“It's a good vehicle for a family, but if you have to include car seats, they take up a lot of the available room. It was a good choice of vehicle until I realized how much a struggle it would be moving the 2nd row down to get to the 3rd row for my kids while the 2nd row would occupy an infant car seat.”
2017 Dodge Journey: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2017 Dodge Journey is that Dodge renamed the top R/T trim GT. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with no broader mechanical, safety, technology, styling, or structural update.
About the 2017 Dodge Journey
1st generation (2009-2020), late-cycle model year after the 2011 major update; no redesign or mid-cycle refresh for 2017
Dodge positioned the Journey as a flexible family crossover for carpools, errands, and road trips. Its identity centered on useful passenger and cargo arrangements, second-row in-floor storage, compact exterior dimensions, and seating for up to seven. V6 and AWD configurations broadened its usefulness, while the large available touchscreen and numerous cabin storage areas helped distinguish it from simpler utility vehicles of the period.
The five-trim lineup ranges from the straightforward SE to the family-focused SXT and more comfortably equipped Crossroad models. Crossroad Plus adds leather-trimmed seating, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and three-zone climate control, while the GT tops the range with a 283-horsepower V6, heated front seats and steering wheel, premium audio, and performance-focused suspension tuning.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The top R/T trim was renamed GT. The rest of the five-trim lineup continued without significant standard-equipment revisions.
2017 Dodge Journey specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 4-Spd AutoStick / Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 4-Spd AutoStick / Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 4-Spd AutoStick / Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 4-Spd AutoStick / Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick |
| Drivetrain | AWD / FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–17 mpg | 17–19 mpg | 17–19 mpg | 17–19 mpg | 17–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 283 hp | 173–283 hp | 173–283 hp | 173–283 hp | 173–283 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 166–260 lb-ft | 166–260 lb-ft | 166–260 lb-ft | 166–260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2500 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 67.7 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 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| 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 | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2017 Dodge Journey compared with the 2016 model?
The main change is the top trim's name: GT replaced R/T for 2017. The rest of the Journey lineup carried over without a model-wide mechanical, safety, technology, styling, or structural update.
Is the 2017 Journey GT a new model or a renamed R/T?
The 2017 Journey GT is the renamed successor to the R/T. It remains the top trim and retains the 3.6-liter V6, six-speed automatic, performance-focused suspension, leather seating, and upgraded audio associated with that position.
Did the 2017 Dodge Journey receive new engines or transmissions?
No, the 2017 Journey received no lineup-wide engine or transmission change. The existing four-cylinder and V6 combinations returned, with the GT using a 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic.
Was the 2017 Dodge Journey redesigned?
No, the 2017 Journey was not redesigned or refreshed. It remained part of the first generation, and its body, structure, suspension lineup, safety equipment, and infotainment systems carried over without a broad update.
What distinguishes the 2017 Journey GT from the lower trims?
The 2017 Journey GT stands out with a standard 283-horsepower V6, performance-focused suspension, perforated leather seating, heated front seats and steering wheel, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio, and remote start.
2017 Dodge Journey Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Dodge Journey.
3.9
2017 Dodge Journey
(379 reviews)
“Great car for families and for loading growing kids. Easy to fold seats up/down and spacious cargo. Comfortable for traveling.”
“I love the vehicle. It's perfect for someone that doesn't need all of the bells and whistles. Fuel economy is ok.”