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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  Crossroad plus more than expected - 2016 Dodge Journey
  By McD2000 - January 18 - 3:28 pm

  I have had my Red Crossroad plus for four months and 5500 miles now and love it. I got the 4cyl engine due to special pricing, the engine is a 4 cyl but does better than I thought it would. The ride is top notch and it is very quiet inside, not that much road noise. i traded in a 2010 Honda Accord, a car that I really liked but its road noise was big distraction. The journey is very quiet and has a tight supple ride. Handling is crisp and steering is nice. Lots of space inside, it looks much bigger inside than it looks on the outside. The crossroad plus has all the bell and whistles, love the nav system and the backup camera. The vehicle turns heads as i drive by. It is a splendid road trip vehicle. We took a trip from Texas to Utah and Colorado and had a wonderful time and love the Journey. So far no problems with the car. Very happy with this vehicle. 11-24-16. Update. four more months have come and gone since the last review and I just love the Journey that much more. I now have 8000 miles on it and the gas milage is even better as it gets broken in. Still no problems what so ever and as quiet and comfortable as ever. FIVE STARS PLUS great job Dodge!

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  The best SUV nobody knows - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Juan Marcos - January 8 - 1:26 am

  First time I saw the Journey was on the road. Chrysler was not advertising at the time and then early last year went on a trip and rented one. I was very impressed by the sure footed handling, styling and interior design. Then I bought one. I tow a medium sized boat so I got the 3.5L V6 AWD and the optional 19" tires with the sport suspension and trailer package. The handling is almost sport car like, towing the boat is very secure, love the convenience of the interior compartments, IPOD in the glove box and I get great millage on the highway. Compared to other crossover SUVs, the performance and looks is as good or better, and a much better value. This is to me, the best SUV nobody knows.

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  lemon of a car - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Kiki - January 4 - 1:46 pm

  One month after purchasing my 09 Journey, I was locked out in the extreme cold because the computer system went dead. I brought it back twice to be repaired. I noticed a rotten egg smell that I brought the car back for twice and was told there was nothing wrong. Then it leaked water through the roof, that was repaired. Now as I was driving 60 miles an hour on the highway, a very loud bang and then the speed immediately dropped down to 2 miles per hour and barely moving. I have been without a car for 2 days while they replace the ptu unit in the transmission. To say this car is a lemon is being nice.

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  Love it - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Heidi - October 12 - 6:03 pm

  I love this journey. We have had no problems with it since we have owned it. The space is awesome, easy to get in and out of the way the doors open so wide. Love my third seat. The radio sounds awesome. Fun to drive and quiet on the road.

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  Horrible Vehicle - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Frank - October 11 - 6:23 am

  This is by far the worst vehicle I have every owned. I have had the rear heating/cooling system replaced 4 times in less then a year. Now at 16K miles I need all new brakes and rotors which Im told is normal (no way!) And MPG keeps dropping and they cant figure out why, down from 20 to 16 since my last oil change. This is my second Dodge and I have had nothing but problems with both, I would never buy another Dodge again nor would I recommend someone buy one.

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  I Love it! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Christina - September 12 - 10:46 am

  I researched the Journey for 2 months, it took me a few dealerships and a few weeks to finally get what I wanted. I have not had any major problems with the Journey as of yet, I do hear a weird sound when turning left but I have not addressed it yet with the dealership. I would like for the Low Fuel signal to tell me how many miles left till empty. I average about 18 mpg w/i city and have not taken a road trip as of yet. I enjoy the flex seating, the space is a bit cramped, but then again only my children will be sitting back there if needed.

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  14,000 - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By cowlover - July 30 - 12:20 pm

  I got my dodge journey for valentines days last year traded my 05 magnum sxt in low miles mint cond. to get this car and have nothing but issues. Tomorrow they are replacing lifters and other things on the engine to take care of my ticking noise. And in Dec I took it in for routine oil change and was told I had 80% left of brakes now 2200 miles and 3 months I have 10% left. I asked mgr what the heck? He said has not heard of any defect and just it is how I am driving but in the next sentence tells me that they revised the pads. So I asked what happened to my 70% he said tech must have read the pads wrong in dec. The mileage is bad also I am lucky if I get 13-miles per gallon .

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  Alot of bang for your buck - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By matt - July 20 - 3:23 am

  We purchased our dodge journey sxt in march. It has been a great vehicle for us it was cheaper than the imports and alot more comfortable for a 6 2" guy. There is plenty of storage compartments and cupholders. We have the v6 and it is very fast. Handling is also very good. Fuel mileage is pretty good about 18 around town and 23 on the highway. overall im very happy with this vehicle and would recommend it to everyone looking for a crossover

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  Great Value - Awesome Ride - 2016 Dodge Journey
  By J Pizzo - June 14 - 9:38 pm

  Great car for $$. Upgrading to 3.6L engine was so worth it. It has very quick exceleration, hugs the road and has a fantastic (touring) suspension system. You can barely tell when you go over a bump. Love the interior with leather upgrade, full power & heated driver and passenger seats, heated mirrors and larger touchscreen in dash. Tons of storage in rear floor, inside front passenger seat and trunk area, especially when 3rd row seats are folded flat. You can fit lots of boxes, lumber and anything else you desire in there. Just wish it had a little better gas milage- abt. 19mpg. for 3.6v engine. Only regret is that I didnt get navigation but I got it a great price with rebates @ 24,995.00 for the Crossroads Plus- 3.6v upgrade and bought what they had in stock and unfortunately it didnt have navigation. Still worth it considering all the upgrades, ie. leather, power heated seats, larger 8.4" touchscreen, 3rd row seats, etc. Definitely feel it was a great bargain for what you get in comparison to the competitors. Overall a wonderful ride.

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  Cheaply made and lots of problems - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Frustrated owner - May 29 - 5:59 pm

  This car is very cheaply made. We got it at a good price but we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. It uses oil and water but dont know why.