The Dodge Journey, which has just been released in the showrooms in Model Year 2010 format, has joined its brand sister model the Avenger and Chrysler's Sebring sedan in earning a prestigious 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Dodge Journey.

“Another Top Safety Pick for Chrysler Group is not only a great achievement for the Dodge Journey but also for the company,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “IIHS’ recognition of our products demonstrates Chrysler’s leadership in occupant protection and overall vehicle engineering capability.”

The 2010 Dodge Journey incorporates a two-fold approach to safety: passive features, including pre-tensioning seat-belt retractors, supplemental side-curtain air bags and standard torso air bags, combined with accident-avoidance features, including standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

“The Dodge Journey is at the head of the class for safety,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “The Top Safety Pick designation is our highest award and only goes to vehicles affording the best overall crash protection, plus electronic stability control to help drivers avoid many crashes altogether. Recognising vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results."

Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Dodge Journey includes ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and ABS, driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags. The 2010 Dodge Journey offers more than 20 safety features, including: Active Head Restraints; Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags; All-speed Traction Control; Anti-lock Brake System (ABS); Auto-reverse Sun Roof; Auto-reverse Window; BeltAlert; Brake Assist; Brake/Park Interlock; Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH); Child-protection Rear Door Locks; Crumple Zones; Digressive Load-limiting Retractors; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Energy-absorbing Steering Column; Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS); Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts; Inside Emergency Release; Interior Head-impact Protection; Knee Bolsters; Safety Cage Body Structure; Seat-belt Pretensioners (both front seat belts); Side Guard Door Beams and Side-curtain Air Bags.

ItaliaspeedTV: Dodge Journey (2010)