ROAD TEST ~ 2010 DODGE JOURNEY SXT

When the Dodge Journey debuted in 2008 as a 2009 model, Chrysler Canada officials called it their "right-sized" crossover because it slotted in between the Caliber compact car and the Grand Caravan minivan.
Like so many vehicles these days, the Journey is called a crossover. Like "business casual", crossover is a term used when no one really knows how to define the way hatchbacks, station wagons and light trucks are all blending together like some kind of primordial people mover soup.
To me Journey is a clever way of taking a minivan and making it look like a SUV so people get the utility of up to seven seats along with a more rugged trucky look so in vogue these days.
Based on a stretched Sebring platform, the Journey answers the question about whatever happened to the regular-size Chrysler minivans and fills a void in the evolving Chrysler/Dodge lineup at the same time.
Essentially this is the vehicle that fits in where the short-wheel-base Caravan used to be and is still very much in demand by a lot of consumers who don't want a full-size minivan in the Odyssey/Sienna class. Bigger than a Mazda5, it also offers a real interior utility advantage against the rise of Santa Fe/Equinox/Edge competition.
The price walk for the Journey starts with the SE ($19,995), the mid-range SXT ($25,795) up to the topline R/T at $29,855).
NOTE: As I am writing this, there are a number of incentives available so make sure you check the www.dodge.ca website. Examples are the SE Canada Value model at $18,745 at one end and the R/T at $27,395 at the other end.
While the SE is considered entry level, it comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Stability Control with integrated traction control, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Rollover Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control. Also standard is four-wheel independent suspension, 40/60 split folding rear seat, power heated mirrors, power locks and windows.
With all that equipment and a price point under twenty grand, it's a bargain.
The SE Plus adds remote entry, roof rack, cargo cover, cruise control and trim upgrades like illuminated vanity mirrors and overhead console.
Both SE models are powered by a 2.4-litre, variable valve timing DOHC inline four-cylinder producing 174 hp and 166 lb/ft of torque. It comes with a four-speed automatic transmission and is available only in front-wheel-drive (FWD).
Next up are the SXT and R/T that use a 3.5-litre, SOHC V6 making 235 hp and 232 lb/ft of torque. It is fitted with a six-speed automatic with Auto/Stick sequential manual shift mode and is standard. The SXT is standard with FWD and all-wheel-drive (AWD) is standard on the R/T.
Fuel consumption numbers for the SXT as tested are 13.3L/100 km (21 mpg) city and 8.3L/100 km (34 mpg) highway.
In Canada, all versions can add a third row for 2/3/2 seating as an option. Interior volume is listed at 136.2 cu ft (3.86 cu m) with a passenger volume of 125.6 cu ft (3.56 cu m).
Chrysler engineers are renowned for making the most of their interiors for storage.
The nifty "Cool Zone" beverage can holder above the glove box (that debuted with the Sebring) is now joined by two bins with latched covers under the floor in the second row footwell. Each can hold up to five cans/drink containers and the bonus is, because they are plastic, you can pack them with ice.
On the five-seat models, the cargo floor is reversible with carpet on one side and plastic on the other for days at the beach or stowing wet stuff. For those who know that sand in carpet somehow can never totally be removed; this is a godsend. There is also a storage bin beneath the floor on the five-door.
Both front seats have storage bins located beneath the flip-up seat cushion big enough for an umbrella or purse.
The spare is a compact, but is located just under the cargo floor at the rear and would be easy to use if ever needed.
The SXT has larger 17-inch aluminum wheels (16-inch steel wheels on the SE), touring suspension and seats in premium cloth including the YES Essentials anti stain/static/odour material, which, if you have kids or dogs, is worth buying the SXT alone.
Tested here is the SXT with the 3.5-litre engine and six-speed automatic. As I found in a similarly equipped Dodge Avenger tested on these pages, the V6 is strong especially lower down in the rev range.
With six speeds to work with instead of the four speed with the 2.4-litre, the drivetrain makes the most of the torque and gear ratios for a ride where it is hard to feel the transmission shift up or down during normal driving.
Optional fitted ($475) to the SXT were 19-inch cast aluminum wheels with performance tires and the "Sport" suspension which makes handling a tad tauter.
With 'stadium seating' in the second row, you do get a good look ahead if partially blocked by the quite substantial headrest on the front seat. The back doors open 90 degrees making it easier to get in and out.
The second row seat is fully foldable and has 120 mm (4.7 in) of travel to give others access to the third row seat. The seat cushion is firm to the point that in a long drive it would lead to butt numbness.
The second row has two interesting functions. It has what Dodge calls a child presenter feature that lets the seat move forward two inches. With the front passenger seat folded flat, the driver can reach back more easily to attend a small child. The other feature is child booster seats that can be raised four inches (102 mm) so kids are placed up in the adult seat belt zone.
The SXT as tested had the $1,200 Flexible Seating Group with included all the above as well as a third row 50/50 folding and reclining seat backs and rear air conditioning which, if you carry more than four regularly is well worth considering.
The SXT tested here also came packed with other options like auto dimming mirror with microphone for the cellphone system, heated front seats, 368-watt sound system and a handy universal garage door opener to name but a few.
As tested price was $31,120 that included a $1,400 shipping charge.
What the Journey does is offer families, and even small jobbers, a lot of interior room and content at a very reasonable price.

BODY STYLE: Mid-size crossover van.
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, front-wheel-drive.
ENGINE: 3.5-litre V6 (235 hp, 232 lb/ft).
FUEL ECONOMY: 3.5-litre FWD, 13.3L/100 km (21 mpg) city, 8.3L/100 km (34 mpg) highway.
PRICE: SXT, $25,995; price as tested, $31,120 including $1,400 shipping charge.