Used 2017 Dodge Journey for sale 

The 2017 Dodge Journey comes in 5 trim levels - SE, SXT, Crossroad, Crossroad Plus, and the GT. The first four variants are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine which is mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels. This engine develops 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. 

The engine and the gearbox, both belong to a past era and it's advisable to spec the car with the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine which comes mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. This engine develops a healthy 273 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The GT trim comes with the V6 engine and the 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard. When specked with the V6 engine, the car can also be had with an optional all-wheel-drive system. The all-wheel-drive system is however not available even as an option with the four-cylinder engine.

The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that comes standard in the first four trims is lethargic, to say the least. It produces 173 horses of peak power and 166 pound-feet of peak torque and for a car that weighs near about two tons, that simply does not suffice. This engine comes mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Yes, there's a 4-speed automatic in modern times and it's certainly best avoided. This set of engine and the gearbox drives the front wheels.

The 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine produces 273 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. It can be had in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration. Thankfully, Dodge allows you the option of this engine on the lower trims while it comes standard on the GT. This engine has enough oomph to get you through most situations. The 6-speed gearbox still is slow to react when it needs to upshift and is most often reluctant to downshift as well.

When compared with rivals, the Dodge Journey only falls behind by a small margin in terms of power and torque figures but its weight largely lets it down. The rest of the rivals share the same amount of power while the Toyota Highlander is highest in the torque department. Also, it is the most expensive SUV in this competition. 

How quick is the 2017 Dodge Journey?

The numbers clearly indicate how the Dodge Journey fares in acceleration. The engine certainly could do with more power to pull this car. Step your foot down on an open stretch of road and it really feels out of breath. Moreover, the gearbox makes matters worse with its unresponsive nature. The V6 does the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.6 seconds which is still fairly decent.

When compared to the competition, the Dodge Journey is the slowest in both the performance tests. It is the slowest even with its V6 engine compared to its V6 counterparts. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander is the quickest contender in this segment. However, the Santa Fe Sport is quite quicker than its sibling in the quarter-mile test.

How does the 2017 Dodge Journey handle?

This SUV actually rides quite well. The suspension tunings are on the softer side which gives it impressive ride quality. Be it on broken tarmac or rough roads, you will have no problem going over most surfaces. However, a soft suspension means handling is compromised. The body rolls significantly around corners and does not inspire much confidence. Moreover, it's a heavy car and there's no defying physics here.

The GT trim comes with a sportier suspension but that really does not make a significant difference in the real world to make it a better handler. The steering is a hydraulic-assisted system and is actually well-weighted and while you may be able to place the car where you want to, it certainly is not suited to spirited driving. The all-wheel-drive system may offer some relief in this regard.

How are the brakes on the 2017 Dodge Journey?

The Dodge Journey looks quite sluggish in terms of braking with a brake size of 12.9 inches in the front and 13 inches in the back. The soft pedal isn’t that responsive while in action and the braking force developed is quite less. The brake pedals feel mushy and then there is the weight acting against the car. This 3818-pound heavy SUV stops at a distance of 128 feet when traveling at a speed of 60 mph. 

The brakes on the Journey aren't the best in the competition either scoring only a little better than the Sorento to secure itself the third position in the comparison. The Santa Fe Sport comes to a dead stop from 60 mph in the least distance at 122 feet followed by the Highlander. It weighs a lot but surprisingly impresses with its stopping power.

What’s the towing capacity of the 2017 Dodge Journey?

The Journey can tow only 1000 pounds which is way behind what its rivals can do. The Santa Fe Sport does a remarkable job here having a towing capacity of 2800 pounds while the Highlander is below the Sorento. The V6 engine in the Dodge can still tow up to 2500 pounds of weight.

The engine is moderately efficient for a car in this segment although the competition still stays ahead. It gives 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway giving a combined fuel efficiency figure of 21 mpg. The underpowered engine has to pull quite some bulk for its size which accounts for its low fuel efficiency. The 3.6-liter V6 engine reduces the combined fuel economy to 19 mpg. 

The Kia Sorento fares the best in fuel efficiency with 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. It's closely followed by its sibling. The Toyota Highlander just slightly edges over the Journey in fuel efficiency making Dodge the least efficient car in the comparison.

Open the doors and you are greeted with a functional but neat dashboard, but nothing really special. The all-black theme looks dull. Thank god it's accentuated by silver inserts here and there to provide some visual appeal. Most controls are ergonomically placed and fall easily in hand. Fit and finish are not good with scratchy materials in most places you touch. The Journey comes in 5 seats on an optional 7-seat configuration. 

The seats can be optioned to come leather-wrapped. The second-row has sliding and reclining abilities and the front driver seats have a 10-way power adjustment. The front seats are also heated. Overall, the seats feel comfortable and are good enough to live with. There is also the option of a rear entertainment package that fits on the ceiling of the car.

The seats and steering, however, come leather-wrapped. The second row is quite accommodating. While the middle row is well-sized for three adults, you need to push it quite back to have sufficient legroom which then compromises the third row leaving it for the kids only. It's still not as good as the competition in the second row as all the other cars offer more legroom and are wider which means they can seat three people more comfortably.

Except for the Highlander, the rest of the competitors offer a seating capacity of up to five passengers on the base model. Kia is quite generous by offering class-leading legroom in both rows. In terms of material quality, the Santa Fe Sport flaunts better use of quality materials. Some of the interior features include:

• Perforated leather upholstery with red stitching
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• LED interior lighting

How intuitive is the 2017 Dodge Journey’s infotainment system?

The lower trims are equipped with a 4.3-inch screen while the higher trims sport a Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is one of the best in the industry. It's slick and easy to use with navigation and the radio and graphics are good too. The rearview camera which is a standard feature on most cars these days, however, comes as an optional extra. 

There is also a rear entertainment package which comes as an optional extra and is quite a boon in this segment. It also has a premium Alpine sound system with a subwoofer in the top GT trim. It does not come equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Some of the other features include:

• Navigation system
• Bluetooth streaming
• Satellite radio
• Six-speaker stereo
• 9-inch rear-seat entertainment system

How much cargo capacity does the 2017 Dodge Journey offers?

Even in this field, the Dodge Journey lags with the competition. With all the seats upright, the Journey offers a cargo capacity of 107 cubic feet which further expands to 37 cubic feet. If an optional third-row is added, then the maximum cargo volume available is 67.6 cubic feet. Thankfully, the trunk lid opens wide and even the load floor is flat. There are some cargo nets and an under the floor storage area in the boot which is some added perks.

Is it any surprise that the Journey is not the best even in the cargo capacity competition? A little better than the Santa Fe Sport, it comes third in cargo volume. The Sorento is just a few numbers ahead of the Santa Fe Sport. The Highlander wears the crown for the best cargo space offered in this segment. 

The Dodge Journey has begun to show its age now. Being a decade old, there is little that has changed over time. It is utilitarian and wagon-like rather than an imposing SUV. It seems as if it could belong to fleet cars of taxis maybe. The competition looks far more up to date, modern and stylish.

If not being noticed at all is your priority, the Dodge Journey would probably suit you the best. The GT offers some relief however with black alloy wheels, black inserts in the headlamps, roof rails, and a black colored grille. Don't be excited because it's still not a head-turner.

The Journey is decently sized for its segment. Well, at least it's not falling short here as it has the maximum wheelbase. It falls just a tad bit behind the Highlander in length followed by the Sorento and then the Santa Fe Sport. It's the least in width at 72.2 inches where the nearest competition is over 2 inches wider. It scores second in height following the Highlander. Some of the exterior features include:

• Distinctive front fascia for the GT trim
• Crosshair Grille
• Black Headlamp Bezels on the GT trim
• Sculpted Flared Wheel arches
• Dual Bright Exhaust Tips
• LED Taillamps
• Roof-mounted rails

The new Dodge Journey does not score well in safety regulations by both the NHTSA and the IIHS. That is expected given Dodge's outdated roots and structure. The NHTSA gives it an overall score of 4 stars while the IIHS gives it a poor rating. This is a matter of concern really as five-star ratings from NHTSA are increasingly common.

A lot of safety equipment does not come as standard and are optional extras which really is a sore. Also, being a family vehicle, Dodge still hasn't offered any advanced safety features such as forward-collision warnings or automatic emergency braking. Where safety should have been the utmost priority considering it's a people mover, such inattention is disappointing. Some of the safety features include:

• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Rearview Camera

Dodge Journey vs Kia Sorento

There are hardly any criteria where Dodge outruns Kia. The new Kia Sorento is very spirited and lively, quick in its pace too. Being light on its foot, it's the most fuel-efficient in the comparison. The Sorento certainly looks apart with its contemporary curves and sleek design and if it looks at what we are talking about, it would be a shame to put the Journey beside the Sorento.

The Sorento scores higher in standard features and build quality on the interior, also offering more legroom and shoulder room to its passengers. Honestly, these cars only share the segment and a similar engine, beyond which the Sorento easily rolls over the Journey.

Dodge Journey vs Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The Dodge Journey shares a similar 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with the new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport too and that is where the similarities end. Even Santa Fe starts at a higher base price but one has to look beyond price here.

It comes with far more standard equipment like a rear-view parking camera, a bigger touchscreen infotainment system, stylish looks, better quality interiors, and more space to move its occupants in more comfort. It also comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox over the Journey's 4-speed automatic which also allows the Santa Fe to use the engine's power more efficiently.

Dodge Journey vs Toyota Highlander

The new Toyota Highlander truly stands out of the competition as this is the only car having the true SUV stance. It looks bold and strong. The only car to have the larger 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, it is also the quickest in spite of it being the heaviest.

That's because it has slightly more torque than the others. It's quite fuel-efficient still. Outrunning the Journey, this car too has better interior space offering more comfort to its passengers. Build quality and features would certainly be the best-in-class considering it's a Toyota. Also, being a Toyota, it comes with its reliability as well. However, all this comes at a price and the Highlander has the highest base price among the competition at around $30,000.

There is no better way of putting it but the 2017 Dodge Journey scores poor in almost everything that you would look for in a car in this segment. Other than a comfortable ride quality, a smart infotainment system, and a very competitive base price, there is nothing much to like about this car. The competition, though starting from a higher price point, clearly is miles ahead in most regards. It becomes almost pointless comparing the Journey with its competitors after a certain point in time.

To understand Dodge as more of a value proposition, one has to change the perspective a little and look outside the segment it's trying to compete with. Look at the Dodge Journey as a people-moving minivan masked to look like a midsize SUV offering decent features and then the base price too surprisingly makes sense. But remember, it will only move people, certainly not hearts. It's hence advisable to reach deeper into your pockets and look at the competition.