Dodge is calling its all-new Journey a cross-over and it is smaller than the manufacturer’s two mid-size Sport Utility Vehicles – the Durango and Nitro.
Despite a crowded market where it will compete against the likes of the Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorrento, Ford Edge, Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa Fe, Journey will have some market traction due to its low base price - under $20,000 for the front wheel drive SE. Journeys also come in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive for the mid-level SXT and the top-of-the-line R/T. Our tester was an a front wheel drive R/T outfitted with nearly $7,000 in options that pushed our seven-seater into luxury-like territory. Most expensive was the $2,200 entertainment package that added upgraded audio with one year free Sirius satellite radio and traffic alerts, a back-up camera with nice picture definition and a voice-activated navigation system with excellent versatility and an instruction book as thick as the owner’s manual that will take owners time to master but will be worth the effort.

Other options included Tilt N’ Slide 2nd row three seats that ease entry to the third row’s 50/50 fold flat and reclining two seats. All R/T seats are two-tone leather with rear seats elevated for excellent passenger outside views. Rear seats are firm and passengers have their own temperature outlets. Power sunroof, child booster seats that can be manipulated to be accessible to front row occupants, tow package for up to 3,500 pounds and other add-ons make the Journey versatile for drivers and comfortable for occupants.  Neat features include a hidden storage bin under the driver’s seat and a pair of in-floor storage bins behind the front row seats that can hold a dozen 12-ounce cans, plus ice, with removal liners for cleaning.