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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  Worst 4 cyl fuel economy Ive ever owned - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Legacy Tranportation - November 2 - 8:33 pm

  Our Journey is used as a Pilot car behind oversize loads. We track performance constantly to ensure profitability and cost of ownership. This Journey has run 97.8% highway miles between 56 and 65 mph. The fuel economy is horrible ranging from 17.1 mpg to an all time high of 24.9 with an overall average of 19.8. We have a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel that runs with the journey, they alternate position. In front or behind the load. The Diesel 1 ton is averaging 20.8 We are very disappointed with the Journey and plan on trading it asap. We purchased it for the fuel economy and safety, it is safe. There isnt enough power to get hurt very badly.

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  [non-permissible content removed] - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By sanjuana cervantes - October 23 - 2:17 am

  bought this car used in 2017 the inside is great lots of storage is very clean started having problems right away blown heater hose had to buy the whole part of the replacement that comes with hose cost me 850 dollars then 3 days later the soleinoid goes out had to buy that from the dealer apparently their the only ones that carry the part how quaint then to install it 600 dollars then 2 days later the check engine light goes on iam at my wits end with this [non-permissible content removed] dont buy one ever.

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  2009 Dodge Journey RT 2WD - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Norfolk, VA - October 22 - 1:23 am

  Love my car but...There is not enough space for second and third row to each have room for their legs. The paint wore off of the ignition switch. Had to replace breaks at 20K miles. The engine began ticking much louder around 15K. The transmission makes a terrible noise on acceleration. Have been told that is ‘normal’. The power windows dont always work. The dealership couldnt duplicate or fix the problem. My key doesnt work every time. The sunroof leaked. We do not get the promised gas mileage. I complained that the car pulled to the right. Months later a recall was issued on that problem. The door trim falls off. While I love the features, I do not feel that this car is well made.

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  Great Crossover for the Money - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Bestcrossover - October 7 - 1:20 pm

  I love the Dodge Journey. I hadnt even heard of it when I saw it at the dealership! I had been looking for a car with SUV feel and room with better gas mileage than I had been getting in larger truck based vehicles. I have the 4 cyl engine, which doesnt have the power of a 6, but gets the job done for trips and work commutes. It is an attractive car that many people have asked me about, as it is quite uncommon on the road and is a new model.

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  Different & Fun, Esp. for a Ford Man - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By BigE - September 23 - 4:53 pm

  I enjoyed the fact that I could still have room not like a Excursion but like leg room. It is not a Ford Flex but the dealer was willing to work with me and my situation. Not that it was bad. Larger wheels came with the R/T package and it is a lighter ride then the traditional Larger SUVs

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  Love the Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Shirley - September 19 - 3:50 pm

  We bouught a Journey rather than another Jeep d/t the gas mileage. We where amazed to get 26 MPH on the Highway and we get around 19.5-20.2 in the city. That is great for the bigger sized engine that we purchased with the R/T. I am very disappointed in the paint job and have had it in 9 times to be done right as it was 2 different shades of blue. Now it is in the shop. Whenever I put the car into drive or reverse, it does so roughly. They say it is a PCM and computer update problem and we will see if that fixes it tomorrow morning when they test drive it. I am over all very pleased with its performance, MPG, interior features and Nav/stereo system. I miss my Jeep though. : )

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  LOVE our Journey! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By BostonJoy - August 22 - 11:30 pm

  I was a bit skeptical at first about buying a crossover from Dodge but our Journey has proved me wrong! We have a fully loaded red SXT V6 (only missing the sunroof and DVD player) and love every bit of it. Its roomy, easily hauls people and cargo, and has lots of great features. I regularly drive a friends Honda CRV and hands down, the Journey performs better and makes me feel more protected and comfortable. I realize the interior may not be as "polished" as high end models, but you cant beat the price Dodge offers on this vehicle. Havent had the problems others report. Was a slight burning smell that came from exhaust pipe but it went away after first few hundred miles. Avg 20-23 MPG.

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  Wow!! What a car! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By alexia-1228 - July 29 - 9:10 am

  I have owned this car for about 4 months now and my family loves it. Its very sporty looking, rides smooth, and is VERY quiet. There is TONS of storage, and the seats are SO easy to fold down or move if needed. The 90 degree open doors are great for getting in and out. The gas mileage is very good. This is SO MUCH better that a mini van! I have tons of people wanting to look in it and just wanting to "check" it out!

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  So-So SUV Wannabe - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By joey - June 17 - 10:23 pm

  The engine is "complaining" all the time. noisy & rough. it keeps searching for gears once at a higher speed. rattles like diesel. the ride is so soft that when cornering it tilts and sways. the rpm stays at 3000 rpm all the time. so I doubt about the gas savings as it is a high-revving engine now its mated to a bigger and heavier body

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  Worst car I ever bought - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By TMCC - June 5 - 5:56 pm

  I bought this car in may of 2008, i came home with it and it had to go back to get the DVD installed, which ended up being a huge issue because no one at the dealership was trained on how to work it, same with the MYGIG. then we get it back the air bag light came on, then we were back in the shop for another 6 weeks until they could figure out the problem, now at 19k miles the brakes an rotors have to be replaced, the dealership said that every 9k this is happening...calle the useless folks at Dodge headquarters, they advise that this is normal wear and tear...also there is smoke that comes out from under the hood, which i have been told is brake dust, and that my car is safe to drive...