Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Journey R/TThe 2009 Dodge Journey carries the size and shape of a typical crossover, and it has seating for seven and all the amenities you could possibly ask for at $30,000. On paper, the Journey has a plenty of things in its favor, yet we’d our doubts. First off, it looks a lot like the Dodge Caravan, which works against the Journey when think abouting that many crossover purchaseers want to avoid the minivan stigma. It’s also based on the less than impressive Chrysler Sebring platform, which we’ve found to be just awful. Then there’s Chrysler’s corporate 3.5L engine, which is less powerful, refined and efficient than similarly sized engines from its competition. Chrysler’s recent track record for cars that are less than class competitive also lent support to our notion that the Journey might be a letdown. Regardless, we tried to clear our minds of these things when the Journey arrived for a week-long stay in the Autoblog Garage. Hit the jump to see how Chrysler’s new crossover fared.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T