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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Dodge Journey

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Overview

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2013 Dodge Journey Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.5

The 2013 Dodge Journey maintains its mid-size crossover SUV vehicle status, offering room for up to seven passengers, but with pricing and fuel economy figures on par with smaller SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. In terms of quality and design, the Journey's interior is a cut above most, full of high-end features and clever storage compartments demanded by families on the go. In the second row of seats are under-floor storage compartments, while the front passenger-seat bottom lifts to reveal more storage space. But the best part of the 2013 Journey is its available V6, which we think is one of the most powerful, smooth-running and fuel-efficient V6 engines on the market.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your growing family demands a vehicle with minivan-like proportions, but you don't want a minivan, check out the 2013 Dodge Journey. With its available V6, 7-passenger seating and AWD, the Journey can handle most of what fits into a traditional minivan and still maintain its less-bland SUV-like appeal.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the Dodge Journey can fit seven passengers, it's not as roomy or comfortable as a larger GMC Acadia or Honda Pilot. The standard 4-cylinder engine contributes to the Journey's low base price, but in that form it's noisy and underpowered.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.5
Driving Dynamics

5.7
Comfort & Convenience

5.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.9
Value

6.3
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#6

out of 7

MPG

#3

out of 7

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

6.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Dodge Journey gets more equipment added to its various trims but with no price increase. AVP and SE trims get new 17-inch wheels, while the R/T models have a $1,000 price drop. New standard features on the Crew trim include leather seating, heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

Driving the Journey

2013 Dodge Journey Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Although the 2013 Dodge Journey might look as though it would ride and handle like a tall SUV, the feeling we experienced seemed more in keeping with a well-mannered wagon....

Dodge has given the Journey a very taut suspension that absorbs most road irregularities without complaint, yet is still stiff enough to keep the Journey from rolling and bobbing on windy roads. Passengers in the front and second-row had nothing but praise for their accommodations, but those in the third row agreed it was best suited for small children. As for power, we found that Journey's standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine didn't exhibit much performance, even when moving a light load. 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.

Favorite Features

FLIP 'N STOW STORAGE
The 2013 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.

UCONNECT 8.4-INCH NAVIGATION RADIO
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, report on sports scores and weather conditions and even give movie times.

2013 Dodge Journey Details

2013 Dodge Journey Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Step into a Journey Crew or R/T trim and you'll find various interior color choices in rich fabrics or plush leather. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and the big 8.4-inch touch-screen audio system, featuring the Uconnect suite of communication and connectivity options, is one of the best, most intuitive systems available. On the versatility front, the 2013 Dodge Journey mid-size 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 mid-size SUVs go, Dodge's 2013 Journey is on the larger side of the scale. Its tall stance and long profile give it the look of a big wagon, similar to the old Chrysler Pacifica. The Journey 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 much like a bland family wagon, Dodge has dressed it up with a chrome-trimmed crosshair 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

Standard equipment on the 2013 Dodge Journey includes 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, push-button start, 17-inch wheels, second-row in-floor storage and a covered storage bin in the rear cargo area. All models feature electronic traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, and 3-row side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

Beyond the base Dodge Journey for 2013, there are four other Dodge Journey trims: SE, SXT, Crew and R/T. The 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission are offered on the SXT and standard on Crew and R/T trims. Options vary by trim and include all-wheel drive, UConnect Hands-free Communication network, leather seating surfaces, ParkView rearview camera, ParkSense parking assist, navigation, a 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, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

Under the Hood

Engineered for commuting and good gasoline mileage, the 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine in the 2013 Dodge Journey provides adequate power when lightly loaded. But bigger loads and the AWD system demand the potent 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which pumps out 283 horsepower and is not only the engine many people will want, it's the one we recommend. Coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 3.6-liter V6 never fails to deliver power when asked and, once up to speed, keeps the Journey moving with remarkable fuel efficiency. The Journey's V6 is also E85-compatible.

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

3.6-liter V6
283 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (front-wheel drive), 12/18 mpg (front-wheel drive, E85)
16/24 mpg (all-wheel drive)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Dodge Journey AVP SUV has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $20,000. The SXT starts closer to $24,000, while a loaded AWD Crew tops out around $35,000. All-wheel drive 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 2013 Dodge Journey sport utility vehicle is expected to hold residual values comparable to or slightly lower than the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Equinox, and fall far below the 5-year values set by the Toyota RAV4 and Honda Pilot.

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2013 Dodge Journey Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

6.6

Out of 10

Based on 273 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

7.1/10

Quality

6.6/10
Reliability

7.0/10

Performance

6.9/10
Comfort

7.5/10

Styling

7.6/10

not the best but not the worst

By darkeyes (TX) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "great storage"

Cons: "choppy ride and noisy"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"car needed the front brakes, rotors and pads replaced at 15000 miles. Chrysler covered almost all the cost. This should not have been necessary. The car has choppy ride and is somewhat noisy. Gas mileage on the highway always averages 23.5 MPG. We have driven the car cross-country 3 times and find it to be adequate with lots of unique storage. We've only used the third row seat once, but like the extra storage space it provides. Our next car will probably be a minivan."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Too many trips to the service department

By retired in missouri (MO) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "seats 5 adults 2 kids, lots of storage bins"

Cons: "Too many problems to list in 50 characters"

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

"I bought this vehicle new at the end of 2008, traded my 4X4 Ford Explorer for more seating and better gas mileage. Purchased a special "bumper to bumper as long as you own the car" maintenance plan. In 2009 windshield washer hosing had to be replaced (warranty covered it), also changed all four break pads and front rotors and all four 19" (only one manufacture sells this type at $1,100 a set)tires. In 2010 engine bolts broke, not covered by "bumper to bumper" plan; also replaced on set of tires and front break pads. In 2011, passenger side heat stopped working, not covered by plan, was reimbursed by dodge for one early break replacement after providing copies of receipts and filling out paperwork. In 2012, needed another set of 19" expensive tires, so instead used taxes and bought four 18" rims and tires for $1,100. This year, ERG sensor out (something to do with exhaust system) not covered by plan. I spend approximately 50% of my driving time on the highway for about 6 - 12 miles a day, and the rest is in and around town, I live about a mile down a well maintained dirt road. I don't drive it in the snow, because it has absolutely no traction, tires will spin at an intersection after it rains. What I might have saved in fuel costs, I have doubled in maintenance that dodge said was not covered. I get routine oil changes and lubes. I have had enough of dodge."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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2012 dodge journey 3.6L 6 spd auto

By dipstick (IL) on Sunday, April 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,800

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"bought in november 2012 and love the overall performance and reliability. beat all other competitors in price and standard features. looked at mazda,toyota,ford and honda and they all came up short in amenities and priced way too high to justify wasting money on their over hyped ' value'. averaging 21.5 mpg after 3000 miles and it continues to improve. 8.4 sat radio/climate screen, LED exterior/interior lighting, 3rd row seating and ease of operation makes this vehicle a competent SUV."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Good family CUV more room than you think

By Harry (PA) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Spacious interior, power, versitle, great ride"

Cons: "rough downshifting, cornering, 3rd row flr height"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Here are the improvement that need made: First up is the powertrain. My particular CUV was one of the first shipped to the dealer for the model year, but the alignment was off when first purchased and the torque steer you can definitely feel on acceleration. The transmission downshift harder than normal. This is really noticed in the summer when the A/C is running and you are slowing coming to a stop. It also downshifts when trying to coast even going slightly downhill. Handling is ok. Definite body roll and a ton of under-steer. I have a lot of stop and go driving and so far the breaks are holding up pretty good. There is a start of some break fading and the pedal stiffness midway throw pedal pressing is starting to fade. Break dust is an issue in the rear tires though...they need to change to ceramics. The tire wear is not the greatest as I believe the factory tires will not make it to 35,000. They may for me since I drive about 100 miles a day, but that is about all the farther I see them lasting. Now the good stuff: The 3.6 has great power and great acceleration. The vehicle has more room than you think it has. I am still impress by when all I can fit in this vehicle. The seats are very comfortable. The third row seat are not meant for adult or people taller than about 5' 4" because fold flat seats and the raised floor. Also, sliding the second row is a little tuff to do. General maintenance is easy; changing oil and brakes. The filter is at the top left of the engine under the hood. The height of the vehicle make easy to get yourself and on oil pan under to drain."

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Love it

By Ang (OK) on Tuesday, March 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Has plenty of ports to charge personal devices"

Cons: "The AVP package lacks Bluetooth & Garage opener"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"So far I love my car! It handled like a dream runs quiet and rides great. Road trips are a awesome with this car."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Dependable and comfortable

By Phil (AZ) on Friday, March 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"This is a Great car with good gas milage for its size and utility. It can carry up to 7 passangers, tow a trailer, have luggage on the roof rack and still get 23 miles per gallon on the highway and in comfort. You cant't beat that. With a standard load and a cold air intake I get 27-30 MPG on the highway. That is great for a V6 SUV. For the price it out does the competition. Cost $2000-5000 less then anything in its class as equipt"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 273 reviews