There’s been a lot of discussion of late about how Chrysler should reengineer its brands and their positioning in the marketplace. The common thinking goes the Chrysler brand should focus on premium vehicles, while Dodge remains solidly a truck-based enterprise and Jeep keeps its off-road icon status. That would mean a number of products have to get shuffled around, with a focus on eliminating vehicle duplication across the brands. One of the key questions will be who has their minivan taken away, Dodge or Chrysler? Oddly enough, the latest family member to join the Dodge clan—the Journey—may just answer that question.

The folks at Dodge are probably going to cringe and scream at my comparison of the Journey to a minivan, pointing out that it’s technically a crossover. Whatever. The fact of the matter is that, as a family hauler, the Journey does a commendable job. The vehicle driven, a well-equipped Journey R/T, came complete with three row seating—although the third row seemed to be designed strictly for toddlers—and a number of unique interior features like the second-row in-floor storage bins with drain plugs (they can store up to 12 cans of beverages and ice) and Flip ‘n Stow front seat storage that allows storage of smaller items under the front passenger seat cushion. All of which are very minivan-like, like the styling.

From this perspective, the Journey is a confusing mix of Avenger and Grand Caravan. The grille looks a bit undersized for the overall size of the body, while the rear fascia appears bulky, albeit a bit menacing. The interior also is a mixed bag, and there’s little doubt the engineering and design ranks have taken the level of interior materials up a notch. However, that’s a notch up from Chrysler’s previous low-grade plastics, and does nothing to eliminate the visual stumbles, especially a center stack that is a hodge podge of differing shades of black. These shades vary from the switchgear used on the radio to the trim pieces used to surround the air vents to the smattering of chrome trim that does little to spice things up.

Though the base engine is a 2.4L 4-cyl., the test vehicle was equipped with the optional 3.5L V-6 producing 235 hp. That may seem like a fair amount of power for a crossover, but it’s actually meager when having to pull a full-figured 3,800 lb. vehicle across the pavement. As you might expect, the acceleration leaves something to be desired, even though the 6-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts and immediate response.

Thankfully, the Journey’s somewhat tighter exterior dimensions—a 7.4-in. shorter wheelbase and 10.1-in. reduction in overall length compared to the Grand Caravan—and slightly more athletic responses make the Journey the better driver and a vehicle more in line with minivans past. Combine this with anonymous two-box styling and you have a recipe for a slightly more “mini” minivan free of the “Mom’s Taxi” stigma that allows Chrysler to cut its model lineup without losing customers.

Vehicle as Driven:

Engine: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder

Horsepower: 235 @ 6,400 rpm

Torque: 232 lb-ft @4,000 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 113.8 in.

Overall length: 192.4 in.

Width: 72.2 in.

Curb Weight: 4,064 lb.

Price as tested: $27,340