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 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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  I think i got the lemon - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By Nicholas Burke - April 15 - 11:49 am

  I purchased my Dodge journey used, it hat 29,000KM on it in march of 2013. Since then its been to the shop more times than I can count. The transmission has been rebuilt twice, had two gears replaced, all seals replaced in the front axle, rear axle and rear dif. The front bearings have been replaced both left and right. Radio, power steering pump, and reservoir have been replaced. Its currently in for an exhaust leak. There is only 66,000KM on the car, its not even 4 years old yet. In service date is November of 2011. I still have issues with the transmission hard shifting or just not finding the right gear to be in.

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  Ok... - 2014 Dodge Journey
  By peterrj - April 14 - 11:05 pm

  Things I dont like: Performance is weak. Interior is full of cheap, shiny black plastic. Its not badly designed on the inside, its just you can tell they cut corners on the materials. Seat belts look like something from the 80s - weirdly thin and insubstantial. Odd noise coming from the engine compartment on cold start at 32k miles. Truly horrible visibility from the inside with blind spots a-plenty. Things I like: Individualistic exterior design (love it or loathe it, its different). The seats are comfortable. Some neat storage solutions for all your familys stuff. The seven seat feature is awesome in car of this size and price range, making this car good value.

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  Will never buy another dodge car again! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Racheal Morrow - March 15 - 11:01 am

  I bought my 2009 dodge journey in August 2010 and in November 2010 is when all of the problem started. I was on the highway with my family and the car completely shut down on me and it would not start back up until it was placed on a flatbed being towed. Flash forward till 2013, my transfer case exploded on me and then in January 2015 my transfer case exploded a second time. In Feb. 2015 my drive shaft broke, and now in March 2015 my power train module has completely stop working. Called all of this in and the dodge warranty people was very rude and nasty to me. Since the end of January I have spent $6100 and still have a boat load more to spend. This shall be traded w/I the next week!

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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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  TOO many problems - 2013 Dodge Journey
  By James Robert-Massaro - March 8 - 9:52 am

  From the first day I have had problems in and out of service radio,alarm,remote start,and the TRANSMISSON has never worked right bangs, shifts terrible awd does not work right and what do you say when all you hear is the comp.doesnt show anything even though I have driven this car for 36,000 miles wish me luck filed lemon law and there willing to hear me maybe someone will listen

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  2015 Dodge Journey Crossroad - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By mikey9515 - January 28 - 1:42 pm

  I recently purchased a 2015 Journey Crossroad AWD 6cyl. I was interested in an SUV that also featured the AWD ability as I live in an area with frequent snow fall. I was initially impressed with the response and ability of the vehicle to handle minor snow conditions, 3 inches or less. However, during a recent snowfall where 6 inches of snow fell in a relatively short period of time, the vehicle turn out to be less than sufficient. The combination of AWD, Electronic Stability, and Braking brought the car to an almost standstill. I had to get hard on the gas to make any progress, and when I switched off stability control, the tires just spun, first front then back and vice versa, terrible.

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  I Am Finished With North American Cars - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By tammyflores - January 28 - 10:46 am

  First sign of trouble with my engine was a carbon build up issue at 40K. I took pride in my vehicle and followed the maintenance schedule. They tried to tell me that I had to use higher octane gas when the specs didnt call for that. I did it for a while, but just after my warranty ran out, my EGR Valve went and then my transmission at 120K. Both bearing went in my front wheel. One while under warranty, the other just after. IÂ’m at 170K and because of carbon build up again, my rad reservoir blew and they just replace my cylinder head because their heads are made from aluminum and guess what now?

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  2015 Journey Crossroad - 2015 Dodge Journey
  By dunbarre - January 17 - 11:42 am

  Our recent purchase was after much research. I admit being a Mopar fan, I lean towards Dodge but try to keep an objective outlook. With just 1000 miles, the 3.6L, V6 AWD is giving 20-21 MPG around town here which is a pleasant surprise. The average MPG bar display keeps me conscientious of my driving habits. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room for my 6 frame. I like the size of the Crossroad with the 3rd row seating, the storage, the adjustable telescoping steering column and front and rear climate controls as well as the key-less entry and starting. The entertainment and sound system other controls are easily accessible and I find them intuitive to operate.

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  78K and still no problems - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By journeyguy - January 15 - 2:04 pm

  I bought my Journey brand new in 2011. This vehicle has been great so far. I too have had some of the same issues that I see here. Had to replace tires at 30k this is not unusual do your research all manufacturers put cheap tires on new cars. I did replace all 4 brake pads and rotors at about 50k n new problems. This vehicle is comfortable, safe and affordable I would recommend one to anyone. I cant wait to get another one in 2 years....