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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  Great Salespersons Vehicle - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Randy - July 3 - 6:26 am

  I live in my car. I love all the cubbyholes. I store my brochures & samples in the in-floor storage compartments. It keeps items safe & dry. There is plenty of room to take customers out to lunch. I have almost 14,000 miles on my Journey, and it has given me nothing but pleasure. My company pays for my gas so I am not always easy on the peddle. Surprising I have been averaging almost 22 MPG since the day I bought it. The only maintenance has been 2 oil changes and a tire rotation. I like the new automatic oil change indicator. It actually monitors my driving habits and the environment I drive in. My first oil change was at 5,111 miles and my 2nd at 11,008 miles. GREAT CAR!!

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  CrossRoad Plus Rocks - 2016 Dodge Journey
  By PapaR - June 24 - 5:53 am

  I recently bought my new dodge CrossRoad Plus and currently have 5000 miles on it. There are many pluses on the SUV and very few minuses when it comes to operation, comfort and road worthiness. My SUV has Fast pickup and passing capabilities as the V6 is very strong with great torque, it is very easy to see all around the vehicle and has minor blind spots when going down the road. My gas mileage on trips has been 23.0 MPG and normal everyday driving is at 20.5 - 21.0 MPG for average. If I am trying to get places quickly and planting my foot the gas mileage will drop 1-2 MPG. The interior is roomy for a compact SUV and has a great amount of cargo space, it also has a number of hiding places like the compartments under the rear floor board. The controls are easy to use and the 8.4 inch infotainment screen is wonderful, with easy to use ergonomics on the screen as well as on the steering wheel. I can go to Costco and Sams and carry almost as much in this vehicle as in my full size Dodge Ram. I have seating for 7(even though I have never used the far back seats) and the seats are very comfortable. I do wish that I had air vented seats in the front and power passenger seat as my wife is very used to that and some times in the Texas weather your bum gets warm as we do drive more distances. I listen to my music from my phone using slacker radio and the sound is very rich and bold. It can be ran very loud and it automatically turns the music down when you are at stop lights or idling. I also like the fact that if I use navigation on my phone the sound is ported through the sound system while in the Player mode on the radio, so when I am listening to my music the navigation sound is easily understandable(I did not get the 8.4 infotainment system with navigation this time around). The Drivers seat is very comfortable on short and long trips and is easily adjustable. I like the tilt and telescope on the steering column and it easy to adjust as well. The ride comfort on my Journey is amazing, I test drove many vehicles including Hyundai, KIA, Jeep, Chevy, Ford, Chrysler and found the Journey was more comfortable than any of the other compact SUVs and comparable to vehicles with a much longer wheel base. I believe it has one of the best rides in the industry, I have owned more than 30 vehicles in my time of driving. Overall the vehicle is fantastic it has everything that we need and more for an outstanding price. My only draw back on this vehicle is the downshift when passing as it takes too long to happen and when using the cruise control(which I do on a daily basis), it will take a drop of 3 MPH before it downshifts. I think this was done for gas mileage purposes. It has a 6 speed transmission and I think it would have been better with a 7 speed for the cruise control downshift issue that I see. The Journey has been around for some time and FCA/Dodge has worked all of the kinks out of this vehicle.

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  So far so good - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By phil - June 18 - 2:56 pm

  It drives really well, even though we took it in because the transmission cant always make up its mind what gear to be in on a slight upgrade. So far major disappointment with the gas mileage,only getting about 25 MPG on the highway not the 35 MPG its supposed to get. We asked about it at the dealership and were told the vehicle isnt broken in until its got 15,000 kilometers, which seems like an awful long time to brake in an engine. We got the journey because of its (rated) good gas mileage, so we are keeping our fingers crossed hoping it will improve in the next few months. After reading some of the other reviews we consider ourselves lucky.

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  Love this vehicle - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Joeslo - June 14 - 4:03 am

  I love this vehicle. I took it on a weekend trip last weekend and it performed flawless. I was a little worried about the 4 cyl. but it had all the power I needed. The seating was very comfortable. The radio was the best I ever had. The milage was a little disapointing ( 21 mpg ). But I was climbing some steep hills.

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  Im pleased - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Tom - June 1 - 12:53 pm

  Only local trips, great ride & handling. Like radio controls on back of steering wheel & great sound system. Gotta love all the storage space. Averaging 18+ mpg around town. Taking road trip soon, looking forward to see what mpg will be.

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  Great SUV, but - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Bobby - February 7 - 6:06 am

  Have about 1000 on my machine so far and all the pieces are still together. Gas mileage about what I expected, 28mpg highway. Dont know just why some duck put 19in. rims on this thing but here in northern N.B. most of us have extra wheels with snow tires. No one has 19 in. snow tires (scared to ask how much). Base wheels are 16 in. and would be OK except cant get them, sold out so far. Comfortable and quietest Dodge Ive owned so far.

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  Bad fit/trim - Beware 19" tires - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By mbardsley - February 5 - 2:13 pm

  After having this vehicle for a few months, I really am not that excited over it anymore. Lots of interior fit/finish issues that lots of people having. The make-up mirrors on the visor, will be the first to break, very cheap. Watch out on your brakes, this vehicle will eat breaks in 10k, and warp the roters. I do work of a large rental car company, and they have major issues with this vehicle and its breaks. 19" Kumo tires, avoid the 19" option. The tires are cheap crap, went through 3, road hazards, thin sidewalls, soft tread, and you cant get the tires. Discount can get them, order only.

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  Ticking noise - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Nice car but....... - January 7 - 1:06 pm

  Me and my wife love the looks of this suv; But now we wonder if we got our selfs a lemon! A week after we got my wife noticed a ticking sound coming from the engine.It sound like a valve out of adjustment. I called the dealer and theyve been nice about it , they are willing to do what ever it take . So no complaint about service!! They started with the oil , but the ticking came back!! Now the car will go in for service. Other than that this car is good in all aspects!

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  Gets the Job Done - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Rozwell911 - December 26 - 2:26 pm

  I went from a Mustang GT to a SUV due to my daughters booster seat. I am impressed with the comfort and safety. The 3.5 liter provides wonderful power. 1300 miles no major problems yet, other than the panic alarm randomly going off (had to start the car to shut it off), a small clunk in the trans when shifting (only on inclines, think it has to do with the stress the drivetrain is on at an angle), and a very low drone on some left turns, which goes away after a few seconds. I will follow up with my local dealer if any become real problems. Gas mileage has been a pleasant surprise to my Mustangs 16.5 average. I am averaging 21mpg on mixed freeway roads, and 25-27 on nothing but freeway.

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  fell apart at 100,000 - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By PABLO SOTO - December 16 - 8:07 am

  Well I bough car used 42,00 miles ran well till it got to 100,00. in 2 months replaced brakes, 02 sensor ,coolant reservoir, fuel pump, several hoses felt like car knew when I got paid. Mechanic told me I needed muffler and I knew it was time to go after 2,500.00 in repairs. Got a new 2017 Nissan Rogue and bank paid off last 5,100.00 owed. Great ride but she was a money pit and grateful I got rid of her , I was scared to drive her. plenty of room. loved her but had to leave her alone.