Model Lineup
The 2009 Dodge Journey is offered as three different
models: Journey SE, Journey SXT, and Journey R/T. Powered by your choice of a 4-cylinder gasoline engine or two different V-6
engines that are available. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive
optional on all 3.5-liter V-6 models.
As practical as a minivan with the capability of an SUV, the Journey offers a “unique combination of
purposeful versatility, and bold, youthful styling” to deliver “safety,
quality, and reliability at a great value.” The two-box exterior design
is guided by quad headlamps on each side of the signature Dodge
crosshair grill. Low-gloss black appliqués on the B- and C-pillar
accentuate the appearance of a long greenhouse, finished by a
single-piece tailgate on the rear.
The standard seating configuration is 5-passenger, with an available third row offering 5+2 seating. Unique in this class is theater seating for both second- and third-row passengers. This configuration places each row of seating higher than the row in front of it, offering all passengers a better, and more comfortable, view outside the vehicle. Second-row seating is split 60/40 and folds flat, while the available third-row seating is a 50/50 split-fold design.
Hardware
The standard powerplant in the 2009 Dodge Journey is a 2.4-liter
4-cylinder “World Engine” mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission
with overdrive. Rated at 173 hp, it produces 166 lb.-ft. of torque and
attains 2008 EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, and 25 mpg highway. An
optional engine is a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 that can
run on E-85. It is rated at 186 hp and 191 lb.-ft. of torque. With the
standard 4-speed automatic transmission, the EPA rates fuel economy at
17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The most powerful engine available in
the Journey is a 3.5-liter V-6, found under the hood of Journey R/T and
R/T AWD models. Rated at 235 hp and 232 lb.-ft. of torque, it is
coupled to an Auto Stick automatic transmission. This special 6-speed
transaxle features a more robust differential with increased torque
capacity. A numerically higher first-gear ratio provides quicker
standing-start acceleration than the 4-speed automatic. EPA fuel
economy estimates for the Dodge Journey V-6 are 16 mpg city and 23 mpg
highway.
All Dodge Journey models ride on an independent front and rear suspension. The front features a MacPherson strut, while the rear design is multi-link. Gas-charged shocks are standard. Suspension crossmembers, both front and rear, are isolated to the body to reduce ride noise levels, and decrease vibration and harshness. Four-wheel-disc brakes, with anti-lock control (ABS) are standard on all models. The all-wheel-drive system available on V-6 models works on demand, powering only the front wheels until power is needed at the rear wheels. For enhanced handling during performance driving, the AWD system has been calibrated to work on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph. The system is completely automatic.
Safety
The Dodge Journey was designed and engineered with safety in mind. As a
result, the standard safety equipment list is extensive. Driver and
front passenger are protected by knee bolsters to control occupant
kinematics, and multi-stage front air bags designed to match deployment
speed to crash severity. Seat-mounted side air bags with enhanced
thorax protection offer additional protection to front-seat passengers.
Outboard passengers in all three rows are shielded by side air bag
curtains with “Extended Up Time” deployment.
Active safety features on the 2009 Journey include standard all-speed traction control, brake assist, and an electronic stability program (ESP). Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) is a safety system designed to lower the possibility of a rollover during an accident. In the event the system senses an impending rollover, Rollover Sensing will deploy seat and side-curtain air bags and will active the vehicle’s seat belt pre-tensioners to protect passengers. For additional safety while towing in adverse conditions such as crosswinds, standard Trailer Sway Control helps to reduce trailer sway and improve vehicle control.
Design