Overview & Reviews

Dodge showed up late to the midsize crossover SUV segment, finally entering the marketplace with the Dodge Journey. But the company that created the minivan has some party tricks of its own. Dodge has a proven track record of creating vehicles that can quickly transform from people mover to cargo hauler with minimal fuss. Add to that Dodge's characteristically muscular exterior styling treatment, and you have two factors that can help the Journey stand out in a crowded room.

The Journey features an in-betweener size that straddles the compact and midsize crossover segments. It offers cargo and passenger room similar to that of larger compact SUVs, but like a midsize model, offers a more substantial feel and an available third-row seat. As such, the Journey strikes an interesting blend of utility and comfort for families. Unfortunately, early Journeys fell well short of most rivals, particularly in regards to driving dynamics and interior refinement. Major improvements made to the Journey a few years after its debut have rectified most of the model's past ills, but in general, this Dodge lacks the general overall refinement of newer competitors.

Current Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is offered in five trim levels: American Value Package (AVP), SE, SXT, Limited and R/T. The entry-level AVP, SE and SXT models come standard with a rather weak 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is sluggish and fuel economy is subpar, so we highly recommend going with the 3.6-liter V6 (optional on the SXT and standard on the Limited and R/T). Its fuel economy and acceleration are mediocre at best, but it can at least get the Journey moving with some authority. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered as an option.

Even the entry-level AVP and SE trims come very well equipped, with notable features including dual-zone manual climate control, keyless ignition/entry, a sliding and reclining second-row seat, a touchscreen audio interface and USB/iPod connectivity.

As is typical for this class, there is an abundance of luxury and convenience features available by stepping up to one of the upper trim levels. These include power front seats, leather upholstery, heated seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a navigation system and premium audio. Parents and kids alike should appreciate the available built-in child booster seats and DVD entertainment system.

Unlike the first few model years of the Journey, this equipment comes packed into an attractive interior with nice materials and solid construction. There are also myriad storage solutions that increase appeal, with containers that double as coolers and an innovative hidden compartment under the front passenger seat cushion. In terms of space, the Journey's first two rows offer comfort and versatility. The third row is very short on legroom and suitable for small children only, but is nevertheless a rare feature for SUVs of this size. Cargo space is roughly on par with the larger compact crossovers.

As we've noted in reviews, the Dodge Journey has impressed us with its flexible seating and smooth ride. But the base four-cylinder engine is underpowered and lacks any significant fuel savings. The V6 is the engine to get, but in general, the Journey is one of the oldest crossovers on the market and is greatly overshadowed by newer competitors.

Used Dodge Journey Models
The Dodge Journey was introduced for the 2009 model year in SE, SXT and R/T trim levels. We weren't very impressed with these 2009 and '10 models. Besides the weak base four-cylinder engine that carries on today, the other engine option was a lackluster 3.5-liter V6 that made only 235 hp. No matter which engine you went with, acceleration was either slow or glacial. Other Journey drawbacks included soggy handling, vague steering, cheap interior materials, dated design and poor build quality.

For 2011, the Journey was significantly overhauled, and we would suggest considering only models produced from this year onward. That year's refresh brought about a more powerful and efficient V6, revised suspension tuning and a completely redesigned interior with better materials, tighter construction and a smarter control layout. The improvements in ride quality and steering feel made the Journey more competitive with the top-ranked crossovers in this class. Since then, changes have essentially been limited to a shuffling of trim levels and equipment.

User Reviews:

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  My Journey - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By Nicole Retzlaff - November 26 - 11:17 pm

  I absloutely love my journey. I have taken it on road trips and the gas mileage is way better then what the sheet says. Highway I am averaging 30.8 mpg, and the city is 23.3 mpg. I had a 2011 Chrysler 200 and I would not change purchasing my car. I have a Great Dane, Rottweiler and Border Collie...all three fit with ample amounts of room compared to my 200. Awesome storage for their toys, food and water. Love this car!!!

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  Do not know what all the complaining is about? - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By Thomas H - August 24 - 1:53 pm

  I love this car. I am a life long GM guy and this puts the Chevy Equinox to shame. The car size is just right, not too big, not too small. This car is fantastic in the Winter. I love the auto heated seats and steering wheel, also the awd. The seats are very comfortable, the radio nav screen is nice and big. The rear air and heat are awsome along with the 3rd row. The 1 big thing it needs is daytime running lites for extra safety.

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  10 Days Experiance Rental in California Mountians - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By Dave P - August 4 - 8:35 pm

  Recently rented a 2015 Journey LTD with V-6 for a 10 day vacation to the Sierra Nevada area of California Sequoia/Yosemite/Tahoe. Traveled one-half of the trip on inter-state or four-lane highways and the other on winding mountain roads with 35 MPH speed limits and grades of 6 to 12%. In total, we traveled 1,301 miles and averaged 21.02 MPG. The car was slightly over-powered on the freeway and slightly under-powered in the mountains no complaints. Shifting was smooth and concise. The seating was very comfortable. Handling was better than expected almost a good as a sedan. Overall, pleasantly surprised. I drive a Toyota now, and would seriously considered - depending upon the reliability rating.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By Chris Schumacher - August 1 - 1:32 am

  We bought our Journey used (2 years old with 18k miles.) Weve put 10k miles on it in those 2 years. We put Toyo tires on it about a year ago. The tires they put on all the new cars are crap. We put Toyos on our last vehicle, a 2002 Dodge Intrepid and they lasted five years. We also just put new brakes and rotors on. The rotors had warped. Apparently thats a common issue with the Journeys. We put cross drilled rotors and ceramic brake pads on. Well worth the money- keeps the rotors from getting too hot and warping.

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  Here in Brazil its far the best option! - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By fabianodias - June 11 - 9:18 pm

  Weve been on vacation september last in Orlando, where we rented a Journey SXT, being a VW Jetta owner I was a litlle worried about the cars size. We liked so much that returning to Brazil we decided to invest some $$ in a RT JOURNEY V6. Here you also have the Fiat Freemont, that is the fruit of the joint venture of Dodge and Fiat, although they only sell the four cilinder engine. I test drove it and its awfull!! In the othe hand Journey has been an excelent car, strong as hell, confortable as heaven and beautiful as our super model Gisele Bundchen :-)

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  Great car! - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By nick4118 - May 11 - 9:49 am

  The vehicle is amazing! We were choosing between this, a Dodge Charger R/T and a Durango Limited. We loved them all so much, but we went with the journey because it was the middle size (not to big or not to small for our family) It has amazing options, plenty of room, nice features, nice look, and so much more. It looks sporty but yet nice at the same time. It is AMAZING! My sister in law has a Ford Expedition, and my other one has and Acura MDX, and they are both jealous. Everyone loves it!

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  2012 dodge journey rt - 2014 Dodge Journey
  By Don Stafford - March 10 - 8:24 pm

  will buy another.Love this vehicle 8.4 inch screen with Nav is so easy to use . Other vehicles I tried had too mant buttons ride is great and leather finish are top of the line quality

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  Just check it out for yourself...a pleasant surprise - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By ek900 - December 23 - 11:49 am

  We went into 3-row crossover shopping with the Journey not on the list, and ended up liking it so much we special ordered! We test drove the Hyundai Santa Fe, Buick Enclave, Mazda Cx9, and Nissan Pathfinder, but we really liked the packaging of the Journey a lot better. We got a Crossroad model, FWD, with the V6, and I would recommend it. What sold us on the Journey was simply how much better the interior was packaged for us. Its got plenty of room without being as big as some others. The seats are very comfortable and there is storage everywhere. Plus, we got the integrated booster seats, and they are so well-designed it is amazing to me they arent available on other SUVs.

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  Very happy - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By chines1 - December 17 - 1:20 pm

  What is Edmunds on? I guess if its not Toyota or Honda they have nothing nice to say. Ive had it for a month now with almost 1500 miles on it and I love it. I do have the 6 cyl and find the go to be more than adequate. No issues with acceleration or braking in the least. Handling is excellent and responsive. I love this car. Great size, great price, great features. I currently have ZERO complaints on this car. With mixed driving that leans a bit more towards city, Im easily getting 20 MPG and Im a fairly aggressive driver. (Seriously, I have enjoyed the heck out of the 6 cyl in this car) I suspect a nice MPG on longer trips.

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  Excellent Family Hauler - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By daigs - October 30 - 9:56 am

  Ive had the Journey for a couple weeks now and the initial quality and impression I have is extremely positive. Having a family of 4, I find that its the right size. Big enough of the kids and our stuff, but not too large. Right selection of features, quality and performance also make it a winner. While fuel mileage gets dinged by Edmunds, I find that its been better than expected. And considering the 6 cylinder engine and the fact that this isnt a tiny vehicle, Im satisfied with what I get. Plenty of storage and materials that make you say "wait, this is a Dodge!?". Im very satisfied with my purchase.