice of two engines: a 173-horse 2.4-liter four cylinder matched to a four-speed automatic or a 235-horse 3.5-liter V6 connect ed to a six-speed. (Only the latter is available with all-wheel drive.) The Journey's V6 provides sufficient acceleration but it fails to be impressive and offers few thrills.   Furthermore, the standard four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission aren't quite up to the task of motivating the hefty SE's 3,800 pounds with anything close to authority.  Still the Journey does fine through the city or on long flat roads.

Summary

The 2009 Dodge Journey is perfect for small families who may need room to grow, as well as folks who want to downsize from an SUV, but not go quite as small as a sedan or cute-ute.  The Journey can tow 3,500 pounds, not too much less than the much larger Dodge Grand Caravan minivan.  For another take on the Dodge Journey, check out Edmunds.com review.  The V-6 has decent power but isn't the quickest thing on the road.   On front-drive cars, the Journey exhibits a little torque steer--a tugging motion under hard acceleration--but otherwise it's reasonably well tuned, not sportscar-accurate but quick and light enough. The all-wheel-drive Journey requires more muscle and gives less steering feedback.  For more details on specs and pricing click here.