“This car is used daily by my wife for a 16-mile round trip commute. I use it occasionally and on weekends and vacations. Her experiences mirror mine, however, all answers given reflect my own opinions. As a person who has 5 Chrysler products in the house ranging from a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda to this new Dodge Journey, I am very happy that Chrysler Corp has kept their quality control as excellent as it is.”
Dodge Journey: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Dodge Journey is a midsize three-row crossover SUV known for affordable family space, flexible storage, and simple everyday usability. It favors practicality and familiar controls over strong performance or newer driver-assistance technology.
The Journey followed one basic formula throughout its 2009-2020 run: give families useful space at a relatively low cost. Flexible seating and built-in storage mattered more than performance or cutting-edge technology. A major 2011 update improved the cabin, controls, and driving feel, but the practical, value-focused identity stayed the same.
Strengths
- Its three-row layout seats up to seven, and seven-passenger seating became standard across the lineup in 2018.
- Flexible seats and built-in storage help the cabin handle children, groceries, and everyday clutter.
- With the rear seats folded, the 2020 Journey provided nearly 68 cubic feet of cargo room.
- Journeys from 2011 onward have a more welcoming cabin with softer materials and straightforward touchscreen controls.
- Earlier V6 versions included all-wheel-drive models, which may suit shoppers who want extra traction.
Who it's for
The Journey fits budget-minded families who need an occasional third row for children, flexible cargo room, and straightforward controls. It makes the most sense for everyday errands and family transportation, especially when price and space matter more than modern technology or lively performance.
Dodge Journey lineup
Journey trim names changed often, but their basic roles stayed simple. Pick an AVP, SE, or SE Value when low-cost family utility is the priority, while SXT generally represents the middle step. Crossroad emphasizes a darker, more rugged appearance, and the short-lived Crossroad Plus bridges that look with the upper end of the range. R/T and its GT successor are the sportier range-toppers.
Dodge Journey generations
From 2009 to 2020, the Journey spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2009.
1st Generation (2009–2020)
The Journey’s only generation debuted as a midsize crossover with flexible seating, built-in storage, and four-cylinder or V6 power. A major 2011 refresh reworked the styling and cabin, improved the steering and suspension, and brought in a newer V6, but it remained the same generation through its final year.
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2020Trim changes
The lineup shrinks to SE Value and Crossroad. Both use a four-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive; this is the final U.S. model year.
2019Trim changes
SXT leaves the lineup, while SE gains more standard equipment and updated appearance details.
2018Trim changes
Crossroad Plus leaves the lineup, and every Journey gains standard seven-passenger seating.
2017Trim changes
The top R/T trim continues under the new GT name.
2016Trim changes
Crossroad Plus joins a simplified five-trim lineup.
2015
Crossroad is the main lineup addition, bringing darker, more rugged-looking exterior details.
2014Trim changes
Limited replaces Crew, Crossroad is added later in the model year, and an SE V6 AWD model joins the range.
2013Trim changes
The post-2011 Journey carries over without a major redesign or lineup reset.
2012Trim changes
The new American Value Package becomes the entry trim, and familiar SE and SXT names return in a simplified lineup.
2011Mid-cycle update
A major refresh brings updated front styling, a redesigned cabin, new touchscreen systems, revised steering and suspension, and a new 3.6-liter V6 for V6 trims.
2010
Active front head restraints and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes become standard, along with several smaller equipment updates.
2009New generation
The all-new Journey debuts with flexible seating, built-in storage, four-cylinder and V6 engines, and three trims.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Dodge Journey.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle is the Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey is a family-focused crossover with up to three rows of seating. It emphasizes flexible passenger space, built-in storage, and familiar controls rather than strong performance or advanced driver-assistance technology.
How many people does the Dodge Journey seat?
The Journey seats up to seven. Seven-passenger seating became standard on every trim in 2018; on earlier models, the third row was not standard throughout the lineup.
Is the Dodge Journey a hybrid?
No. The Journey uses gasoline engines. Depending on the model year and trim, it has either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a V6; no hybrid version is part of its U.S. history.
Does the Dodge Journey have all-wheel drive?
Some earlier Journeys pair the V6 with all-wheel drive. Four-cylinder versions use front-wheel drive, and the final lineup was front-wheel drive only, so check the specific used vehicle rather than relying on the trim name alone.
What is the Dodge Journey known for?
The Journey is known for practical family space, folding seats, useful storage, and easy-to-learn controls. Its appeal is straightforward everyday utility, not quick acceleration, a fresh design, or advanced driving aids.
Who is the Dodge Journey a good fit for?
The Journey suits shoppers who need seven-seat flexibility and useful cargo space in a simple family crossover. It makes the most sense when space and easy operation matter more than strong performance or modern driver-assistance features.
How many generations of the Dodge Journey are there?
There is one U.S. generation, running from 2009 through 2020. A major 2011 refresh brought a redesigned cabin, updated styling and steering, and a newer V6, but it remained the same basic generation until production ended.
Dodge Journey Reviews
What owners are saying about the Dodge Journey.
3.9
Dodge Journey
(1,874 reviews)
“Needs a bigger engine (or wider ranging transmission). Drives great in town or on local roads and highways. Is torque limited on higher speed roads (On interstates or toll ways). Often cannot maintain headway in 6th gear in some driving condition (hills, headwinds).Get the 19 inch wheels.”
“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.”
“Under powered. Could be MUCH better if a modern 6 to 8 speed transmission and have a V6 option.”
“My Dodge Journey is very comfortable and easy to drive. Check engine light came on after 8 months. Warranty covers it, but sensor is difficult to get. Waiting time for fixing is long...”
“Great car for families and for loading growing kids. Easy to fold seats up/down and spacious cargo. Comfortable for traveling.”