Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Dodge Journey Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Dodge Journey Model Years (Ranked)
The Dodge Journey was a budget three-row crossover sold from the 2009 through 2020 model years, making it one of the longest-running unchanged vehicles on the U.S. Market. It rode on a single platform (the JC) for its entire life, with only a 2011 mid-cycle refresh that fixed its weakest early flaws.
Two engines defined the Journey: a weak 2.4L four-cylinder with a four-speed automatic, and a far better 3.6L Pentastar V6 with a six-speed automatic. Because the car barely changed, picking the right model year is mostly about getting the V6, the post-refresh interior, and a clean maintenance record.
This ranking covers the best Dodge Journey model years, their powertrains, common problems, and where the value sits on today's used market.
Direct Answer
The best overall Dodge Journey is the 2017-2020 model with the 3.6L Pentastar V6, which pairs the strong, smooth V6 and six-speed automatic with the most refined interior, the most standard equipment, and the fewest accumulated miles. For shoppers focused on value, the best value is the 2015-2016 V6 Crossroad or R/T, which delivers the same proven Pentastar drivetrain and upgraded trim at a noticeably lower used price than the final years.
Avoid the 2009-2010 four-cylinder cars with the four-speed automatic, which are slow, thirsty, and the least reliable. Whenever possible, choose a V6 Journey over the 2.4L four-cylinder; the difference in performance and durability is large, and the V6 is the engine that makes this car worth owning.
1. 2017-2020 Journey V6 (GT / Crossroad) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The final years of the Journey are the best to buy. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (283 hp) with a six-speed automatic delivers genuinely strong acceleration and can tow up to 2,500 pounds, far outclassing the four-cylinder. By this point the cabin had its most complete equipment, and trims like the GT and Crossroad added bigger wheels, upgraded cloth or leather, and the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen on higher configurations.
These are the newest, lowest-mileage examples available, which matters for a car this old. The Pentastar is a well-proven, widely used FCA engine, and a clean late-model V6 Journey is the most sensible version for a buyer who wants three rows and all-wheel drive at a low price.
2. 2015-2016 Journey V6 (Crossroad / R/T) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2015-2016 V6 Journey is the value sweet spot. It uses the same 3.6L Pentastar and six-speed automatic as the final cars, so performance and refinement are nearly identical, but the used price is meaningfully lower. Trims like the Crossroad and R/T add 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned touches, and leather seating on the R/T.
The best value is a 2015-2016 Crossroad or R/T V6, which bundles the good engine, available all-wheel drive, and upgraded interior at a budget price. As long as the maintenance history is clean and the air conditioning and electronics check out, this is the most car for the money in the Journey lineup, and the engine to trust.
3. 2014 Journey V6
The 2014 Journey V6 carries the post-refresh interior and the 3.6L Pentastar that transformed the car after 2011. Power and towing match the later years, and standard equipment on SXT and Crossroad trims is generous for the price. The Uconnect infotainment was already among the better budget systems of the era.
As an older example it will typically show higher mileage, so a thorough inspection of the transmission, suspension, and brakes matters. But mechanically it is the same dependable V6 package as the newer cars at an even lower cost. For a buyer who wants the good engine and refreshed cabin on a tight budget, a clean 2014 V6 is a smart, low-risk choice.
4. 2013 Journey V6
The 2013 Journey continued the strong 2011 refresh formula with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and six-speed automatic. The interior quality, switchgear, and Uconnect system were a major step up from the pre-2011 cars, and the V6 made the Journey feel genuinely capable rather than merely adequate.
By 2013 the Pentastar had a couple of years of production behind it, and early cylinder-head issues seen on some of the very first 2011 Pentastars had largely been addressed. These are inexpensive now and offer real value for families needing three rows and all-wheel drive.
Inspect for the usual high-mileage wear, but the drivetrain is the same trustworthy combination found in the later years.
5. 2012 Journey V6
The 2012 Journey V6 benefits fully from the transformative 2011 redesign of the interior and chassis, paired with the 3.6L Pentastar. Ride comfort, cabin materials, and refinement all improved sharply over the 2009-2010 cars, and the V6 gives the kind of effortless acceleration the original four-cylinder never could.
This is a budget pick now, so condition is everything. Look for documented oil changes, a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic, and no warning lights. Some very early Pentastar engines had left-bank cylinder-head concerns, so a clean compression and a thorough test drive are worthwhile.
A well-kept 2012 V6 Journey delivers a lot of three-row space and equipment for very little money.
6. 2011 Journey V6 (Major Refresh)
The 2011 model year is the most important in the Journey's history. It brought a comprehensive interior overhaul, a retuned suspension, and the introduction of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and six-speed automatic to replace the old engines. The change turned a mediocre crossover into a credible budget family hauler almost overnight.
Because it was the first year of the Pentastar, a small number of early engines experienced cylinder-head problems that Chrysler later corrected under warranty. Buy a 2011 V6 only after confirming the engine runs cleanly and any head work, if needed, was completed. Done carefully, a 2011 V6 offers the refreshed experience at the lowest price of the refreshed cars.
7. 2017-2020 Journey 2.4L Four-Cylinder
The late-model 2.4L four-cylinder Journey has the appeal of being newer and cheaper to buy, but the 177-hp four-cylinder is genuinely underpowered for a vehicle this heavy, especially when loaded with passengers. It was paired with a dated four-speed automatic for most of its run, which hurts both acceleration and highway fuel economy.
These cars are front-wheel drive only and best suited to light, low-speed duty. If a low purchase price is the only priority and the car will mostly run errands around town, a clean late four-cylinder can work. For anyone who climbs hills, merges on highways, or carries a full load regularly, the V6 is worth the modest extra cost.
8. 2014-2016 Journey 2.4L Four-Cylinder
The mid-cycle 2.4L four-cylinder cars share the refreshed interior and decent equipment of their V6 siblings, but the same weak 177-hp engine and four-speed automatic hold them back. Acceleration is leisurely and the four-speed keeps revs high on the highway, so real-world economy rarely justifies choosing the four-cylinder over the V6.
The upside is a lower purchase price and the simplicity of a long-running, widely serviced powertrain. Maintenance costs are modest and parts are cheap. Treat these as budget commuter versions of the Journey rather than capable family haulers.
As always, the V6 is the recommended engine, but a well-kept four-cylinder is acceptable for an undemanding owner on a strict budget.
9. 2009-2010 Journey V6 (Pre-Refresh)
The original 2009-2010 Journey launched with a 3.5L V6 (235 hp) and a six-speed automatic in higher trims, which at least gave the early car adequate power. The problem is the pre-2011 interior, with cheaper materials, a more dated dashboard, and the rougher ride that the 2011 refresh fixed.
The 3.5L V6 is more dependable than the early four-cylinder, but these are now the oldest and highest-mileage Journeys on the road, so corrosion, suspension wear, and aging electronics are real concerns. Only consider one at a very low price with strong records. For most buyers a post-2011 V6 is a clearly better choice for refinement and reliability.
10. 2009-2010 Journey 2.4L Four-Cylinder (Pre-Refresh)
The 2009-2010 base Journey is the version to avoid. It combines the weak 2.4L four-cylinder, an old four-speed automatic, and the pre-refresh interior that drew the harshest criticism for cheap plastics and a noisy, unsettled ride. The result is slow, thirsty for its size, and unrefined.
Reliability records for these earliest cars are the weakest in the Journey's run, with more reports of electrical gremlins and interior wear. There is little reason to buy one except rock-bottom price as basic transportation. If your budget only reaches a 2009-2010 Journey, a 2009-2010 V6 is a meaningfully better pick than the base four-cylinder for almost the same money.
What to Watch For When Buying
- Pick the 3.6L V6 over the 2.4L four-cylinder. The four-cylinder is underpowered and paired with a dated four-speed automatic; the Pentastar V6 transforms the car.
- Favor 2011 or newer to get the major interior refresh, the Pentastar engine, and the better-tuned suspension.
- Inspect early 2011-2012 Pentastar V6s for any history of left-bank cylinder-head issues; confirm the engine runs without misfires.
- Check the air conditioning and electronics, common weak spots on the Journey, including the TIPM (power distribution module) and infotainment glitches.
- Verify the four-speed automatic (four-cylinder cars) shifts smoothly and the V6 six-speed does not flare or hunt.
- Look for corrosion, suspension wear, and worn brakes on higher-mileage examples, and confirm any open recalls are completed via the NHTSA database.
- Prioritize documented maintenance over a low sticker price; this is an aging platform where service history matters most.
How to Choose
Match the Journey to your needs and budget. For the best blend of power, refinement, and low miles, target a 2017-2020 V6 in GT or Crossroad trim. For the best value with the same good drivetrain, a 2015-2016 V6 R/T or Crossroad delivers nearly identical performance for less money.
Buyers on a tighter budget can drop to a 2012-2014 V6, which still has the refreshed interior and the trustworthy Pentastar. Only consider a 2.4L four-cylinder if the car will see light, around-town duty and the savings are significant. In every case, confirm recall completion, check the air conditioning and electronics, and choose the V6 whenever the budget allows.
FAQ
Which Dodge Journey years should I avoid? Avoid the 2009-2010 four-cylinder models, which pair the weak 2.4L engine with an old four-speed automatic and the rougher pre-refresh interior. They are the slowest, least refined, and least reliable Journeys. If you must buy an early car, choose the 3.5L V6 version instead.
What engine should I get in a Dodge Journey? Get the 3.6L Pentastar V6. It produces 283 hp, uses a modern six-speed automatic, can tow up to 2,500 pounds, and is far more pleasant and capable than the 177-hp 2.4L four-cylinder, which is saddled with a dated four-speed automatic in most years.
Is the Dodge Journey reliable? Reliability is average for a budget crossover. The V6 cars are generally dependable, but common complaints include air-conditioning failures, electrical issues tied to the power-distribution module, and infotainment glitches. A clean maintenance history and a careful pre-purchase inspection are essential on this aging platform.
What changed in the 2011 Dodge Journey refresh? The 2011 model year brought a comprehensive interior overhaul with better materials, a retuned suspension for a more comfortable ride, and the introduction of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and six-speed automatic. It is the single most important update in the Journey's history and the dividing line for used buyers.
Bottom Line
The Dodge Journey is an inexpensive three-row crossover where engine and model-year choice make all the difference. The 2017-2020 V6 is the best overall pick for its strong Pentastar drivetrain, full equipment, and lower mileage, while the 2015-2016 V6 R/T or Crossroad offers the best value.
Always favor the 3.6L V6 over the weak 2.4L four-cylinder, buy 2011 or newer for the refreshed interior, and confirm the air conditioning, electronics, and recall history. Chosen carefully, the Journey delivers cheap family space and all-wheel-drive availability.
Sources
- Wikipedia Dodge Journey generations, refresh history, and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org
- Dodge official Journey model information and specifications, dodge.com
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for the Dodge Journey by model year, nhtsa.gov
- Edmunds Dodge Journey reviews, reliability, and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Dodge Journey used values by model year and trim, kbb.com
- Car and Driver Dodge Journey reviews and Pentastar V6 specifications, caranddriver.com
- Consumer Reports Dodge Journey reliability ratings and owner feedback, consumerreports.org