Used buyer guide · Elgin CDJR
Dodge Journey Specs: Engines, Fuel Economy and Seating by Year
The Dodge Journey was the brand's three-row crossover from 2009 until the 2020 model year, and more than a million were built. It is now one of the most affordable used seven-seaters in the Chicago area. These are the specs that matter when you are comparing one: which engine it has, how much it carries, and what the last-year 2020 model gave up.
Quick answer
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover with five or seven seats, sold for the 2009 through 2020 model years. Two engines cover almost every one you will find: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (173 hp, 166 lb-ft, 19/26 mpg) with a four-speed automatic, and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (283 hp, 260 lb-ft, 17/25 mpg) with a six-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive, offered 2011 through 2019. For 2020 only the 2.4-liter and front-wheel drive remained, in SE Value and Crossroad trims, and seven seats became standard. The Journey is 192.4 in. long on a 113.8-in. wheelbase and weighs about 3,800 lb.
Engines, transmissions and fuel economy
| Engine | Output | Transmission / drive | EPA city/hwy | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L DOHC I4 | 173 hp, 166 lb-ft | 4-speed automatic, FWD | 19 / 26 mpg | 2009-2020 |
| 3.5L V6 | 235 hp, 232 lb-ft | 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD | 16 / 22 mpg | 2009-2010 |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 283 hp, 260 lb-ft | 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD | 17 / 25 mpg | 2011-2019 |
All-wheel drive was only paired with the V6. The 2.4-liter kept the older four-speed automatic its whole life, which is why its highway mileage barely beats the V6.
Seating, cargo and size
Seats
Five standard and seven available through 2019 (second-row seats slide and recline; the third row is best for children). For 2020 the third row became standard on both trims.
Cargo
Dodge listed up to 67.6 cu ft with both rear rows folded, with in-floor storage bins behind the front seats and under the cargo floor. A flip-forward front passenger seat was available for long items.
Dimensions
192.4 in. long, 72.2 in. wide, 66.6 in. tall (69.5 in. on R/T), 113.8-in. wheelbase, about 3,818 lb curb weight. It fits a standard garage with room to spare.
Towing
Up to 2,500 lb with the V6 and the trailer tow package; Dodge rated the four-cylinder at 1,000 lb. Enough for a small utility trailer, not a camper.
What changed by year
| Years | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2009-2010 | Launch. 2.4L four or 3.5L V6. SE, SXT and R/T trims. Chrysler-era interior with hard plastics. |
| 2011 | Major refresh: new 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic, new interior, retuned suspension and steering, Uconnect with 4.3- or 8.4-in. touchscreen, Keyless Enter-n-Go. Trims briefly renamed Express, Mainstreet, Crew, Lux, R/T. |
| 2012-2019 | SE and SXT names return. Crossroad trim added (2014) with 19-in. wheels and black accents. GT replaces R/T (2017). Blacktop packages. Few mechanical changes. |
| 2020 | Final year. V6, 6-speed automatic and AWD dropped; only the 2.4L with 4-speed automatic and FWD. Two trims: SE Value and Crossroad. Third row standard. Not sold in California-emissions states. |
What to check on a used Journey
- Decide on the engine first. The Pentastar V6 is quicker, tows more and uses about the same fuel; the 2.4-liter is cheaper to buy but slow when loaded.
- Check the transmission fluid service history. The 62TE six-speed likes regular fluid changes; harsh 2-3 shifts are the common complaint.
- On V6 cars from 2011-2013, look for a replaced cylinder head (a known warranty item on early Pentastars) and listen for ticking at idle.
- Test every seat function, the rear climate controls on seven-seaters, and the 8.4-inch Uconnect screen.
- Look under the rear for rust on the subframe and exhaust hangers; Chicago salt is hard on these.
- Run the VIN for open recalls. Our service department does this at no charge.
If you want something newer
Dodge does not build a three-row crossover today; the Durango is its SUV and seats up to seven. Buyers cross-shopping a used Journey usually also look at a Jeep Grand Cherokee L or a Chrysler Pacifica, both with far more room, or a new Dodge Durango. We stock all of them in Streamwood.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does a Dodge Journey have?
173 hp from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, or 283 hp from the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (2011 to 2019). The 2009-2010 3.5-liter V6 made 235 hp.
Does the Dodge Journey have third-row seating?
Yes. Seven-passenger seating was optional on most years and standard on the 2020 model. The third row is sized for children.
What is the Dodge Journey gas mileage?
EPA ratings are 19 city / 26 highway for the 2.4-liter and 17 / 25 for the 3.6-liter V6. All-wheel-drive V6 models are rated slightly lower.
What year did Dodge stop making the Journey?
The 2020 model year was the last. Dodge announced in 2020 that it was ending the Journey as the brand focused on performance models.
How much can a Dodge Journey tow?
Up to 2,500 lb with the V6 and the towing package. Four-cylinder models are rated for 1,000 lb.
Is the Dodge Journey all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive was available only with the V6 through 2019. Every four-cylinder Journey, including all 2020 models, is front-wheel drive.
Find a used Dodge Journey near Elgin
We see Journeys on trade constantly and inspect every one before it is listed. Ask for the inspection sheet, and tell us whether you need the V6 or AWD so we can watch for the right one.
Sources
Output, dimension and EPA figures are from Dodge and EPA data as compiled in the sources below, checked on October 21, 2026. Towing figures are Dodge ratings with the factory tow package.
- Dodge Journey: production, engines, EPA ratings, safety, sales, Wikipedia (cites FCA, EPA, IIHS and NHTSA data)
- Fuel economy ratings by model year (fueleconomy.gov), U.S. EPA and Dept. of Energy
- Mopar owner's manuals (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram), FCA US LLC / Stellantis
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