The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey marks the brands first entry into the midsize crossover SUV segment. The Journey delivers minivan-like hauling ability, but without feeling like a soccer mom.

The Journey, which shares its platform with the Avenger sedan, is quite appealing. The Journey looks snazzy with its flared fenders and contemporary Dodge cross-hair grille.

Journey is a bit (4.9-inches) longer than Avenger, though, to accommodate its available 5+2 seating and additional cargo space.

Five-passenger seating is standard on all Journeys, while an available third-row seat (5+2 seating) is offered on SXT and R/T models.

On five-passenger models, a tri-fold load floor is located behind the second-row seat and provides a hidden storage compartment for added utility. The load floor is reversible and configures into a "grocery bag" position.

Seven-passenger models feature a third-row seat that's easy for kids to access thanks to Journey's Tilt 'N Slide second-row seats and rear doors that open a full 90-degrees. A rear in-floor hidden storage bin is located behind the third-row seats.

My Journey R/T tester was equipped for seven-passenger seating. I had plenty of room up front, but found that there's a diminishing amount of head and leg room as you move back to the second and third row seats.

I also noticed that Journey has a fair amount of cheap-looking plastic trim pieces, but its cabin is nifty and versatile.

Journey provides hidden bins that swallow up a variety of goodies. I frequently made use of the bin under the front passenger seat, which is accessible by flipping the seat cushion up. This bin is large enough to store and hide valuables like a camera or purse.

I especially liked the two standard in-floor storage bins (located in the floor behind the front seats) that are designed to hold a dozen 12-ounce cans plus ice or other items conveniently out of sight.

For added convenience, the bins feature latching lids and removable, washable liners. These bins eliminate having to bring a separate cooler along on road trips. By the way, for those trips to the lumberyard, every seat (except the driver's seat) can be folded down to increase Journey's cargo-carrying capacity.

Journey is available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. The base powertrain features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173-horsepower mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. At 19/25 mpg city/highway, the four-cylinder Journey is obviously the most fuel efficient in the line.

Journey buyers can step up to a 2.7-liter V6 engine that is rated at 186 horsepower and is flex-fuel compliant capable of running on any blend of unleaded fuel and E85.

At the top of the line is a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 235 horsepower. The larger V6 is required for getting AWD and it's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

My 2009 Dodge Journey R/T AWD tester delivered plenty of power, a comfortable ride, and sure-footed all-wheel drive traction. However, at times of accelerating after slowing down, the 6-speed automatic transmission seemed confused as to what gear it should be in causing a slight delay in acceleration.

The Journey is still very likable for its versatility, clever storage bins, and likable add-ons like a touch screen navigational system with traffic information, and vehicle entertainment system, which can be ordered along with a back-up camera.