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Dodge Journey: spacious family crossover, engines and trims
Dodge Journey — a five or seven-seater family crossover produced in Mexico from 2008 to 2020 and sold in the USA and other markets. In Europe, its counterpart was the Fiat Freemont. In this article, we review the engines, trims, and what to check when buying a used Journey.
Journey at a glance
Journey — a spacious family car with a high seating position, a wide interior, and the option of a third row of seats. Body style — five-door, available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
In the used market, the Journey is valued for its space and generous standard equipment at a reasonable price. In Lithuania, most are imported from the USA, so it's crucial to check their documents and history.
Which version to choose
Produced in one generation, but in 2011 the car was refreshed: the interior, headlights, and many comfort-enhancing details were changed. Refreshed Journeys are usually of better quality and come with more features.
The choice largely depends on the engine and seating configuration. The 3.6 V6 is powerful but thirsty, while the 2.4 engine is more economical but less powerful. The seven-seater version is more practical for families, although the third-row seats are best for kids.
Engines and transmissions
The most common petrol engines are the 2.4 l (around 170 hp), 2.7 l V6, 3.5 l V6, and later the 3.6 l Pentastar V6 (around 280 hp). In European versions, a 2.0 l diesel engine was also offered.
Transmissions — 4 or 6-speed automatic (depending on the year and engine); manual available in diesel variants. Four-wheel drive offered in some versions.
What to check when buying a used Journey
The automatic gearbox should operate smoothly, without hesitation or delayed shifts — repairs can be expensive. In older cars, ensure the gearbox oil has been changed and the cooling system works without leaks.
Check the imported car's history (mileage shown in miles in the US), verify the VIN, and ensure the car has no accident or flood damage. Also, test the electronics, air conditioning, and all comfort features, and in the seven-seater version, the third-row seat mechanism.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common manufacturer (US) versions.
SE
All periodsBase trim.
- Often — 2.4-litre engine
- Often — air conditioning
- Often — 16–17-inch wheels
SXT
All periodsPopular mid-range trim.
- Often — 17–19-inch wheels
- Often — more comfort features
- Often — upgraded sound system
R/T
All periodsA sportier, more luxurious version.
- Often — leather interior
- Often — 19-inch alloy wheels
- Often — more powerful engine
Crossroad
post-2011The rugged, go-anywhere version.
- Often — 19-inch alloy wheels
- Often — heated seats
- Often — navigation and rear-view camera
GT
later yearsThe top-spec model with the 3.6-litre V6.
- 3.6-litre Pentastar V6
- Often — leather interior
- Often — four-wheel drive
Comparing the versions
| SE | SXT | R/T | GT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For everyday use | For families and comfort | For sportier driving | For maximum comfort |
| Wheels (most common) | 16–17 inch | 17–19 inch | 19 inch | 19 inch |
| Engine | 2.4-litre | 2.4–3.6-litre | 3.5–3.6-litre V6 | 3.6-litre V6 |
| Transmission | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel or all-wheel drive | Front-wheel or all-wheel drive | Often four-wheel drive |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€ | €€€ |
Most buyers will be happy with the SXT and its 2.4 or 3.6-litre engine. If you often drive in winter or need to carry lots of people, look for the four-wheel-drive and seven-seat version.
Pros
- Spacious and practical interior
- High driving position
- Generous equipment for the money
- Seven-seat option for families
Cons
- Imported car history hard to verify
- Interior quality not as good as rivals
- High fuel consumption with V6
Frequently asked questions
Is the Journey the same as the Fiat Freemont?
Essentially yes: it's the same base model, but the Freemont was adapted for the European market and sold with a Fiat badge.
Which Journey engine is best?
For daily use, 2.4 litres is usually enough, but if you need more power, go for the 3.6-litre V6. It's powerful, but much better.
Is the Journey suitable for a large family?
Yes: the seven-seater version offers plenty of space, although the third-row seats are better suited to kids.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
