Dodge Introduces the Journey, Its First Crossover

Dodge has just announced its first crossover vehicle, the Journey. Part minivan,part sport utility vehicle, this car-based 5+2 seater allows Dodge to enter one of the hottest segments in recent times, and is the second crossover vehicle parent company “The New Chrysler” offers.

The Journey serves up typical Dodge traits in a new package. Its front end features the brand’s trademark crosshair grille and strong, rectangular headlamps, while the body is decorated with flared wheel arches and chromed details. Keeping with Dodge’s sportier image, the top of the line R/T model can be had with 19-inch wheels.

The interior styling features a prominent new center console that unusually places the stereo controls below the HVAC controls. The actual units feature a completely new design that diverges from the standard corporate Chrysler fitments. The Journey features a handful of new innovations that seek to make life easier including stadium seating, two Flip ‘n Stow in-floor storage bins in the second row and Tip ‘n Slide access for occasional third row seating. As for the cargo bay, it features a tri-level load floor, and whenthe third row of seats is upright a cargo well is created for extra space, much like the Dodge Grand Caravan.

Where the Chrysler Pacifica targets the luxury crossover buyer, the Journey has family convenience as its priorities. Such features as built-in child booster seats for the second row, a flip down convex conversation mirror, and something called a “child presentation feature” for first-row access to children in the second row should help make taking care of little ones all that much easier. Other features that the Journey is available with include the MyGig infotainment system and music hard drive, a rear-seat entertainments system, 115-volt household outlet, and stain and odor-resistant YES Essentials cloth seats (leather is an option). Like the Avenger and the Caliber, the ChillZone drink cooler is standard, as are illuminated cupholders and a removable, rechargeable LED flashlight.

The Journey is yet another variation of Chrysler’s new architecture, which it co-developed with Mitsubishi. The Journey is most closely related to the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, but rides on a wheelbase that is 4.9 inches longer. It is also related to the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot and Compass twins. The Journey will be available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the same permanent system offered in the Avenger and Sebring.

The Journey will be available with three different engines in North America, a 173-hp 2.4-liter I-4 “World Engine”, a 2.7-liter Flex-Fuel V6 that makes 186 horsepower, and a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6. All engines come with automatic transmissions as standard, with the latter V6 featuring six forward speeds. In Europe, the Journey will be offered with a diesel as well as Chrysler’s new twin-clutch transmission, which will be its first application.

The Journey will make its international debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September, and will go on sale early next year as a model year 2009 product.