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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Dodge Journey

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Dodge Journey

Overview

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2012 Dodge Journey Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.0

The 2012 Dodge Journey SUV fits comfortably between a full-size and compact SUV, giving it the room to hold up to seven passengers in a package that is not unruly to drive or park. Fresh from a complete overhaul last year, the 2012 Dodge Journey SUV offers families a roomy and versatile environment with cabin styling and features more commonly found in high-end luxury cars. Crew models, for example, offer a choice of colorful leather seat trim, UConnect touch-screen radio with available Garmin navigation and keyless entry and start. But perhaps the best thing about the 2012 Dodge Journey is its available V6 engine, which is not only one of the most powerful engines in its class, but also one of the most fuel-efficient.

You'll Like This Car If...

If driving a minivan flags a big red check mark on your "no can do" list, but you need the kind of room and versatility a minivan provides, the 2012 Dodge Journey might be the answer. With a choice of 4- or 6-cylinder engines, and available AWD, the Journey can take you and your family safely, comfortably and perhaps most importantly, in style wherever you need to go.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2012 Dodge Journey is nice vehicle, but it is not as modern or well-equipped as a Ford Explorer or GMC Acadia. Compared to a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, the 2012 Dodge Journey does not hold its resale value nearly as well.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.0
Driving Dynamics

5.8
Comfort & Convenience

6.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.0
Value

6.4
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#11

out of 12

MPG

#4

out of 12

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

6.6 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Dodge Journey SUV receives a revised trim line with five models: SE-AVP, SE, SXT, Crew and R/T. The new American Value Package (AVP) brings an entry-level price that makes the 2012 Dodge Journey SUV the most affordable 7-passenger midsize SUV in America. Later in the model year, the Crew and R/T will offer a rear-seat DVD entertainment package.

Driving the Journey

2012 Dodge Journey Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2012 Dodge Journey crossover might look like a tall SUV, but its ride and handling characteristics remind us more of driving the Dodge Avenger sedan. Careful attention to the...

2012 Dodge Journey's suspension and steering calibrations give it a nice balance between agile cornering ability and comfortable, quiet ride. We were surprised how rapidly the Journey responded to steering inputs, and even when pushed hard into sharp turns the Journey exhibited only minor body roll and lean. With all three rows occupied, we discovered our front-seat and second-row passengers had nothing but praise for their accommodations. The third-row occupants, however, were not as kind. It was the general consensus that the Journey's third-row seat is best reserved for small children. The 2012 Dodge Journey's standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine doesn't have to strain to move a lightly loaded Journey, but for overall performance and peace of mind, we'd recommend going with the Pentastar V6. The 3.6-liter Pentastar is one of the best V6 engines ever produced by Dodge, and may even rank as one of the best V6 engines of all time. From its abundant power to its excellent fuel economy, we found the 3.6 liter to be a real gem.

Favorite Features

Flip 'n Stow Storage
The 2012 Dodge Journey's front passenger-seat cushion flips forward to expose a big storage bin that can hide valuables from prying eyes, or just keep things in place.

In-Floor Storage Bins
Behind the front seats are two bins in the floor that can accommodate up to a dozen 12-ounce cans and ice – or whatever else you can put in there. The bins have locking lids and are removable for easy cleaning.

2012 Dodge Journey Details

2012 Dodge Journey Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

If you're all about good design and a handsome, smart interior, we think you'll like what Dodge has done with the 2012 Journey SUV. Of the five trims, the SXT and Crew are the most flexible, with various interior color choices in rich fabrics or plush leather. Soft-touch surfaces and material cover just about any spot where you'd want to rest an arm or hand, and the properly sized 3-spoke steering wheel is fitted with redundant controls for the audio and cruise control. R/T and Crew models feature an advanced 8.4-inch touch-screen audio system featuring the Uconnect suite of communication and connectivity options. Highlights include voice-activated controls for the Bluetooth, navigation, audio and iPod, as well as "Eco-Route" guidance and song tagging. There's even a subscription option to Sirius Travel Link, which can provide updates for traffic, find the cheapest gasoline prices, plus report on sports scores, weather conditions and even movie times. On the versatility front, the 2012 Dodge Journey midsize SUV features a flush-folding third-row seat and second-row seats that can slide fore and aft (making access to the third-row seat a bit easier). Upper-level trims also have a flat-folding front seat that increases the cargo floor right up to the dashboard.

Exterior

As midsize SUVs go, the 2012 Dodge Journey is on the larger side of the scale. Its tall stance and long profile give the Journey the look of a big wagon, similar to the old Chrysler Pacifica. The 2012 Dodge Journey SUV is so long, in fact, that it dwarfs the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape by nearly 10 inches. To keep the exterior from looking too family-wagonish, Dodge has dressed up the Journey with a chrome-trimmed cross-hair grille, flashy alloy wheel choices and, on V6 models, a more aggressive lower air intake. The R/T trim takes things up another notch with a monochromatic exterior, 19-inch wheels, and R/T badging.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A 2012 Dodge Journey AVP comes with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic transmission, power heated side mirrors, three 12-volt outlets, a 4.3-inch touch-screen AM/FM radio with a single-CD player, an audio input jack and USB port, keyless entry and push-button start, second-row in-floor storage, and a rear-cargo area covered storage bin. All models feature electronic traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), front-seat side airbags, and 3-row side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

Beyond the base 2012 Dodge Journey AVP, there are four other Dodge Journey trims: SE, SXT, Crew and R/T. The SXT, Crew, and R/T have a 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Options vary by trim and include all-wheel drive, UConnect Hands-free Communication network, leather seating surfaces, ParkView rearview camera, ParkSense parking assist, navigation, power moonroof, six premium speakers with subwoofer and 368-watt amplifier, third-row seating, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, 17- and 19-inch wheels, 3-zone automatic air conditioning, Tilt 'n Slide second-row seats, Flip 'n Stow compartment, and heated front seats.

Under the Hood

Engineered for commuting and good gasoline mileage, the 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine provides a sufficient amount of power for the weight of this crossover, but the potent 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which pumps out 283 horsepower, is really the engine you'll want. Coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 3.6 liter never fails to deliver power when asked, and once up to speed, requires only minimal fuel to keep the Journey cruising. The Journey's V6 is also E85-compatible.

2.4-liter in-line 4
173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26

3.6-liter V6
283 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (FWD), 13/18 (FWD, E85)
16/24 (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Dodge Journey AVP SUV has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $20,000. The SXT starts closer to $25,500, while a loaded AWD Crew tops out around $34,000. All-wheel drive (AWD) adds another $1,700 to the Dodge Journey's bottom line. Before you buy, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what the Journey is typically selling for in your area. The 2012 Dodge Journey sport utility vehicle is expected to hold residual values comparable to the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe, remain slightly below the Chevrolet Equinox, and fall far below the 5-year values set by the Toyota RAV4 and Honda Pilot.

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2012 Dodge Journey Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

6.6

Out of 10

Based on 282 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

7.0/10

Quality

6.6/10
Reliability

7.0/10

Performance

7.0/10
Comfort

7.6/10

Styling

7.6/10

It's a very good choice

By augrpeters (PA) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have a 2010 Dodge Journey SXT AWD, which I never wanted. I had a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan that got totaled from a very horrible accident. I had to settle for the Journey (bank was picky.)I now have 88000 miles on my car, and I've never really had any trouble with it. I drive about 80 miles a day and average about 23 mpg. I love how cold the a/c gets even on the hottest days, it is a very comfortable vehicle. My Journey has never let me down, I do not regret buying it. I just got a new job which will bring my daily mileage up to 200 miles a day. I will be buying a brand new Journey very soon."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER

By mommyjess04 (TX) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,500

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 3/10

Pros: "Lots of space, good gas milege for SUV"

Cons: "TOO MUCH!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought this 2010 Journey used with only 19000 miles. After owning it for just 6 months had to replace back brake and roters. At 30000 the AC started making a horrible noise and eventually stopped working and had to have condenser replaced ($1800). It was covered under the extended warranty I had purchased. Now, here we are 4 months later and the AC has stopped working again and its not covered under warranty ($875). Dodge has horrible customer service and they DO NOT stand behind their vehicles. Oh and the transmission is slipping from 3rd to 4th gear and will eventually stop shifting all together. AND the brakes and roters need to be replaced again. Often times the car won't turn on until I remove the key and move the shifter a bit. Here I am stuck with a car that is losing value rapidly and I still owe a lot on it. Biggest mistake ever, will NEVER buy a dodge again."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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The right size, feature laden - and priced right!

By tramse1 (TX) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "All the features for the money, unique style."

Cons: "It doesn't get 40 mpg; gasoline isn't free."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought one of these - a new 2013 FWD R/T model - for my daughter-in-law to carry my new grandson around in. I couldn't believe the deal I got on the car, and I can't believe the features the car came with: Leather, a peppy V-6, Sunroof, a big flat-screen command center with navigation, a 6-speed automatic, comfortable seats, airbags everywhere, creature comforts and accessories galore, all the room in the world, great handling and a confident ride, a creased and folded style in an era when nearly everything else looks like a bar of soap that's been in the shower too long, and a lifetime service contract that covers virtually everything! She loves the car, the baby seems to like it, and judging by all of them I see on the highway these days - many others do too. I cannot find fault with the vehicle; it's that good!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car for price

By grumpy (NY) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 49,052

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Space and a people mover"

Cons: "A little underpowered"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I own a base model with a 4 cylinder. Great Mileage Mixed driving highway rural and some city. Car still looks like new except for recall on breaks and key fob all I had to do is put a set of tires on this vehicle and a rock pierced the radiator. Just had a trans service done as recommened and the car runs like it did the first day. 3,000 mile oil changes and two gas treatments. This car has a lot of space and can handle 4 300 pund adults with ease. I do travel ball with my daughter, Ohio, Penn,Jersey, Kentucky- never missed a beat."

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Too Many Service Calls

By AL (CA) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: lemon - My approximate mileage is 20,350

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Very comfortable on long trip and good gas milage"

Cons: "brakes, engine, transmission not very good. Fit"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"With less than 20,500 miles this SUV had 4 major service calls. Engine V6 has issues, 2 cam shaft sensors replaced, brake rotors and pads went after 12,000, had to replace number 4 cylinder at 20,300. Would not recommend this vehicle for reliability reasons. Transmission didn't seemed to be in sync with engine and engine had a hesitation when pushing gas pedal. Fit of exterior panels not up to high standards."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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