2009 Dodge Journey Review

The Journey is the first crossover from Dodge. Based on the same mechanicals as the new Avenger Sedan, the Journey is a sharp looking vehicle with many clever features designed inside. Highlights include built-in child booster seats, in-floor coolers and a glovebox that doubles as a refrigerator for soda cans.

Honda Pilot, Hyundai Sante Fe, Toyota Highlander.

Despite the impressive list of features, the Journey's lack of refinement hobbles it against tough competitors from Honda, Toyota and GM. The engine is coarse sounding and is mated to a transmission with strange gearing, the interior styling is a hodgepodge of different textures and colors, and the overall feel is of a car that's half baked. While we applaud some of the innovative features, there are simply better values elsewhere.

They say that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.  For the newly independent Chrysler corporation, that first step on a long road back to profitability comes in the form of the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey.  As the Dodge brand’s first crossover vehicle, the midsize Journey combines attractive styling, a smooth ride, confident handling, and a long list of clever details into a package that bodes well for the brand as a whole.  Add a sub-$20,000 starting price and Chrysler’s new “lifetime” powertrain warranty and we think this new crossover should go a long way towards attracting buyers that may not have considered the brand’s products in the past. 

The story of this Journey begins with the same platform as the recently introduced Dodge Avenger sedan.  Dodge engineers took the midsize Avenger’s underpinnings and added 4.9 inches to the wheelbase. They also tacked on a unique rear section with a number of structural reinforcements to create a total package that’s 2.5 inches longer overall.  Where the Journey goes from here remains uncertain as it enters one of the most hotly-contested segments of the automotive industry.  There are currently more than two dozen different nameplates in the midsize crossover category, including all-new versions of the vehicles from Toyota and Nissan that helped establish the segment. 

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Even the entry-level Journey SE model is relatively well-equipped, especially considering its starting price.  Power for the SE comes from a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.  Standard features include 16-inch wheels with full wheelcovers, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, power windows, door locks, and heated outside mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a decent stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers.

While the SE offers buyers an affordable way to get into a midsize crossover, we expect most folks will be happier with the SXT model.  The SXT adds a V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, dual exhausts, 17-inch wheels, and a slightly firmer “touring” suspension.  Inside, it gets a number of little luxuries including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, overhead console with a convex “conversation” mirror, a trip computer with compass and outside temperature display, and Sirius satellite radio with a one-year free subscription.  There are several practical additions here as well, including stain-resistant fabric upholstery and a fold-flat front passenger seat with a nifty flip-up under-seat storage area.

The top-of-the-line R/T model is about as well-equipped as anything on the market with the addition of 19-inch alloy wheels, a “performance” suspension, and front fog lights.  Cabin upgrades include leather upholstery and a matching leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, and bright LED map lights front and rear that swivel to put their cool white beam exactly where you want it.

Naturally, there’s a long list of available options, starting with all wheel-drive (SXT and R/T models only), larger alloy wheels, a roof rack with crossbars, and a trailer towing package.  Inside extras include three-zone climate control, built-in child booster seats, and a two-passenger 50/50-split third-row seat (SXT and R/T models only).

The SE model carries a MSRP of $19,985, including a $625 destination charge.  Starting prices for the SXT and R/T models are equally attractive at $22,985 and $26,545,   respectively.  Load up a Journey R/T with all-wheel-drive, third-row seat package, and the other available goodies and you’ll write a check for just over $35,000. To put those numbers in perspective, the SE model is actually less expensive than the much smaller Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.  Properly equipped, the Journey looks even better when compared to midsize crossovers like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, or Toyota Highlander.