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Journey is the first midsize crossover in the Dodge family. Its recent arrival in showrooms is driven largely by estimates that sales of the car-based sport-utilities are expected to top 1.2 million by the end of 2009.

Crossovers are the vehicles du jour of those who want to haul people and their things with all-wheel-drive security but without the truck-like bumping and bouncing and gas gobbling of midsize SUVs.

At a time when Chrysler is preparing to whittle its lineup to some 15-20 models from 30 in five years and sell Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles all from the same dealerships, it’s curious why it’s adding more new models.

The decision to add the 2009 Journey, built off the same platform as the Sebring and Avenger midsize sedans, was made before equity outfit Cerberus bought Chrysler last year. Cerberus has made the call to whittle offerings and dealers. Needless to say, there won’t be a Chrysler “Journey.” Journey comes in SE, SXT and R/T trims; front- or all-wheel-drive; a 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower 4-cylinder (SE) or 3.5-liter, 235-h.p., 24-valve V-6 (SXT/R/T); and seating for five or seven.

We tested the R/T with the 3.5-liter, AWD and three rows of seats, which, in profile, looks like a full-grown Dodge Caliber.

The V-6 has decent power but isn’t the quickest thing on the road. And fuel economy is a paltry 15 m.p.g. city/22 m.p.g. highway mileage with AWD (16/23 FWD with V-6). Aspen/Durango go hybrid in 2009 to boost mileage. Too bad Journey won’t join them.

The sports-tuned suspension and oversized 19-inch touring radials minimize jostling in the cabin but not body lean in corners. Forget pinpoint handling, too. Standard stability control with traction control do prevent wander.

But Journey isn’t about how quickly or quietly you travel as it is about all the goodies for the trip, items borrowed from other vehicles in its lineup.

Consider a two-level glove box with the Chill Zone on top to cool a couple cans of pop. Thank a well placed air-conditioning duct. And the Flip ‘n Stow front passenger seat with a bottom cushion that lifts to reveal a spot for a purse. Containers under the cargo floor hide more items.

And, borrowing a chapter from the Stow ‘N Go seats in its minivans that hide in bins in the floor, Journey offers a pair of those deep bins in front of the second row, not for the seats, but for toys, games, snacks or 12 cans of pop — plus ice.

If you haul kids, a pair of built-in booster seats ($295 for both) raise the seat cushions by 4 inches so you don’t have to lug the aftermarket variety.

Other noteworthy features are grocery-bags holders behind the driver’s seat, a stowage box in the dash, cell-phone/iPod holder in the center console, cupholders in the console and front doors, coin holder under the center armrest and observation mirror in the roof to keep an eye on the occupants of those boosters.

Rear doors open 85 degrees, or 10 to 13 degrees more than usual, for easy entry and exit into the second row. And second-row seats flip and slide forward to create an aisle to the third row, strictly for little kids. Noggin room is fine if you leave the knees at home. And the aisle to the third row is blocked by the seat tracks for the second.

With the third-row seats filled, there isn’t a lot of room behind them. But the seat backs fold flat at the pull of a strap to dramatically expand cargo space. Second-row seat backs also fold flat, as does the passenger seat, to fit a ladder inside.

Liftgate is manual only. Odd that you can chill 14 pop cans but not open the back at the touch of a button.

The R/T performance Journey starts at $27,670. Cut $1,750 for FWD.

Standard stuff include anti-lock brakes, side-curtain air bags, roll mitigation control, remote engine start, power windows/locks/mirrors (heated), heated seats upfront with power for the driver, three power plugs and 115-volt outlet, AM/FM stereo with DVD/MP3 players and rechargeable cargo hold flashlight.

The third-row seat runs a stiff $1,220 but includes air/heat vents. A power sunroof costs $795.

Dodge marketing director Joe Veltri says Journey is targeted at young families with kids, active young couples without kids and empty-nesters. Those who need room for people and things — and their pop.

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2009 DODGE JOURNEY R/T AWD

$31,885 Price as tested.

Add $625 for freight.

M.P.G.: 15 City / 22 Highway

LENGTH WHEELBASE: 192.4 inches 113.8 inches

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic

ENGINE: 3.5-liter, 235-h.p., 24-valve V-6

THE STICKER

* $27,670 Base

* $1,220 Flexible seating group with three rows of seats for seven, second row tilts and slides for access to the back, third-row seat backs fold/recline and separate controls for rear-seat air conditioning/heater

* $795 Power sunroof

* $695 Customer preferred package with cargo compartment cover, adjustable roof rails, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cabin air filtration system, UConnect hands-free phone and driver information center

* $625 Chrome 19-inch wheels

* $495 Infinity premium speakers

* $225 Deep Water Blue exterior paint

* $130 Trailer towing package with engine oil cooler and trailer wiring

* $30 Smokers group with front-seat ashtray/lighter

PLUSES

* New AWD crossover.

* Goodies range from pop cooler in glovebox to ice chests in rear floor, purse holder under front passenger seat and stowage under rear cargo floor.

* Second/third-row seat backs fold flat.

MINUSES

* Disappointing mileage that a hybrid or diesel could help.

* Mini access to micromini third row.

* Precious little cargo room with all three rows occupied.

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Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation. Contact him at transportation@tribune.com.