Car Auto Magazine

And although there are no sliding doors, the rear doors do open 90 degrees for easy access to the available third row, especially when the front passenger seat is folded flat.

A further nod to its family-vehicle status is the “child presenter seat” in the second row that allows the 60-percent part of the 60/40 fold-flat, reclining seat to move forward two inches to be within arm’s reach of Mom or Dad. And Dodge says the Journey is the first in the segment to offer an integrated child booster seat in the second row—a claim the Volvo XC70 might want to dispute.
Cubbies Everywhere

As for Chrysler’s minivan family, there are hidden storage areas in the floor (Dodge suggests cans and lots of ice, especially since the liners can be removed for cleaning). And under the front-passenger seat cushion is a new system known as Flip ’N Stow, where the hinged seat cushion flips forward to reveal the bin inside the seat.

In the U.S., the Journey will be available in three trim levels: SE, SXT, and R/T in early 2008. Other parts of the world will get their versions—left- and right-hand drive—starting in mid-2008.

Design-wise, the ’09 SUV is clearly a Dodge, with the signature crosshair chrome grille with a Ram head stamped in the center. Quad halogen headlamps can be augmented with fascia-mounted fog lamps, and the trucklet rides on optional 19-inch wheels. An aluminum hood, sculpted wheel arches, and an angled beltline so kids can better see out the rear windows suggest a mix of bold and practical.