2012 Dodge Journey: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Dodge Journey is a simplified trim lineup built around the new entry-level American Value Package and the return of the SE and SXT names. It is otherwise a light update rather than another redesign after the major 2011 refresh.

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About the 2012 Dodge Journey

1st generation (2009-2020), second model year after the major 2011 refresh.

Dodge positioned the Journey as a practical midsize crossover for families who wanted flexibility without moving to a minivan. The core pitch was simple: available seating for up to seven, lots of clever storage, easy-to-use touchscreen controls, and a choice of four-cylinder or V6 power with front- or all-wheel drive. Compared with rivals, Dodge leaned hardest on value, interior usefulness, and the Journey’s mix of family room and SUV-like styling.

The 2012 Journey ranges from the practical American Value Package, with keyless entry and a 4.3-inch touchscreen, to the more polished Crew, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and flexible hidden storage. The R/T sits at the top with a V6, monochromatic body-color styling, dark 19-inch wheels, and black leather seats with red stitching.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

A lower-cost SXT with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive joined the range later in the model year. AVP and SE used the four-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic, while Crew and R/T retained the 3.6-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic.

Styling

Trim-specific appearance updates included LED taillamps and black roof rails for SE, fog lamps and a sportier front treatment for SXT, 19-inch wheels for Crew, and monochromatic body-color trim with dark 19-inch wheels for R/T.

Tech

SXT added satellite-radio hardware, while R/T made heated front seats standard. Navigation-equipped touchscreen systems also received voice-recognition updates.

2012 Dodge Journey specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Dodge JourneySE0 in stock	2012 Dodge JourneyR/T1 in stock	2012 Dodge JourneySXT0 in stock	2012 Dodge JourneyCrew0 in stock	2012 Dodge JourneyAmerican Value Package0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 4-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	19 mpg	17 mpg	17–19 mpg	17 mpg	19 mpg
MPG Highway	26 mpg	25 mpg	25–26 mpg	25 mpg	26 mpg
Horsepower	173 hp	283 hp	173–283 hp	283 hp	173 hp
Torque	166 lb-ft	260 lb-ft	166–260 lb-ft	260 lb-ft	166 lb-ft
Max Towing	1000 lb	2500 lb	2500 lb	2500 lb	1000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	67.6 cu-ft	67.6 cu-ft	67.6 cu-ft	67.6 cu-ft	67.6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	23.4 in	23.4 in	23.4 in	23.4 in	23.4 in
Seats	7	7	7	7	7
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Headlights
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Third Row Seat
Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning

How the 2013 Dodge Journey compares

The 2013 Dodge Journey is mostly a carryover, with the headline change being a reshuffled entry-level lineup: the AVP joins while the American Value Package is dropped. Other updates focus on standard equipment and the R/T’s sportier road manners rather than a major redesign.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2012 Dodge Journey redesigned?

No. The 2012 Journey continued the version substantially refreshed for 2011. Its main updates were a reshaped trim lineup, trim-specific equipment changes, and a four-cylinder SXT added later in the model year.

How did the 2012 Dodge Journey trim lineup change?

The 2012 lineup became American Value Package, SE, SXT, Crew, and R/T. American Value Package, SE, and SXT joined the range, while Express, Mainstreet, and LUX were dropped; R/T became the top trim.

Did the 2012 Dodge Journey SXT get a four-cylinder engine?

Yes. A front-wheel-drive SXT with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder joined later in the 2012 model year, giving the middle trim a lower-cost alternative to the V6 version.

What changed on the 2012 Dodge Journey R/T?

The 2012 R/T moved to the top of the lineup and gained monochromatic body-color styling, dark 19-inch wheels, black leather seats with red stitching, and standard heated front seats.

Which 2012 Dodge Journey trims had the larger touchscreen?

Crew and R/T had the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. The American Value Package, SE, and SXT used a 4.3-inch touchscreen system.