Car News & Reviews

2009 Dodge Journey

Signaling Chrysler Corp.'s global ambitions, the newly independent company took the wraps off the Dodge Journey crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new people hauler-will be sold in America and export markets beginning early next year as a 2009 model. With two-box edgy styling, the Journey will be available in front- or all-wheel drive and in base models will seat five passengers, with optional third-row seating that boosts cabin capacity to seven occupants.

The Journey, which rides on a 113.8-in. wheelbase, slots neatly between the entry-level Caliber and the full-size Grand Caravan. Adapted from the mid-size Avenger sedan architecture, the new vehicle effectively replaces the short-wheelbase Caravan, which was dropped when the minivan lineup was revamped for the 2008 model year.

In the U.S., buyers will choose among three trim levels, a base SE with a 173-bhp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, the mid-line SXT and its optional 186-bhp 2.7-liter V-6, or the top-line R/T, which has a 235-bhp 3.5-liter V-6. Only the large V-6 comes with the optional all-wheel drive. The base four and 2.7-liter engines offer a choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic. Export markets will be offered a 138-bhp 2.0-liter turbodiesel equipped with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle.