2011 Dodge Journey
 Dodge Journey. Click image to enlarge |
The 2011 Dodge Journey surprised me the most during the process of test driving many different vehicles. I really enjoyed my time with the Dodge Journey and the interior played a big role in this since everything was well laid out and easily accessible. I was also extremely impressed with the completely updated front dash which helps give the Journey a more upscale and sporty feel. One of the features people with disabilities will find very useful is the steering wheel mounted controls which allow drivers to operate a wide range of features found.
The most useful and impressive feature found inside the Journey is the addition of the new large-sized touch-screen system which makes the operation of many different features a very easy task. As well, the Journey offers customers the option of adding a rear back-up camera and the very useful Rear Park Assist System which makes the Journey very easy to manoeuvre when in reverse especially for those who park their vehicles in their garages.
 Dodge Journey. Click image to enlarge |
The Journey’s ride height makes it very easy to get in and out of, and whether you’re sitting in the front or the rear seats, you will find with the driver or passenger doors offer plenty of room making it less strenuous entering or exiting the Journey. The Journey also now comes standard with Dodges Keyless Enter and Go system which many people with disabilities will enjoy since it eliminates the need of having to take the key out of your pocket to unlock the doors. When you are within proximity all you have to do is pull on the door handle to unlock it.
The Journey provides a lot of cargo room, and with the rear liftgate open and out of the way, there is more than enough room to fit a small-sized mobility scooter or mobility device. While the 2011 Dodge Journey isn’t a good choice for those with disabilities who use full-sized wheel chairs or mobility scooters it is a great choice for those who have issues dealing with getting in and out of much lower vehicles.
2011 Scion xB
The first thing I noticed about the Scion xB was its unique exterior design which could only be described as boxy with a few rounded edges. Its design really helps to make it a vehicle that can be easily modified to suit the needs of a wide variety of people with disabilities including those who use manual wheelchairs. Though it’s a compact vehicle, its interior is large enough to be customized and made accessible from the side and even the rear of the vehicle. However, the xB is not going to appeal to those who use large-sized power wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
   Scion xB. Click image to enlarge |
I was impressed with the interior design of the xB and was surprised how easy it was to get in and out of the front and rear seats. One of the best features found in the Scion xB is its front seats which were comfortable and easily adjustable and don’t only recline but are also height adjustable allowing the driver and front seat passenger the option of setting their seats to a level that best suits their needs.
Its unique and original dash design helps to give the xB what could be described as a futuristic look. I particularly liked how the climate control dials are turned towards the driver which makes them fairly easy to use. The position of the stereo made it a bit of a reach to access the buttons but that problem is quickly solved thanks to the useful steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
There is plenty of useable cargo space and with the rear seat folded flat and the rear hatch opened the task of setting items such as a walker or mobility scooter in the rear of the 2011 Scion xB becomes a very simple task.
Though it’s no sports car, I found driving the xB to be mildly sporty. Though it’s designed to appeal to the young adult market, it’s a car that should appeal to all those living with disabilities as well.
2011 Nissan Rogue
Like the Mazda5, the Rogue will more than likely appeal to young buyers with disabilities who are looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive. The Rogue is a little on the small side but it has enough cargo space to carry a walker or a small-sized collapsible mobility scooter.
  Nissan Rogue. Click image to enlarge |
I found the step-in height made it a very easy vehicle to get in and out of. I liked the Intelligent Key system which completely eliminates the issue of having to take a key out of your pocket to unlock or start the vehicle.
Inside, everything is well with-in reach and the interior has a very sporty feel. The steering wheel mounted controls found in the Rogue are very easy to use and allow access to the Bluetooth hands-free phone feature and the sound system. Another feature is the steering wheel-mounted shifter paddles which allow for a little bit more fun behind the wheel when in manual shift mode. Sadly though, the CVT takes away a bit of the joy you might feel when behind the wheel, particularly on city streets.
Though the Rogue doesn`t offer much in the form of cargo space it does have a few key features that do help make it a great vehicle for people with disabilities.
