more about this model The 2017 Dodge Journey's strong suit is affordability, especially for a crossover vehicle with three rows of seating. Otherwise, with minor exceptions, it's hard to sing out many praises for this dated vehicle.
There have been few updates since the Journey first appeared in 2009. At the most fundamental level, no great claims are made for the refinement or performance of the base powertrain, which mates a relatively anemic four-cylinder engine to a behind-the-times four-speed automatic transmission. (Six-speed automatics are the rule in this segment.) And precise handling isn't one of the Journey's calling cards, either, as it brings pillowy characteristics to the task of negotiating a curvy road. Most rivals offer greater athleticism. The Journey started out with a nice design, and it still isn't bad-looking. So if your concerns are primarily budgetary, you'll probably overlook the lack of sophistication.
If only the Journey could compensate other shortcomings by delivering stellar fuel economy. But that isn't the case. Numbers range from an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway) for the four-cylinder to 19 mpg combined (16 city/25 highway) for the V6 with all-wheel drive.
One bright spot is the optional V6 engine. So equipped, the Journey accelerates more assertively than most budget-priced crossovers, and fuel economy is barely affected. Throw in the available 8.4-inch touchscreen ? a longtime favorite of ours ? and the optional third-row seat and rear entertainment system, and you've got a pretty satisfying family vehicle that should still cost less than you expect.
Overall, though, the Journey remains a decidedly mixed bag, so we recommend taking a close look at other models. Our top pick among similar vehicles would be the Kia Sorento. Although it can get rather pricey, it also comes in two- or three-row specification and offers superior handling, features and interior refinement. If you don't need three rows, we'd point you to just about any other roomy small crossover SUV, including perennial favorites such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.
Besides offering seating for five or seven passengers, the Journey is available in five trim levels. The SE has a reasonable level of standard equipment, while the SXT is sportier. The Crossroad and Crossroad Plus add increasing amounts of luxurious touches and creature comforts. Finally, the GT displays quite a bit of attitude while also delivering the most capability and driving satisfaction.
With the information available here, Edmunds can help you find the perfect 2017 Dodge Journey.
Is the 2017 Dodge Journey a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Dodge Journey and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Journey featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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How do people like the 2017 Dodge Journey?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Dodge Journey and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Journey 3.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Journey.
Vehicle
SE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I'm an old man. I got my driver's license after learning on a 1967 Rambler American and a 1969 Pontiac Bonneville. I made it this far without a nav/infotainment system, traction/stability control, or bluetooth. The 4-cylinder engine in this thing has more horsepower than many older V-8s. That said, I think the 2017 Journey is a fantastic buy. I bought a $21,000 "stripper" - which still has, standard: a 173 hp engine (shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi - buy one of their comparable vehicles and get the same motor), 4-speed OD automatic transmission, traction control, a six-speaker touchscreen audio system I can plug a USB drive into and "have my own radio station", dual-zone air conditioning, front and rear stabilizer bars, better interior lighting, automatic headlights, daylight running lights, and a nicely (manually) adjustable driver's seat. They even threw in an outdoor thermometer, and a gadget that lets you monitor your instantaneous and average fuel economy! I traded a 2007 Ford Escape for this, after the transmission grenaded at 146,000 miles. I consider this to be a step up, although still a front-wheel-drive "disposacar". Same ground clearance, same fuel mileage, good looks, with MORE standard features, more horsepower, easier for my wife to get in and out of. a better radio, more room (it's about a foot longer), and a bigger gas tank. Drives just as nice, handles about the same, much quieter, and I don't have to "drive it like I stole it" to get it moving at an intersection or on to the freeway. Controls same quality or better than the Escape. More power ports. Steering has enough feel for the average driver. 4-wheel power disc brakes "stop on a dime and give 9-cents change". Everything you REALLY NEED is included in the base price - this thing has more comfort and convenience items, and a ride and interior that rival a 1990's Cadillac. Don't option up unless you really need to, as "everybody" says these don't hold their value all that well. At 3800 lbs., it's heavy, and has a long wheelbase - probably why it rides so nice. BTW - if you don't plow your 2017 Journey into anything, you'll doubtful ever discover the difference between a 4-star and a 5-star safety rating. The Escape had poorer overall ratings, and in 10 years I never had an occasion to find out. If you're driving a 10 or more year old Escape or other, similar small SUV/CUV, and you are looking for a new vehicle with similar dimensions that doesn't look like every other SUV/CUV on the road, and an improved overall driving experience, you could do far worse than the 2017 Dodge Journey. UPDATE: While I do miss the styling of the 1st gen. Escape, I do have to say that I still like the 2017 Journey. I stand by all I said above, and will add that while the exhaust note makes it sound like you are driving a sewing machine, it has plenty of pickup, as my wife and I aren't closet Autocrossers. So far I have had no issues, and did change the oil, switching to full synthetic motor oil. Gets 22 MPG in town if you don't drive it like you stole it. On the highway, at 75 MPH with the cruise control and air conditioner on, it gets a solid 26 MPG. Maybe not as good as some other small SUV/CUV's - but you'll make up for it thanks to the low purchase price. I didn't buy the 3rd row seat, and saved a good bit of cash. Lots of cargo space with the fold-flat rear seats folded down - swallowed a storage shed kit with no problems. I plan on bringing home a load of patio blocks tonight... P.S. I LOVE the manual driver's seat in this vehicle - most comfortable I've ever experienced!
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Dodge Journey
How can Edmunds help?
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Is the 2017 Dodge Journey safe?
The 2017 Dodge Journey earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Dodge Journey?
Available Dodge Journey 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: SXT, SE, Crossroad, Crossroad Plus, R/T, American Value Package, GT, Crew, Mainstreet, Limited, Lux, Express, R/T , R/T Fleet
Exterior Colors: Pitch Black Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Redline 2 Pearl Coat, Granite Pearl Coat, Billet Clear Coat, White, Vice White, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearlcoat, Fathom Blue Pearl Coat, Contusion Blue Pearl Coat, Pearl White Tri-Coat, Silver Steel Metallic Clearcoat, Deep Water Blue Pearlcoat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat, Storm Grey Pearlcoat, Blue Streak Pearl Coat, Whtie Noise Tri-Coat, Bruiser Grey Clear Coat, Copperhead Pearlcoat, Stone White Clearcoat, Verde Oliva, Blue Pearlcoat, Blood Orange Clear Coat, White Gold Clearcoat, Bright Red Clearcoat, Light Sanstone Metallic Clearcoat, Melbourne Green Pearlcoat, Blackberry Pearlcoat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearlcoat, Brilliant Red Tri-Coat Pearl, Surf Blue Pearlcoat, Winter Chill Pearl Coat
Interior Colors: Black premium cloth, Black leather/cloth, Black/Light Frost Beige premium cloth, Dark Slate Gray leather, Black/Red leather, Black leather, Dark Slate Gray/Light Graystone premium cloth, Dark Slate Gray cloth, Pastel Pebble Beige premium cloth, Black/Pearl leather, Black/Tan leather, Dark Slate Gray/Light Pebble Beige premium cloth, Black/Red premium cloth
Popular Features: Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Multi-Zone Climate Control, USB Inputs, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Keyless Entry/Start, Third-row seating, Bluetooth, 2500lb Towing Capacity, AWD/4WD, Auto Climate Control, Alarm, Upgraded Engine, Remote Start, Heated seats, Back-up camera, Parking sensors, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Leather Seats, Rear Entertainment System, Upgraded Stereo, Towing Hitch
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive, all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
