Chrysler has taken the wraps off its latest mid-size crossover — the Dodge Journey. The vehicle is built on the company’s global D-segment platform, delivering standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room and available 5+2 seating. The 2009 model-year Dodge Journey will be available in U.S. dealerships in SE, SXT and R/T models in the first quarter of 2008 and in global volume markets outside North America in both left-hand and right-hand drive, starting in mid-2008.
Although it shares a platform with the 2008 Dodge Avenger, Journey’s 113.8-inch (2890 mm) wheelbase is 4.9 in. (124 mm) longer than sedan's to accommodate its available 5+2 seating and additional cargo space.
In the second row, the all-new Dodge Journey features theater seating, which gives passengers in the second and third row the ability to see outside the vehicle — helpful for keeping kids entertained on long drives, the company says. The second row H-point is 1.6 inches (40 mm) higher than the first row. The available third row sits another .6 inches (17 mm) higher than the second row and 2.2 inches (57 mm) higher than the first-row seats.
The crossover's rear doors open 90 degrees, making it easier for people to get in and out of the second row and gain access to the available third-row seat.
The second-row seats also move forward and rearward a total of 4.7 inches (120 mm) to give adults more leg room, bring children closer to the front seats and provide more cargo room behind the seats.
Hidden storage
The Journey’s front passenger seat cushion flips forward to reveal a 10.75 x 8.75-inch (273 x 222 mm) bin under the seat cushion. The bin is large enough to store a purse, umbrella, planner or headphones with the seat down.
Located in the floor behind the front-row seats are two standard in-floor storage bins that are designed to hold 12, 12-oz. (330 ml) cans plus ice or other items. The bins feature latching lids and removable, washable liners, so they’re a snap to clean.
Safety
The Journey delivers standard multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, three-row side-curtain air bags, standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS), standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), standard Electronic Roll Mitigation, an available back-up camera and optional available all-wheel drive (AWD) in the United States and Canada. A tire pressure monitor helps ensure proper inflation.
Multi-stage front air bags provide match deployment to crash severity. So-called "low-risk deployment air bags" are included for smaller and out-of-position occupants. Inflatable curtain air bags include "Extended Up Time" deployment to provide head protection during rollovers and multiple impacts.
Dodge Journey is the first vehicle in the mid-size crossover segment to offer available integrated child booster seats. These available seats boost a child seated in the second row 4 inches.
Power
Available engines include a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 173 hp and 166 lb-ft or torque, a 186 hp flexible fuel 2.7-liter V6 that can run on E-85 fuel and delivers 191 lb-ft of torque, an available 3.5-liter V6 coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission delivering 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, and a 140 hp 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic, serving up 229 lb-ft of torque.
The diesel model is available outside of North America only, while the 3.5-liter V6 is exclusive to the United States and Canada.
The new six-speed automatic offered in North American markets includes a manual-shift model for spirited driving, and faster gear changes in automatic mode than a five or four-speed auto.
Dual-clutch transmission for Europe only
The Journey will be available with a new dual-clutch transmission in markets outside of North America. This marks the first time such a transmission has been offered on a Dodge vehicle.
Developed in partnership with Getrag, the new transaxle is equipped with two independent lay-shaft style gear sets with separate clutches, that use manual transaxle-based components. During shifts, the next gear is anticipated and pre-selected. One clutch is then opened while the other is closed, allowing shifting without torque interruption. The result is quicker acceleration, refined shift quality and improved fuel economy.
It will initially be offered with the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine.
Colors and materials
Three types of seat upholstery will be offered: cloth is standard on the SE model, YES Essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static seat fabric is available on the SE model and standard on the SXT model and leather is standard on the R/T model.
Dodge Journey will be available in Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Light Sandstone Metallic Clear Coat, Melbourne Green Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Silver Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.
