Both vehicles are aimed at those seeking a family transporter with all the mods and cons.

The Dodge Journey is a vehicle that contains elements of the SUV-passenger car crossover market by boasting affordability as well as being bold, powerful, capable and smart.

Aggressive in its styling, the Journey offers large quad headlights, a cross-hair chrome grille and 17-inch rims mounted within its oversized wheel arches, as well as quartered taillights and tailgate spoiler.

Something of importance for a family vehicle is that the upholstery is stain-resistant, while the five-plus-two seating has been slightly raised in the second and third row in order for the passengers to enjoy the view.

The second row accommodates a “tip and slide” mechanism for easier access to the third row and provides more legroom and flexibility in seating arrangements.

There is abundant storage facilities, with many hidden compartments, one of these being a “flip and stow” front passenger seat, which folds forward, revealing a bin that can cope with enough beverage refreshment for a rugby team. The glove compartment also doubles as a cooler.

Available in petrol 2.7F V6 SXT or V6 R/T, the front-wheel-drive crossover Dodge Journey will soon be joined by a 2-litre CRD turbodiesel version.

The 136 kW / 265 Nm petrol engine is coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which affords smooth gear changing.

A number of options are available, including a rear entertainment system, complete with DVD player, MyGig package incorporating parking camera, bluetooth, navigation and audio upgrade.

Prices for the Dodge Journey start at R259 900.

As far as the new Chrysler Grand Voyager is concerned, Chrysler has taken a winner and turned it into a thoroughbred. More than 12-million Voyagers have been sold since 1984. The range has now entered its fifth generation.

Known for innovative design features and practicality, the new Grand Voyager sticks to the legacy by providing fun on the run with features such as combination seating, sliding console, halo interior lighting, rear back-up camera, “stow and go”seating, airconditioning with front and back controls and 10-speaker audio system.

Having received a 5-star safety rating, the Grand Voyager has advanced multi-stage air-bags, sliding doors that can be operated by a switch on the key, and an ultra-sensitive electronic tailgate.

However, family cruising is what the Chrysler Grand Voyager is all about, the 3.8, petrol V6 or 2.8 Turbodiesel powerplants being effortless in their performance when it comes to the open road.

Prices for the new Chrysler Grand Voyager Auto start at R329 900.