Dodge's new-for-2009 Journey starts at $19,360.

At first blush, it would seem that Dodge has all the SUVs it needs. The Chrysler Group's Ram division already sells the Durango and Nitro, both of which Consumer Guide classifies as midsize. So, why throw Journey into the mix? As it turns out, Dodge doesn't consider Journey an SUV at all.

New for 2009, Journey slots at the small end of the midsize SUV scale, and, according to Dodge, competes directly with the Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Dodge calls Journey a crossover-utility vehicle (CUV), not an SUV, and has some reason for doing so. Journey shares its basic architecture with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, both front-wheel-drive midsize sedans. As such, Journey's car genetics distinguish it from the Durango and Nitro, both of which use truck-type body-on-frame construction.

As a car-based crossover, Journey weighs less than Dodge's other SUVs, but gives up some machismo in the trade. In exchange for its more car-like attributes, Journey is limited to a 3500-pound towing capacity, around 1500 pounds less than Nitro, and a whopping 5500 less than Durango. Dodge also makes no claims as to Journey's off-road prowess, suggesting that even all-wheel-models are best kept on the pavement.

Journey boasts several unique interior storage options like the second row's in-the-floor bins.

But for those whose weekly adventures lean towards hauling kids, soccer gear, and groceries, Journey probably makes more sense than Dodge's heavier haulers.

Young Families, Older Couples

Dodge describes its target audience for Journey as bimodal. Journey is expected to appeal to young families with small kids, or no kids at all, and to empty nesters who sometimes need to cart a few guests around, possibly grandkids.

Indeed, Journey's tidy dimensions, not much larger outside than a Honda CR-V, and aggressive pricing--starting around $20,000--make it a comfortable half step up for buyers newly committed to family life, or to seniors looking to downsize their daily driver.

Basic, Better, and Loaded

Journey is available in basic SE trim, better equipped SXT guise, and as the loaded R/T. The SE comes only with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Buyers looking for a little passing punch or all-wheel drive will need to move to either the SXT or R/T, both of which come only with a V6.

The available two-passenger third-row bench can be had with any trim level, but most popular options, including rear DVD entertainment, premium sound system, leather seating, or even the sunroof, can be had only on SXT and/or R/T models.

Journey comes with all the safety features expected in a newly designed vehicle. Standard safety features include: front side airbags, curtain airbags that cover all seating rows, antilock brakes, an antiskid system, and traction control. Also available for all models is a rear backup camera and fold-up child booster seats.

Squeezing People and Stuff In

Journey seats five or seven. Like almost all midsize SUVs, that means two folks in the front row, three in the middle row, and two (small) passengers in the available third row.

While there's nothing interesting about the seating arrangement, the seats themselves are pretty cool. Dodge has found new places to stash people's stuff, and it's mostly in or beneath the seats.

On SXT and R/T models, the front-passenger seat cushion folds up to reveal a small but usefully deep storage bin. The seat also folds flat, creating a useful extension of the load floor. The second-row seats are the most impressive, however. The 60/40 split bench folds as might be expected, but the seatback also reclines--rare in this class. Another cool second-row touch is the fold-up child boosters. The boosters, one on either side of the split, fold neatly out of the seat cushions and raise smaller occupants for a better fit in the "seat-belt zone."

The 2009 Dodge Journey is equipped with either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Beneath the second-row bench is a pair of usefully large storage bins, perfect for coloring books and DVDs. There's another in-floor storage compartment in back. In five-passenger models the bin is huge, comprising most of the available load floor. Seven-passenger models make do with a smaller hold between the third-row seat and the hatch.

To allow passengers to access the third row, the second row seats slide forward. This smooth action is a welcome alternative to the clunky folding and refolding usually required to clear a path.

Moving People and Stuff Around

Dodge offers two engines in Journey, though just barely. The four-cylinder engine can be had only in the entry SE model. This 2.4-liter "World Engine" mates only to a four-speed automatic transmission and produces 173 horsepower. Not available with all-wheel drive, Dodge sees less than 20 percent of buyers opting for the four. In practice, this drivetrain works well enough around town, but a few passengers, any cargo, or a less-than-perfectly-timed merge will make most owners wish they had ordered the V6.

At 235 horsepower, the 3.5-liter V6 serves up a considerably more satisfying driving experience. The husky engine mates to a six-speed automatic and makes easy work of passing and merging operations. The V6 is thirstier, though. According to the EPA, four-cylinder models should average 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The EPA rates the V6 at 15/22 mpg.

Driving and Riding

Based on preview test drives, Consumer Guide found Journey at least class competitive, and at best a should-see for midsize SUV shoppers.

Journey's front-row passenger seat folds up to reveal more storage space for small items like maps and DVDs.

Journey rides and handles like a smaller vehicle, with direct, sporty steering, and little of the ponderous cornering roll usually expected of SUVs in this class. Note that how well your Journey handles has a lot to do with how you equip it. SE models come standard with 16-inch wheels and what Dodge calls its base suspension. On the road, SE is the least sporty Journey offering, wallowing over larger highway dips and nose diving slightly in corners and when braking.

Not available for testing was a front-wheel drive SXT with standard 17-inch wheels. Front-drive SXT models get their own suspension calibration that falls somewhere between the base SE and sporty R/T.

All-wheel-drive SXT models and all R/Ts come only with 19-inch wheels and the sportiest suspension tuning. Fun to drive, this wheel/suspension arrangement will have the most appeal for buyers moving into an SUV for the first time. Consumer Guide came away from its first drives of the Journey impressed by the vehicle's refined ride quality. However, we reserve final judgment until testing on less-than ideal road surfaces can be arranged.

Inside, Journey is roomier than its tidy exterior dimensions suggest. Front passengers will enjoy plenty of head and legroom. Passengers in the second row should do fine as well, providing they're under six feet tall and aren't especially long legged. Dodge refers to the available third row as "temporary," though kids under 10 years of age will fit fine.

Dodge boasts about the work it did to provide Journey with a tranquil cabin environment. In fact, Journey is commendably quiet on the move, with little wind or road noise filtering into the cabin. It is the combination of general interior peacefulness and a smooth ride that gives Journey the feel of a pricier vehicle.

Switches and Knobs

Journey's cabin design is handsome and modern enough, but like many recent Chrysler introductions, there's too much hard, unyielding plastic lining the interior. The result is an ambience oddly down market of the vehicle's otherwise solid character. Models with leather seating impress as slightly more upscale, but still trail likely competitors including the Hyundai Santa Fe if not the similarly pedestrian Chevy Equinox.

The control layout is generally intuitive, though depending how you order your Journey, some switchgear may end up in weird places.

While Journey's cabin is comfortable and handsome for the most part, cheap feeling hard plastics cover most surfaces.

Buyers who opt for the premium MyGig media setup but not the navigation system will find the audio controls mounted awkwardly low on the center console, and the screen too vertical to be read easily. Ordering the navigation system moves the screen to the top of the center console, but not the controls, forcing drivers to look one place while reaching for another.

The Softer Side of Dodge

Ram-tough trucks will haul a lot of cargo and tow a lot of trailer, but Dodge needed something a little more suburban in its lineup. Journey fills that need nicely. With aggressive pricing, flexible seating options, and impressive road manners, Journey is poised to reach shoppers looking for something on the softer side of the SUV scale. Dodge won't give sales projections for Journey, but Consumer Guide predicts production of 80,000-100,000 units annually.

Company representatives say that there are no plans for Dodge's sister division Chrysler to market a version of the new SUV. But with Chrysler's Pacifica wagon on its way out, and the demand for crossovers growing, an upscale Chrysler version of the Journey could be just the thing to lure shoppers into the store.

01.29.2008