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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  Love the car - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Rose S. - April 28 - 2:08 pm

  I opted to downsize from my minivan. The car is stylish, comfortable and is considerably quieter than my former car. The cost was considerably less than other comparable SUVs that I looked at for. Driving is smoother, too.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Love It - April 20 - 9:01 am

  Traded in my 2010 Mazda 5 for this beauty. Great ride lots of room. Very quite inside, no road noise. Great fuel economy. Definitely recommend this vehicle.

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  The best Dodge ever - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Alex Povolotski - April 13 - 11:22 pm

  Test drove this beast earlier today. Very comfy suspension, eats up all the imperfections of the road. They borrowed it from Mercedes and I like that. The 3.5 L engine is adequately powered, 6 speed transmission is very smooth. Noise both from the road and the engine is nicely hushed. The instrument panel is new electroluminescent, controls are well laid out. Trunk is huge, third row of seats are useless, so dont take that option. Drives very nicely overall. Was positively surprised. Got a respectable 19 MPG, good for mid-sized SUV/CUV/Wagon.

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  Journey R/T 2WD with all options - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By andy - April 5 - 10:56 pm

  Have about 8000 mi on car have had no problems with car except a small squeak in right dashboard . Love all the electronic gadgets an hookups

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  Favorite car Ive owned so far. - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By ender626 - March 18 - 12:39 pm

  I was shopping for a mid-size SUV and pretty much looked at what every major car company had to offer in the $25,000 dollar range. I love this car because its style is timeless, not too boxy and not too round. The SXT is also a V6, which is great. I test drove the SE model and found that the V4 wasnt powerful enough for the weight of the car. Test drive them both!

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  Quiet, very Quiet - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By sherian4746@yahoo.com - March 17 - 7:09 pm

  I just bought the Journey because it was the most reasonably priced cross-over out there and I have been nothing but pleasingly surprised at the quality. It is the most quiet ride I have had in any vehicle for a long time. It looks great and is a blast to drive. Only downside is that I cant find any aftermarket wheels to fit. Id buy it again in a heartbeat!

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  Satisfied - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By satisfied - February 23 - 8:05 pm

  I love this car. This car makes me happier then any car i previously owned. it has everything you could possibly need to be comfortable and feel safe. just read it has a 5 star rating for both driver and front passenger. Airbags in places i never thought of and there are always 5 of us in the car. Fits seven very comfortably. hidden compartments everywhere.

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  LOVE THE CAR - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Steve NY - February 19 - 7:25 am

  Switched from a short wheel based Town & Country. Love the style. Handles great. $ cyl not as responsive as 6, but I need better mileage.

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  3 boosters - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Kgarzia - February 4 - 10:12 am

  I love my new car. We downsized from a 2003 expedition and I really dont miss the extra room. I can fit all three booster seats in the second row. My kids have plenty of room and it is easier to get them buckled in. There is even plenty of room for our Great Dane in the back. Looking forward to camping and canoe trips this spring.

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  Enjoy it More Every Day - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By D-Man - January 4 - 9:37 pm

  I really like this car. Decent power makes it fun to drive and a very practical interior serves my family of five perfectly. With three rows of seats I can keep my teenage daughter and two younger sons peacefully separated. I can also fold down the seats in a variety of configurations satisfying most of my errand run needs. While Ive only had this car for just under 3 months and about 3000 miles, there has yet to be a single issue. Build quality is remarkably good for a brand that is often criticized in this regard. There isnt a single buzz, rattle, or squeak. It just feels smooth and solid.