Dodge call the Journey a crossover as it borders several vehicle genres.

Whether you consider it a wagon on steroids or an extremely made over MPV will depend on your point of view or your needs.

Undisputedly, the Journey can carry seven passengers in three rows of seats arranged theatre style, with each row sitting higher than that in front to enhance the view out.

The Journey combines seating capacity with station wagon style carrying ability (albeit with a higher roof line) and adds a number of ingenious stowage areas.

Similar in size to a FordTerritory, the Journey has a choice of either a 2.7-litre petrol V6 engine with six-speed auto or a 2.0-litre common rail diesel with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.

The petrol engine delivers 136 kW of power and 10.3 l/100km average  fuel economy whilst the diesel has 103kW of power and only sips 7.01 l/100km, it also wins the torque stakes with 310Nm versus the petrol V6’s 256Nm.

The diesel comes with a regenerative DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) which significantly reduces any particle emissions. The rather stiff $6,000 price premium for the diesel means a fairly high annual mileage would be needed before fuel savings equated to the extra cost.

Journey is available in two specification levels, the base SXT and the upmarket RT. The petrol engine is available in either specification but the diesel is only available in the RT specification.

Both models have comprehensive active safety features including ABS, ESP, traction control, electronic roll mitigation and trailer sway control.

There is also a comprehensive set of airbags with driver, passenger, front side and a full length curtain airbags that protect all three seat rows.

Both models have three zone climate air (dual front zones plus rear).

The SXT has 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth trim, six-disc CD/DVD player with aux jack and alarm. The RT gains 19-inch alloys, leather seats (front seats are heated) and the premium instrument package. Both models can add the optional MYGIG entertainment system which includes a DVD player, 30GB hard disc, USB iPod integration, reversing camera and Bluetooth hands free kit ($3500 premium on RT models and $3000 on SXT) and also the second row 8-inch DVD screen with remote control and two sets of wireless headphones ($1490).

The designers have given a lot of thought to carrying ability and usable storage facilities.

The third row seat folds flat under the floor when not in use and the front passenger seat folds flat allowing long items up to 2.8 metres inside. There is an under floor bin in the rear luggage area, two good sized bins with removable liners under the feet of the second row passengers (ideal for ice and drinks or wet togs) and a very clever hidden stowage area under the passenger seat squab.

There is also a second glove box area with cooling function that can hold two drink cans.

On the road the Journey showed good ride and handling abilities and the interior layout worked well. The 2.7 litre engine was quiet and economical but lacked a bit of torque in the lower end of the engine speed range with the diesel providing a better balance of useful performance with its higher torque level. Expectations are for close to 50/50 demand between the petrol and diesel models, with the Journey being one of few vehicles with a diesel option outside of the 4WD market in this size range. With a starting price of $39,990 for the SXT the Journey is definitely competitively priced.

Pricing

SXT V6             $39,990

R/T V6              $45,990

R/T Diesel         $51,990