The Dodge Journey crossover vehicle that was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show was primarily destined for Europe but surprisingly it will first be offered in the US as early as next year as a 2009 model.
According to reports, the Journey, equipped with quality , is heading to the United States but will not arrive until the scheduled Los Angeles Auto Show in November. And although it would look more like the Europe version its performance, engine, and fuel economy will not be the same due to the federal regulations implemented in the US.
Luckily in terms of features and technologies, the US Journey will have what Europe version will have such as the following:
&bull MyGIGâ„? cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system
&bull ParkViewâ„? Rear Backup Camera
&bull Full-color, GPS Map Navigation System with 7-inch (17.8 cm) display
&bull Chill Zoneâ„?
&bull YES Essentials Premium Cloth Seats
&bull Aimable LED Map/Reading Lamps
&bull Removable, Rechargeable LED Flashlight
&bull Illuminated Cup Holders
&bull Rear-seat Entertainment System includes an 8-inch (20.3 cm) color monitor
&bull 115-volt, 150-watt Power Inverter on the rear of the console
&bull SIRIUSâ„? Digital Satellite Radio
&bull UConnectâ„? with BlueToothâ„? cellular phones
&bull Four 12-volt Power Points
&bull Remote Start
&bull Standard Five-passenger Seating with Available 5+2 Seating
&bull Occasional Use, 5+2, 50/50-split Third-row Seat with Recline Feature
&bull 90-degree Rear Door Openings
&bull Fold-flat Front Seat with Flip `N Stow
&bull Two Second-row In-floor Storage Bins
&bull Stadium Tip `N Slide Seat
&bull Tri-fold Load Floor
&bull Rear In-floor Storage Bin for 5+2 Passenger Vehicles
&bull Child Presentation Feature
&bull Child Booster Seats for children 4 foot 9 inches (1.45 m) tall and between 48 lbs. (22 kg) and 85 lbs. (39 kg), raises the child into the adult belted zone
&bull Activity Center in second row seatback folds forward to provide two cup holders and a bin for storage of small electronics, snacks, crayons or other small items
&bull Sunglass Bin with Child Observation Mirror
&bull Sliding Center Arm Rest
&bull Heated Front Seats with Leather or Premium Cloth
&bull Molded Map Pockets with Bottle Holders
The Journey for US will be available with a 3.5 liter V6 gas engine which Europe won't get since the Europe version will get a more powerful Volkswagen-supplied diesel engine which is not allowed in America.
The Journey is built on a modified Dodge Avenger platform and hopefully will provide Chrysler with a bigger presence in the growing crossover market especially since sales on trucks have been sluggish due to slowdown in the construction market, not to mention the ever increasing gasoline prices.
With regards to size the Journey is in between the Nitro crossover and the full-size Durango SUV. It is also seen to become a direct competitor of Ford's Edge which is doing pretty well in the market.
