2015 Dodge Journey Review
2015 Dodge Journey Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+90
Used Journey for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seating for up to seven
- available built-in booster seats
- useful interior storage solutions
- smart touchscreen interface.
Cons
- Weak acceleration on four-cylinder version
- below-average fuel economy regardless of engine
- mediocre handling abilities.
What’s new
The Dodge Journey heads into 2015 with no major changes.
Edmunds says
The 2015 Dodge Journey has an available V6 engine and a third row so it might seem to be a decent pick for families on a budget, but overall it falls short of newer crossovers with more powerful four-cylinder engines and better fuel mileage ratings.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Dodge Journey American Value Package 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$198/mo for Journey American Value Package
Journey American Value Package
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
If you find "compact" crossover SUVs a little too compact, yet you don't really want to deal with the large footprint and compromised fuel economy of a larger crossover, Dodge might have the answer. The 2015 Journey is one of the few "tweener"-sized crossovers that could prove the just right size.
As a people-carrier, the Journey has a few things going for it. The available third row of seating is big enough for small children, and there's enough space for adults in the second row, too. There are also built-in booster seats available, which will save any parent lots of valuable child-loading time. Up front, the optional infotainment system is an excellent extra we recommend. It's easy to use, control, and it doesn't distract from the driving experience.
Unfortunately, the 2015 Dodge Journey has some drawbacks. Even though there are two available engines, neither is exceptional. The standard four-cylinder comes paired to an archaic four-speed automatic transmission and doesn't get the kind of fuel economy we've come to expect from class-leading crossovers and it is lackluster at best for providing passing power. The available V6 gives a healthy dose of acceleration in comparison, but in our extensive testing, it was still slower than most rivals with upgraded engines. Along with this lack of power comes a disappointing driving experience. Driven around turns at a decent clip, the Journey suffers from quite a bit of body roll that saps driver confidence. All of our favorites in this class provide more engagement and stability.
One of those is the updated 2015 Honda CR-V. It may only have five seats, but it boasts lots of cargo space, an excellent ride and good fuel economy, too. The 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Ford Escape share many of the Honda's attributes but they're also a bit more entertaining to drive. If you require a third row, though, check out the Nissan Rogue as well as the larger 2015 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Kia and Hyundai are a bit pricier but have plenty of cargo space to show for it. Overall, the Edmunds "C" Rated 2015 Dodge Journey isn't a bad choice for your family, but there are several excellent vehicles we'd choose instead.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 Dodge Journey AVP, SE, SXT and Crossroad are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard, and you can only get front-wheel drive with this engine. EPA fuel economy ratings are 21 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway) – which is definitely subpar for a four-cylinder crossover.
Optional on the SE, SXT, and Crossroad but standard on the Limited and R/T is a 3.6-liter V6. It's good for 283 hp and 260 lb-ft and is matched to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. We recorded a 7.8-second 0-60-mph time in a front-drive, V6-equipped Journey, which is about average for a V6 crossover in this price range. EPA estimated fuel economy for the V6 is 19 mpg combined (17/25) with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (16/24) with all-wheel drive; both are below average for a V6-powered crossover in this price range.
Safety
Every 2015 Dodge Journey comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. Integrated second-row child booster seats and rear parking sensors are optional on every Journey. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are available as an option on the SXT, Crossroad, Limited and R/T.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Journey V6 FWD came to a stop from 60 mph in 124 feet, an average performance for this class.
In government crash tests, the Journey received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars awarded for frontal-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Journey received the top score of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. Its seat and head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
The 2015 Dodge Journey has two personalities depending on which engine you choose. The four-cylinder engine is noisy and really doesn't have enough power to get this heavy crossover moving. The outdated four-speed automatic transmission that comes with this engine does the Journey no favors in the fuel economy department, either.
Accordingly, we'd avoid the four-cylinder entirely and step up to the 3.6-liter V6, which feels potent in any situation. Unfortunately, fuel economy is still below average, and the six-speed automatic transmission can be slow to respond when a downshift is needed.
Around town, the Journey provides a smooth ride. However, the steering is on the slow side, and you might find yourself having to make more hand movements than you would otherwise prefer. When driven harder through turns, the Journey's body leans noticeably. The Journey feels heavier than other compact SUVs and solid on the open highway, even over rough surfaces, but it doesn't inspire much confidence around corners.
Interior
Though Dodge seldom has enjoyed a reputation for high-quality interiors, the 2015 Journey does boast pleasing materials and textures throughout the cabin and solid-looking assembly. The gauges and dashboard have a functional and contemporary design that wouldn't be out of place in any number of higher-priced vehicles.
There's almost universal acclaim for Dodge's available UConnect 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment interface. You won't find a system that's more straightforward to use or more pleasing to the eye, with large, readable typefaces and icons and sensible menus.
Families will appreciate the selection of clever storage places squirreled throughout the 2015 Journey's cabin, particularly the cubbyholes in the floor. There's a fair amount of legroom behind the front seats and the integrated child booster seats are a nice bonus. Also helping the family-oriented mission is the Journey's available third-row seat, which is bundled with a separate rear air-conditioner. This seat is far from adult-friendly, but if you need to take a couple extra kids to a T-ball game, it's handy.
Lower all the seats and the Journey coughs up 67.6 cubic feet of total cargo capacity, which is about average for this class, slightly less than the Kia Sorento and CR-V, for example, but more space than some other two-row compact crossovers.
2015 Dodge Journey models
The 2015 Dodge Journey is available in five- and seven-passenger configurations. It is available in American Value Package (AVP), SE, SXT, Crossroad, Limited and R/T trim levels.
The American Value Package comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone manual climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a sliding and reclining second-row seat and a six-speaker sound system with a compact 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The SE adds tinted glass, roof rails and LED taillights. Moving up to the SXT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, unique front/rear fascias, body-colored exterior mirrors, floor mats, a cargo cover and net and satellite radio. Moving up to the Crossroad gets you 19-inch wheels, chrome exterior accents, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a six-way power driver seat (with four-way lumbar adjustment), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an 8.4-inch touchscreen audio display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a fold-flat front passenger seat with hidden storage bin.
The Limited adds a V6 engine as standard, remote start, automatic headlights, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a 115-volt power outlet. The R/T includes all of the Limited features (minus the roof rails) and adds a monochrome exterior treatment, unique 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, black perforated-leather upholstery with red stitching and a premium audio system.
Many of the features on the upper trim levels are available on lower trims via option packages. Other available features (depending on trim) include the Blacktop package (gloss black 19-inch wheels, grille and exterior trim), a sunroof, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a folding and reclining third-row seat, three-zone automatic climate control (with rear air-conditioning), integrated second-row child booster seats, a rear seat entertainment system, a navigation system (paired with the 8.4-inch touchscreen) and WiFi connectivity.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#19 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Journey from 2008-2022.$569/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.05x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.3%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Dodge Journey.
5 star(34%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(15%)
1 star(19%)
47 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
My Journey through time...Year one
Geoff P., 09/04/2016
2015 Dodge Journey SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
I bought my 2015 Journey SE AWD in August of 2015...I have no idea what's with all the negative ratings...the only time I had to bring it in for other than routine maintenance was when I overfilled the gas tank which triggered a trouble code shortly after I bought it. I brought to a local dealership as I was out of town...they looked at it and reset the computer and then advised me not … to "top it off" as I'm used to...no problem since then. I don't get what edmunds is saying about the poor handling and lack of power...mine tracks perfectly and holds corners very, very well at speed. The drivers seat could be a little better but after a 9 hour ride my back is fine so no complaints. My only gripe is that I didn't do enough research before picking this one...don't get me wrong...the car is a great buy...I just assumed it had the fold down front seat with storage and satellite radio as base equipment and found out too late that it didn't. I love the storage bins in the floors of the back seat as well as in the rear of the car. The car has great lines and is comfortably roomy...but I must say the radio in it leaves much to be desired and it's retail value drops like a rock so be prepared to either be in it for a while or have cash to put down for a trade. I would highly recommend getting vent guards installed because what the wipers push off the windshield will come right in through a cracked drivers side window. All in all I would say this has been a very reliable vehicle through it's first 24,000 miles and am not expecting any problems anytime soon. They make it sound like it's a rolling piece of junk compared to others that they drool over...but I'm here to tell you that from my experience it's simply not true. I also occasionally tow a 5 x 10 trailer with this which the others can't do effectively. To sum it all up it's a great car with more storage and passenger capacity than others in it's class, the V-6 with AWD is comfortable, predictable, and provides more than adequate power for passing and/or onramp acceleration...(it will surprise you how fast it can get going from a dead stop), and it's brakes have performed well as well as what I would term as exceptional handling...(I live in the hills of TN and navigate twisty/windy roads every day at about 45-50 mph with complete confidence)...so I have no idea what they're talking about when they say it has excessive body roll, this isn't a sports car and I've owned a few suv's in my time. It has room for improvements...but most of them are available in different models or options, whether stand alone or packages. I plan on buying another one within the next year and if you stick with what my next one will have, V-6 AWD, and be either the Crossroad Plus or R/T models with the premium sound, navigation, and back up camera, as well as the fold flat front seat. I am very happy with the vehicle to this point with my only gripe being my own fault...get the options that you want up front, and DO NOT get the 4 cylinder engine...It's not up to the task and not available in AWD for that reason...if they don't have it in stock then either have them find one and bring it in, find another dealer who does, or if you have the time have it built for you, and then put the vent deflectors on it. From there expect to have a great ride that can take you most anywhere at anytime comfortably, economically, and safely.
4 out of 5 stars
2015 Journey SXT V6
burdawg, 10/27/2014
2015 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
After much consideration I went with the Journey SXT FWD with v6/6 speed transaxle. Others considered:
Hyundai Santa Fe: Almost 6K more in cost with a rebate of only 1K. Not 6K better in my opinion.
Jeep Cherokee: Rougher ride, also quite a bit more costly but better incentives. Could be a better choice if off-road capability is your priority. You need to get past those ugly slit … headlights though.
Ford Escape: Smaller and more pricey, lower incentives. I was lost with all the buttons and levers on the steering wheel. The touchscreen display if complicated and difficult to navigate. Plus my wife didn't care for it.
I read the Journey review on Edmunds and don't 100% agree with it.
Update:
After owning the Journey for about 1.5 years I still feel about the same. It's very versatile, rides good, has plenty of power & storage. I agree that the six speed transaxle could be a little more responsive when downshifting is needed. I use the auto stick a lot when descending mountain grades ( I live at about 5600' elevation in the spring & summer months) to help decelerating so I can stay off the brakes. I haven't seen the need for it when ascending though, the transaxle is responsive enough even though you may feel the need to throttle it a little harder from time to time to promote a downshift. It's a minor quirk. It's been in the service bay only once besides regular maintenance for a recall on the antilock brake harness. The fuel mileage isn't as good as some of the competitors, but that wasn't a big factor for me. I knew going in that the Journey is larger and heavier than most of the competition (it's almost as large as my older Durango).
Update on 10/27/2016:
Mileage is now 21887. I still feel about the same as my above rating with one difference. The Kumho Solus KH16 tires are wearing out quickly. The wear is especially bad on the outer edges of the tires. I thought it was due to the alignment but that isn't the case. Evidently I'm not the only person to have this problem since I've read other complaints about this same issue. Supposedly Kumho builds these tires especially for Dodge and they use a different rubber blend than they do on the standard Solus that you can buy at tire stores. It's reported that the blend is softer to produce a quieter ride. I don't know if that is the case or not, but I'll replace them with a different brand when needed. For now it seems that if I run them at a higher pressure (40psi as opposed to 36psi recommended) it has helped.
Update 10/272017
Mileage is right at 30,000. No big changes. I did replace the Kumho tires with Michelins recently. It turned out the alignment was off, so maybe the Kumho's weren't the total problem. It's a workhorse, I've loaded it up to the gills in back several times and it handles the load fine. I didn't get the cross bars for the roof rack when I bought it new but I did get aftermarket ones (same as factory) since I had need to use the roof rack. It's been reliable. The only difference now is I should have considered the Durango a little more. There's been times when I could have used the extra room, although the Journey isn't much smaller.
Update 10/30/2018
Mileage is around 40,000. No big changes again. I took a long trip this summer through central California to northern Oregon and averaged 27 mpg which I felt is quite good considering we were loaded most of the time. I had another recall for an air bag issue but it was just for BCM reprogramming which only took about 20 minutes. I had to replace the left seat (drivers seat) left side cover because it broke and was very loose. The part was $43 and I changed it myself. The new tires are wearing fine so I guess the original issue was the alignment.
Update 10/31/2019
Mileage is 53986. We had our first non maintenance repair last spring. The check engine light was on so I took it in for diagnosis (after checking all the normal things, gas cap loose, etc). It turned out the oil pressure sender was showing oil pressure all the time even when it wasn't running. I had looked at the DIC before taking it in and the oil pressure was good while running. It was about a $400 repair that I paid for since I'm out of warranty. Other than that all has been well. The interior is holding up well (cloth seats, a lot cooler in the Arizona summers) and the outside still looks new. It's garaged most of the time. We aren't using the Journey as much as in the past since we bought a Chevy Colorado last winter.
4 out of 5 stars
Loving my 2015 Dodge Journey R/T.....Edmunds???
Darlene, 07/22/2015
2015 Dodge Journey R/T 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Went to the dealer to buy a Jeep Cherokee and test drove three versions, then tested the Journey. The Jeeps were a hard ride and costlier compared to the Journey. There wasnt much difference in mpg with the Jeep Cherokees and the Journey. The ride is smooth, the seats are comfortable and it feels like a solid SUV. The R/T is loaded with plenty of technology, storage, room between … the rows and 19 inch tires. The lease was more affordable with better incentices than the Jeep Cherokees. So far, the gas mileage is better that the 19 city/25 highway as stated in the sticker. It has the pickup necessary to get you out of a bad situation, for a vehicle of its size. We all want better mpg, but this is a medium sized SUV and you know the mpg will not match a smaller car.
No sure why Edmunds is so hard on this SUV, as it is an enjoyable ride and a good value for the money.
I don't regret this lease and actually pleaseantly suprised I picked it over the Jeep Cherokee. I plan to enjoy it for the next 36 months lease and turn it in at that time for another SUV.
4.25 out of 5 stars
You won't find a better car for the money!
1wickedwarlock, 12/16/2014
2015 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Okay... I'm all about being fair in life... And Edmunds review of this car is WAY off... I've owned a 2012 Dodge journey for going on 3 years now. And to date.. I have not regretted my purchase once.. That's not to say there are not things I would change about the car. But for them to say the 3.6 six in this car is under powered?.. Is just plain b.s.. And I have the 2012(283hp).. The … 2015 has gotten a boost to 295hp. Ok.. This is not a race car.. And I don't treat it as such. But I am being honest here when I say I have on more than one occasion got on it at a red light and left other(some far sportier) cars in my dust... And it was not for lack of them trying. This car MOVES!!!
2015 Journey Highlights
American Value Package
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,695 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 39.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Journey include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestPoor
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
3.9 average Rating out of 8 reviews. |
Starting at $22,040 |
4.3 average Rating out of 9 reviews. |
Starting at $27,530 |
3.5 average Rating out of 11 reviews. |
Starting at $24,600 |
Related Used 2015 Dodge Journey info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Honda HR-V 2019
- Used Subaru Crosstrek 2019 For Sale
- Used Subaru Tribeca 2011
- Used Lamborghini Urus 2022
- Used Aston Martin Rapide S 2014 For Sale
Shop similar models
- Used GMC Acadia
- Used Volkswagen Atlas
- Used Toyota Highlander
- Used Toyota Grand-highlander
- Used Chevrolet Traverse
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Dodge Journey 2019
- Used Dodge Journey 2012
- Used Dodge Journey 2010
- Used Dodge Journey 2013
- Used Dodge Journey 2015 For Sale
- Used Dodge Journey 2014
- Used Dodge Journey 2018
- Used Dodge Journey 2011
- Used Dodge Journey 2016
- Used Dodge Journey 2017
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Audi Q8 Audi
- Leaf Charger
- 2023 Kia Sportage
- Audi RS3
- 2024 Mazda 3
- Ford Ranger Raptor
- 2024 Cadillac CT5
- 2023 F-150
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek News
- 2025 Kia Sportage News
Research other models of Dodge
- Dodge Durango 2024
- 2023 Dodge Challenger
- 2023 Dodge Hornet
- Dodge Challenger 2023
- Dodge Durango 2023
- 2023 Challenger
- 2024 Dodge Durango
- Dodge Hornet Car
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 Chevrolet Blazer
- Toyota Corolla Cross 2023
- BMW X3
- Audi Audi Q7
- Volvo E XC90
- Toyota RAV4 2023
- GM Equinox
- 2023 Defender
- Ford Expedition
- Passport SUV
Other models
- Used Ford Mustang in Westbury, NY
- Used Volvo C30 in Cranberry Township, PA
- Used Mazda Mx-5-Miata-Rf in Beverly Hills, CA
- Used Rolls-Royce Phantom-Coupe in Racine, WI
- New Mitsubishi Outlander-Phev for Sale in Sacramento, CA
- Used Mercedes-Benz Cls-Class in Jenison, MI
- New Cadillac CT4 for Sale in Highland, CA
- Used Buick Reatta in Brea, CA
- Used BMW Alpina-Xb7 in Grand Prairie, TX
- Used Ford Focus-Rs in Poland, IN