Ward’s judges presented the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey crossover a special achievement award, “Clever Utility,” for its well-thought-out and smartly integrated interior features at the 2008 Ward’s Auto Interiors Show — the publication’s annual auto interior event.

“‘Extreme functionality’ sums up one Ward’s judge of the Dodge’s flexible interior,” said David E. Zoia, Editorial Director - WardsAuto.com. “To start, the Journey has more hiding places than a Nancy Drew mansion. Flip forward the front passenger-seat cushion to reveal a nicely sized compartment for keeping valuables out of sight. There are also concealed compartments under the floor in the rear cargo bay and ahead of the second-row seats — the latter specially lined for potential use as an ice chest.”

A key target for the 2009 Dodge Journey’s design team was delivering a crossover with a practical, flexible interior, and seating and innovative storage features typically found in the award-winning and best-selling Chrysler and Dodge minivans.

“The all-new Dodge Journey right-size crossover is designed to satisfy buyers’ rapidly changing demands by offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility,” said Joe Dehner, Vice President – Small, Family and Premium Vehicle Design, Chrysler LLC. “The 'Clever Utility' special achievement award validates what our designers and engineers sought to accomplish, and we are honored by Ward’s' judges for this recognition.”

Now available at Dodge dealers nationwide, the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey redefines the expanding mid-size crossover segment, offering seating and cargo versatility, safety and security, child friendliness, great all-weather driving capability, best-in-class fuel economy (19 city/25 mpg highway) and a best-in-class starting price of $19,985.

Designed from the ground up, the all-new Dodge Journey combines the versatility of a large sport-utility vehicle with the efficiency of a passenger car. With bold, capable styling, perfect proportions and an innovative interior design, Dodge Journey is the right-size crossover for people who want the prestige of an SUV and the functionality and utility of a minivan.

Utilizing the Dodge brand’s successful family vehicle formula, Dodge Journey incorporates unique seating and a best-in-class storage system, creating a spacious and flexible interior ready to handle life’s ever-changing challenges. With the simple turn of a single lever, the available Tilt ‘n Slide™ seven-passenger seating system quickly folds the second-row seat cushion upward and slides the entire seat forward, allowing third-row passengers easy in-and-out access. Two available integrated child booster seats — a first in the mid-size crossover segment — quickly pull out from the second-row seat cushion, eliminating the need to transport bulky child seats. Spacious storage bins, including Flip ‘n Stow™ front-passenger concealed storage, Chill Zone™ glove box beverage cooler and dual in-floor bins with washable liners in the second row, offer quick storage and increased passenger comfort.

Dodge Journey offers a variety of innovative technologies that make life easier. A cutting-edge MyGIG® multimedia system provides the driver and passengers 3-D navigation with real-time traffic monitoring, an integrated 30-gigabyte hard drive to store music and pictures, and an auxiliary audio jack to play any MP3 player. Additional features including SIRIUS Satellite Radio, ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera, UConnect® hands-free communication that is Bluetooth® compatible, a UCI for iPod connectivity, and rear DVD entertainment with two wireless headphones, make every day a driving pleasure.

With a four-wheel independent suspension, two fuel-efficient powertrain options and available performance-tuned suspension, Dodge Journey delivers decisive handling in nearly all conditions. Available all-wheel drive further enhances Journey’s all-weather capabilities.

Dodge Journey SE’s standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine is coupled with a standard four-speed automatic providing best-in-class fuel economy. With 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, the Dodge Journey delivers efficient, yet solid performance. The 2.4-liter 16-valve engine produces 173 horsepower (129 kW) and 166 lb.-ft. (225 N•m) of torque and features dual variable valve timing, intake manifold flow control valves, acoustic cylinder head covers, dual counter-rotating balance shafts and an acoustic oil pan.

Dodge Journey SXT and R/T models feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower (175 kW) and 232 lb.-ft. (315 N•m) of torque coupled with a fluid six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick that provides quick acceleration and a quite ride. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine on front-wheel-drive models delivers 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway on all-wheel-drive models.

With more than 35 safety and security technologies available and a Five Star government front- and side-crash test rating, Dodge Journey delivers peace of mind. With standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, standard front-seat-mounted (thorax) side air bags, standard three-row side-curtain air bags, tire pressure monitoring, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation, Brake Assist, Trailer Sway Control, structural safety cage with side-door impact beams and an available back-up camera, Dodge Journey features the latest safety and security features.

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