![]() ![]() Other major options include a chrome appearance package, Bluetooth, auxiliary rear air-conditioning/heating, a rear-seat entertainment system and the MyGIG hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system with a back-up camera. Finally, the top-drawer R/T features 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and a remote engine-start system.ĭodge bundles most of the Journey's optional features into packages, and one can get much of the upper trim levels' features as options for the lower trims. The midgrade SXT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, heated side mirrors, a trip computer, keyless entry, enhanced interior storage, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 115-volt power outlet and satellite radio. The base SE comes with 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, a six-speaker stereo with a six-disc CD/MP3 changer, and full power accessories. Still, the Journey's attractive pricing and interior amenities will likely make it worth a look. It's also less enjoyable to drive than the Mitsubishi Outlander and not as roomy as the Ford Taurus X. Its interior is less refined than those found in competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4, for instance. ![]() But it falls a bit short in a few key areas. Overall, the 2009 Dodge Journey gets the basics right - it's attractive, quiet and reasonably spacious. Even the sport-styled R/T comes off less planted and certainly less fun to drive than some of its rivals. The uplevel SXT and R/T models fare a bit better, thanks to a more capable V6 engine and six-speed automatic, but there's little doubt that athletic prowess isn't the Journey's strong suit. Unfortunately, however, 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. Pricing is one of the Journey's strengths, as even the base SE model is fairly well-equipped and slips in just beneath the $20,000 mark. It can also be had with MyGIG, Chrysler's hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system. From the Flip 'n Stow storage compartment under the front passenger seat to the Chill Zone glovebox beverage cooler, the Journey is loaded with clever, well-conceived minivan-style conveniences. The Journey excels on the inside, where the influence of Chrysler's minivans is unmistakable. The Journey is related to the Avenger and Chrysler Sebring midsize sedans, but thanks in part to a 4.9-inch-longer wheelbase, it offers ample room for up to seven occupants. A late arrival on the bustling midsize crossover SUV scene, the 2009 Dodge Journey serves as a timely stand-in for Chrysler's departed short-wheelbase minivans. ![]()
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