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4 Family Cars You'll Want to Drive

A mom and dad sitting on the back of their Jeep Wrangler JK family car | Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM
Minivans have long held the honor of the most popular family-transport mobile, and they make a ton of sense. They're roomy and loaded with practical conveniences — and even some luxurious comforts. But today's early-millennial parents don't always want to cruise around in the same minivan that their own soccer moms did. So, we've put together five unconventional family-friendly vehicles that offer minivan-like functionality, without the 1995 stigma.

Dodge Journey

Ditch the minivan and take a look at Dodge's adventure-driven 2018 Journey crossover SUV. Dodge's three-row seater offers available technology that will impress even your biggest bandwidth-hogs, including Uconnect 3 with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and available navigation. The Journey is built with tons of storage spaces to grow with your family, and 67 cubic feet of cargo room is plenty for all the kid's gear. With heated front seats and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that gets 500 highway miles per tank, go ahead and hit Albany's roads. The 2018 base-model Journey SE has a sticker price of $22,795, with the top trim GT starting at $32,995.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

When you're on the lookout for a minivan stand-in with exceptional off-road chops, give the Jeep Grand Cherokee a go. Thankfully, Jeep offers an impressive lineup of 2018 Grand Cherokees, including 11 trims opening with the base equipped Laredo. The Grand Cherokee has received more lifetime honors than any other SUV. From potent engine options to all-weather capability, fuel-saving technology, and Jeep's legendary off-road performance, there's not a minivan around that can compete with Grand Cherokee's rugged, yet sophisticated charm. Jeep's award-winning luxury SUV starts at $30,695 and tops out at $86,000 for the new Trackhawk trim.

Dodge Durango

Dodge's king of the SUVs, the Durango, is an excellent alternative to the traditional family minivan and is available in six trim levels. The Durango is America's most powerful SUV with an available 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that generates a whopping 475 horsepower. Add the best-in-class towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, and it's time to load up the kids, hook up the camper, and get away to Lake George. Drive home in your new Durango SXT starting at $29,995, while the well-appointed SRT starts at $62,995.

Jeep Wrangler JK

No one will ever confuse the 2018 Wrangler JK for a minivan in disguise. When Dad has carpool duty, he wants to tour the Albany area in something rugged and steadfast, yet roomy enough for the whole family. The Jeep Wrangler JK has the highest model loyalty in the compact SUV class for the third consecutive year according to IHS Markit. The kids will love the Wrangler's open-air freedom with removable doors and top, and parents will appreciate the JK's plentiful storage space. The iconic Wrangler Sport starts at a very reasonable $23,995 and tops out after nine trim levels with the Rubicon starting at $33,645. In conclusion, families need room, but if the idea of shopping for a minivan holds about as much appeal as changing diapers, remember they aren't your only choice. Test drive one of these great alternatives for the traditional minivan today.
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2019 Dodge Grand Caravan with a family | Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM

Choose Your Grand Caravan Trim

So you need a vehicle capable of transporting your family around and have decided on the seven-passenger Dodge Grand Caravan, perhaps because its price is below that of most competitors in its class. Or perhaps because of Dodge's Stow 'n Go seating system. Now comes the decision on which version to purchase. The Grand Caravan comes in three trim levels: the base SE, the SE Plus, and the SXT. Let's take a look at what each has to offer. more SE The front-wheel-drive base model comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has a six-speed automatic transmission, power rack-and-pinion steering, cruise control, front independent suspension and rear twist-beam suspension, 17-inch wheels, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. Behind the second-row bench seat, the SE's third row 60/40 split bench folds into the floor with Dodge's Stow 'n Go seating system. The air-conditioning system offers separate controls for the driver, front passenger, and back-row passengers. Cloth seat trim is standard, along with sliding second-row doors on both sides. The SE comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an observation mirror (to watch the kids in the back seats without turning around),  heated outside mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and keyless remote entry. The audio system features six speakers, a CD player, 6.5-inch touchscreen, auxiliary audio jack, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Safety is standard, too. All models have electronic stability control, trailer sway damping (to keep the vehicle and trailer under control), a rear back-up camera and sliding-door alert. Air bags? The Grand Caravan has advanced multistage front air bags, a driver inflatable knee-bolster air bag, seat-mounted side air bags in the first row, and side-curtain air bags in all rows. SE Plus Technology gets an upgrade here. Bluetooth streaming audio and Uconnect voice control are standard, as is SiriusXM satellite radio (with a free one-year subscription), and a remote USB port. On the exterior, there are polished aluminum alloy wheels and a Blacktop appearance package. Fog lights and automatic headlamps are added. Inside, the seats get premium cloth upholstery, and a front center console is added. The SE Plus comes with a remote starting system, allowing you to start the engine from several feet away (so you can preheat or cool the interior) with your key fob. It also comes with a security system that will activate the horn and lights during an unauthorized entry. SXT This level offers the Stow 'n Go system with second-row bucket seats and third-row tailgate seats. All fold into the floor, leaving 140 cubic feet of storage space. When the seats are not folded down, the in-floor bins provide 12 cubic feet of storage space. Sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle are power-activated, as is the rear liftgate. The SXT adds silver aluminum alloy wheels. The driver enjoys more luxury in this trim level, with a seat that is power adjustable eight ways, including two-way lumbar support. All seating gets leather upholstery with suede inserts, and there is a larger center console. Figured it out yet? If so, go to Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge and check out our selection of Grand Caravans.

Interior of 2018 Dodge Journey | Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM

3 Interior Features of the 2018 Dodge Journey Your Kids Will Love

When you're choosing your next crossover SUV, you want to make sure that every member of your family enjoys your vehicle, including your kids. If you need an SUV with interior features that your children are sure to love, go for a ride in the 2018 Dodge Journey. The Journey provides the dependable performance that parents appreciate, and the cabin features that kids can't resist. Learn more about the interior of the 2018 Dodge Journey and find out why it should be the top choice for your next family SUV. Rear-Seat Entertainment System Out of all the top-notch interior features offered by the Dodge Journey, the one that your children will enjoy the most is an optional rear-seat entertainment system that makes long drives fly by. Choose this system for your vehicle, and you'll have a 9-inch video screen installed in the overhead console. Flip down this screen, and your kids can play their favorite video games or watch a movie. With this system, your kids will stay entertained and happy whenever they're inside the Dodge Journey. more Dodge Connectivity Features In modern times, kids value staying connected wherever they are, and connectivity is another reason that your children are going to be impressed with the interior of the 2018 Dodge Journey. The cabin of this SUV offers features that make it easy to use smartphones and other devices while on the road. The available Wi-Fi hotspot, for example, will let your kids connect their smart devices to the internet so that they can check their social media or stream music. The Journey also offers optional USB inputs that will let your children connect their smartphones to this SUV's audio system so that the whole family can enjoy great tunes. Finally, the available power outlets will keep your family's electronic devices fully charged at all times. Outstanding Comfort Features One of the great things about the Dodge Journey is that it offers interior features that both parents and children will enjoy. For example, in this vehicle's cabin, you'll find a wide range of comfort features that make road trips a pleasure for every member of your family. For your smaller children, the Journey is available with second-row booster seats that will keep them safe and secure while on a drive. Kids riding in the front passenger seat will have access to an optional heated seat that will keep them warm on cold days or if the cabin temperature is a little too cool for their tastes. Inside this SUV, you'll also find an in-floor cooler that you can fill with ice and store favorite drinks and snacks. Not only will this keep your kids happy, but it will reduce the number of pit stops you'll need to make on road trips. If you need a new family vehicle, your top option is the incredible 2018 Dodge Journey. Inside of this vehicle, you'll find a tremendous selection of features that your kids will love, and you'll appreciate the rock-solid performance offered by this vehicle.

2018 Dodge Durango in Latham, NY | Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM

Choose the Durango Trim that Fits Your Driving Lifestyle

For over 20 years, the Dodge Durango has been the class of the full-size SUV market. In 2018, it keeps its run intact, offering top-notch off-road prowess, family-friendly capabilities, raw power, and versatility. These attributes have made the Durango a household name. With seven trim levels to choose from, the Durango has a model that's perfect for every type of lifestyle. SXT The 2018 Dodge Durango starts off with the SXT, but this entry-level model is anything but ordinary. This year, third-row seating is finally available on the SXT, allowing the trim to accommodate up to seven passengers, while also offering up to 84.5 cubic feet of space with the seats folded. Under the hood, the SXT employs a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that pumps out 295 horsepower and surprising efficiency with 26 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. more SXT Plus The SXT Plus takes almost the exact form of the SXT with a few extras. SiriusXM satellite radio with a complimentary three-month subscription provides plenty of entertainment on road trips or commutes. An eight-way power driver's seat with four-way lumbar support makes sure that you're always comfortable. If you're a lackluster parker, the SXT Plus' standard ParkSense rear park-assist system is a godsend, especially in urban settings. GT Although the GT doesn't get an engine upgrade, it does bring another level of aesthetics to the Durango. The exterior adds a body-colored grille, while 20-inch hyper black wheels add some bling to the equation. A power liftgate provides easy access to the rear of the vehicle, even when your hands are full. The final touch is the first- and second-row heated seats, which provide comfort even during the coldest winter days and nights. Citadel The Citadel ups the ante with awesome, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels that are appropriate for just about any music video or vehicle calendar. A bright grille and dual chrome-tipped exhaust complete the allure of exterior. Inside, the Citadel upgrades to premium Nappa leather seating. Soft to the touch and unbelievably comfortable, you'll never want to sit anywhere else. R/T The Durango R/T is a performance-driven masterpiece. This trim is the first to get the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that delivers an insane 360 horsepower. A body kit, hood scoop, custom grille, and exclusive rims match the exterior to the heart-pounding underpinnings. Turn the BeatsAudio premium sound system up to full blast and enjoy the pure power of the R/T in style. Citadel Anodized Platinum The Citadel Anodized Platinum takes everything you love about the Citadel trim and tacks on a few extras. Second-row cup holders, platinum interior accents, and 20-inch carbon satin wheels come standard. SRT The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT might be the most anticipated and prized version of the SUV to ever hit the showroom. With a 475-horsepower, 6.4-liter V-8, all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the SRT is perhaps the world's only three-row muscle car. Put the pedal to the floor to release the beast and go from 0-60 in 6.1 seconds, along with a top speed of 155 mph. From the entry-level trim to the souped-up, fully loaded model, the Durango has options you won't find on any other SUV in the segment.