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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 20, 2008 - 27 Dodge Journey, a family-friendly crossover Continued from Page 24 Extras on the SXT include 17-inch aluminum wheels (instead of the 16-inch steel wheels on the SE), 115V power outlet, touring suspension, premium cloth seats with YES Essentials stain and odour resistant anti-static fabric, Flip `n Stow front passenger seat hidden storage, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and much more. My tester for the week was a top-line R/T with AWD. Among the features on the R/T are performance tuned steering and suspension, heated front leather seats, dual zone automatic temperature control, full length leather console, Sirius satellite radio, remote start and other trim items. Options such as 19-inch aluminum wheels ($600) power express open/close sunroof ($1,000), flexible seating group ($1,075) and more brought the final price to $34,470, including $1,300 for freight and PDI. So, although the price for the Journey starts at under $20K, it doesn't take long to climb above the $30K mark if you want all the bells and whistles. The family-friendly nature of the Journey is evident in the flexible seating combinations, the spacious storage bins hidden throughout and the technologies available. Noteworthy in the storage area is the fold flat front passenger seat with Flip `n Stow system. This produces storage under the front seat cushion and a table-like surface when folded flat for added cargo capacity. In addition, two second-row in-floor storage bins with latched covers will hold up to 12 355 ml pop cans plus ice. These bins have removable, washable liners. This is in addition to the Cool Zone beverage can holder in the glovebox that debuted in the 2008 Sebring. On the five-passenger model, a hidden storage compartment behind the second-row seats adds more storage area, while the load floor is reversible with carpeting on one side and plastic on the other. On 5+2 passenger models, there's a smaller hidden storage bin behind the third-row seat. Meanwhile, ease of entry and exit in the rear is improved through 90-degree rear door openings. The second row seats are placed `stadium style' for a better view out the front window and the seats tilt and slide for ease of entry into the third row. Among the toys available are Chrysler's MyGig system, a multimedia audio and entertainment system, along with an available back up camera, a rear seat entertainment system or a GPS navigation system. Exterior styling is typical Dodge but a little toned down from other offerings. Nevertheless, there's still an in-your-face sharp, angular look unlike competitors such as the Mazda CX-7 and Nissan Rogue that have taken the swoopy, rounded approach. That's more to my liking, but there are thou- The 2009 Dodge Journey is a family-friendly crossover, that is now the Number 1 selling crossover in the country. Dealers moved 1,100 Journeys in Canada, not bad for a vehicle just launched in June. The Journey replaces the short wheelbase minivan in the Chrysler lineup and is priced from $19,995 in SE trim. sands of buyers out there who like the chiseled look that the Nitro and Caliber brought to the marketplace. Fit and finish inside the cabin is better than some other recent Dodge products, but thereÕs still an over-abundance of hard plastic that can work in an under-$20,000 model, but is way out of place in a top-of-the-line R/T priced in the mid-$30s. On the road, the Journey has a more carlike tuned suspension the ride is fairly firm, yet not uncomfortable. With its tall-wagon stance, the Journey does exhibit minor body roll on hard cornering, but steering feels direct and precise. Wind noise is moderate and the brakes were adequate for the job. My tester had the 3.5L V6, which acceler- ated decently. The six-speed automatic operated like a charm. I haven't sampled the four-cylinder model, but I expect you might be disappointed in its performance with a full load. Towing capacity is rated at 450 kg (1,000 lb) with the 2.4L engine and 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) with the V6 and the trailer towing package. EnerGuide ratings are pretty decent: 14.2 L/100 km (20 mpg) city and 9.0L/100 km (31 mpg) highway for the V6 with AWD. Overall, it should be a good Journey for this new crossover from Dodge. While the price can rise pretty steadily if you don't keep a rein on the options, at around the $20K mark, there are few vehicles on the market that can offer the versatility of the Journey.