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2019 Dodge Journey Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With Average Ownership Costs As It Ages

Rating: 4.32
Based on 86 Owner Reviews β–Ά
Drew B | March 31, 2025
The 2019 Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV offering three-row seating at an affordable price. Produced from 2009 to 2020, it catered to budget-conscious families. Key trims included the SE, SXT, Crossroad, and GT. New, it ranged from approximately $23,000 to $34,000. Its appeal stemmed from its spaciousness and value proposition, making it an accessible option for larger families needing extra seating without breaking the bank.
The Good

The 2019 Dodge Journey's main advantage is its value. It offers three-row seating at a lower price point than competitors. For practical buyers, this means affordability and space. Emotionally, it provides the security of transporting family and friends comfortably, even if performance and efficiency aren't top-tier.

The Bad

The 2019 Dodge Journey suffers from outdated technology and below-average fuel economy. The base engine is underpowered, and the optional V6 isn't particularly efficient. Reliability can also be a concern, with some owners reporting issues with the transmission and electrical systems. The interior also lacks the refinement of newer competitors.

2019 Dodge Journey: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    2.4L 4-cylinder
    3.6L V6
  • Horsepower:
    2.4L: 173 hp
    3.6L: 283 hp
  • Fuel Economy (MPG):
    2.4L: 19 city / 25 highway
    3.6L: 17 city / 25 highway
  • 0-60 Times:
    2.4L: Approximately 10 seconds
    3.6L: Approximately 8 seconds
  • Towing Capacity:
    3.6L V6: Up to 2,500 lbs (when properly equipped)
  • Trim-Level Features:
    SE: 17-inch steel wheels, dual-zone climate control, 4.3-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system.
    SXT: 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, body-colored exterior mirrors, upgraded cloth upholstery.
    Crossroad: 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, premium cloth upholstery, dark exterior trim.
    GT: Leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio system.
  • Additional Notes:
    All trims come standard with front-wheel drive. The 3.6L V6 is available with all-wheel drive on some trims.
    Third-row seating is standard on all models.
    Available features include a sunroof, navigation system, and rear parking sensors.

2019 Dodge Journey Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2019
Make Dodge
Model Journey
Trim -
Style -
Type Wagon
Category Minivan Medium Truck
Manufacturing Details
Made In Mexico
Manufacturing City DETROIT
Dimensions
Doors 4-Door
Curb Weight -
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating -
Overall Height -
Overall Length -
Overall Width -
Wheelbase Length -
Standard Seating -
Engine & Performance
Engine 2.4L L4
Engine Size 2.4L
Engine Cylinders 4
Transmission -
Transmission Type -
Transmission Speeds -
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System -
Steering Type -
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) -
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

Vehicle History Report

Vehicle
Specifications
Ownership
History
All History
Events
NMVTIS Title
History Check
Salvage/Rebuilt
Check
Accident
Check
Theft
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Open Lien
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Past Sale
Listings
Safety
Recalls
Odometer
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Market Price
Analysis

What Problems Does the 2019 Dodge Journey Have?

The 2019 Dodge Journey, while affordable, has a history of reliability concerns. Frequently reported problems include issues with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), which can cause electrical malfunctions and starting problems. Transmission issues, such as rough shifting or slipping, have also been reported, particularly in earlier model years.

Other common complaints revolve around the air conditioning system, with some owners experiencing failures or inconsistent cooling. Suspension components, like ball joints and control arms, may also wear out prematurely, leading to costly repairs.

While specific recalls for the 2019 model year may be limited, it's important to check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for any active recalls related to safety or performance. Long-term reliability is generally considered below average compared to its competitors. The older design and components contribute to a higher likelihood of issues as the vehicle ages and accumulates mileage. Owners should be diligent with preventative maintenance to mitigate potential problems.

How long will the 2019 Dodge Journey last?

With good maintenance, a 2019 Dodge Journey can potentially reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or provide 10-12 years of service. However, its long-term durability is a concern due to known reliability issues. Weaknesses include the transmission, electrical system, and suspension components. Regular maintenance, such as timely oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and suspension inspections, is crucial to maximize its lifespan. Neglecting maintenance can significantly shorten its service life and lead to costly repairs.
Positive Owner Reviews
Randy
I have not owned for very long but really enjoy it. Plenty of room and good mpg. I would recommend to anyone wanting a small suv.
APPEOT
The Journey I purchased has all wheel drive and drives great in the snow. Its very roomy and has plenty of storage even in the floor. I really like the heated seats and steering wheel.
ToddT
I bought this car last fall of 2020, its the GT model has 33000 on it i bought it with 30000 I was looking at another Dodge Ram, trucks are mote expensive now, so this car has great handling, 283 horsepower Pentastar V-6, 18000 grand I paid for it pretty cool car actually
Negative Owner Reviews
Blippymom
Poorly built car all mounts were shot at 32,000 miles tranny is xxxxing up at 45,000 so many stupid issues with this car it's unreal
DiamH
I absolutely hate this vehicle! It's very basic, and boring the interior design sucks. Car has a hard time picking up speed, some electrical issues with the dashboard, car is also very Ò€œjerkyÒ€ seems to be some issues maybe with the transmission feels as if it is pulling and I'm getting rear ended at the same time, no automatic start, it has a manual lift hatch which I hate. I almost feel like I'm riding in a Ò€œhooptyÒ€ it gets me from point a to point b. I'm literally in and out of the car just because it doesn't satisfy my interior needs at all. Probably will never buy another Chrysler Vehicle ever again after this experience and I've only had this car for less than a month.
Nicksabansnumberonedawg
You know when it's 2018 and you can get a new 2019 Journey for $10k off at the local dealership, something is wrong. I thought it was a thpical stealership ploy but lo and behold, this was no scam. Unfortunately, this thing is plain awful and pretty much made for rental fleets. Quite possibly a huge depreciation bomb. Unless you are from Ohio where any car not covered in rust and severe body damage is considered high end, I would consider getting anything else. In this price range a used Highlander would be the smart choice. Cheap plastics, horrible handling and outdated design is the start of the trashtalk. Absolutely no modern saftey features and pretty much all the low rent midwestern flair you can muster. This will be the darling of buy here pay here lots as soon as it depreciates into the low teens which is any day now since you can get a new one in the high teens today.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2019 Dodge Journey's tech and safety features are dated compared to modern rivals. Standard tech includes a basic 4.3-inch touchscreen (upgraded to an 8.4-inch unit on higher trims), a six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone climate control. Entertainment options are limited, with available features like a DVD player for rear passengers.

Driver-assistance features are sparse. A rearview camera is standard, but advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking are unavailable.

Safety features include standard antilock brakes, stability control, and a suite of airbags. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA are generally mediocre. For example, the NHTSA gave the 2019 Journey an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The aging platform and lack of modern safety features make it less competitive in this area. Optional features included navigation, heated front seats, and a sunroof, depending on the trim level.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Vice White
Granite Crystal Metallic Clearcoat
Billet Clearcoat
Pitch Black Clearcoat
Contusion Blue Pearlcoat
Redline Pearlcoat
Destroyer Gray Clearcoat
Interior Colors
Black/Light Frost Beige
Black

2019 Dodge Journey Prices and Market Value

The 2019 Dodge Journey had a starting MSRP of around $23,000 when new, with higher trims reaching up to $34,000. As a used vehicle, prices now range from approximately $10,000 to $20,000, depending on condition, mileage, and trim level. Depreciation is significant due to its age, reliability concerns, and outdated features. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition, mileage, accident history, and the demand for used crossovers. Well-maintained Journeys with lower mileage will command higher prices, but overall, resale values are lower than many competitors.

2019 Dodge Journey Cost of Ownership

The 2019 Dodge Journey is generally considered relatively inexpensive to insure compared to other SUVs. However, fuel costs are higher than average due to its poor fuel economy. Maintenance and repair costs can be unpredictable due to potential reliability issues. While some repairs are affordable, unexpected breakdowns can lead to significant expenses. Overall, long-term ownership costs can be moderate to high, making it less economical than some of its rivals, especially considering fuel consumption and potential repairs.

2019 Dodge Journey Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity -
City Mileage -
Highway Mileage -

2019 Dodge Journey Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating
Overall Frontal Star Rating
Side Overall Star Rating
Overall Rollover Star Rating
Combined Front Seat Rating
Combined Rear Seat Rating
Overall Frontal Star Rating
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Overall Side Star Rating
Side Barrier Star Ratings
Side Pole Star Rating
Combined Side Barrier And Side Pole Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating

2019 Dodge Journey Insurance

Insurance for a 2019 Dodge Journey is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Wagon with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2019 Dodge Journey Compare to Other Wagon?

The 2019 Dodge Journey competes with vehicles like the Kia Sorento, Toyota RAV4 (though smaller), and Chevrolet Equinox. In terms of performance, the Journey lags behind many rivals, especially with the base engine. Its features are also dated, lacking modern driver-assistance and infotainment technologies found in competitors. Reliability is a major disadvantage, with many rivals offering better long-term dependability.

The Journey's main advantage is its lower price point. However, considering its weaknesses, alternatives like a used Kia Sorento or Mazda CX-9 offer a better balance of features, reliability, and performance for a similar price. The RAV4 offers better fuel economy and reliability, while the Equinox provides a more modern interior and technology. While the Journey may seem appealing due to its affordability, investing in a slightly more expensive but more reliable and feature-rich alternative is generally a better long-term decision.

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8 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB (0.0β˜…)
9 2024 Chevrolet Trax (5.0β˜…)
10 2023 Audi A4 allroad (0.0β˜…)
11 2023 Hyundai Kona N (0.0β˜…)
12 2023 Nissan ARIYA (5.0β˜…)
1847 2019 Dodge Journey (5.0β˜…)

Final Verdict: Is the 2019 Dodge Journey a Good Wagon?

The 2019 Dodge Journey is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who need three-row seating and are willing to accept compromises in performance, fuel economy, and reliability. It might be worth buying used if the price is significantly lower than alternatives and a thorough inspection reveals no major issues. A well-maintained V6 model might offer a slightly better driving experience. However, for most buyers, more modern and reliable alternatives are recommended, even if they come at a slightly higher price. Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic before committing to a purchase. Buying new is generally not recommended due to the rapid depreciation and inherent weaknesses.

2019 Dodge Journey Owner Reviews

4.32
Consumer Rating, Based on 86 Consumer Reviews
Overall rating
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Tammy on January 27, 2025

60,000 miles used so I bought and regret it replace body

60,000 miles used so I bought and regret it replace body throttle 3 times still shuts down on me have to get jumps to give enough power to get it going it's ridiculous I bought as is so I just Thur money away I feel sad no recall I wonder who else has had this issue fr I say no to this crap made car nice to look at comfortable and roomy but definitely not dependable

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PE on April 19, 2024

This was a good purchase

Great performance, great handling. The dual zone A/C is a really nice feature. I actually like the rearview being in the mirror, it's a good safety feature, as your eyes are in fewer places.

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Randy on July 4, 2023

2019 dodge journey gt awd purchased used for weeke

I have not owned for very long but really enjoy it. Plenty of room and good mpg. I would recommend to anyone wanting a small suv.

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Blippymom on March 24, 2021

Would not recommend to anyone

Poorly built car all mounts were shot at 32,000 miles tranny is xxxxing up at 45,000 so many stupid issues with this car it's unreal

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APPEOT on February 15, 2021

I love this SUV

The Journey I purchased has all wheel drive and drives great in the snow. Its very roomy and has plenty of storage even in the floor. I really like the heated seats and steering wheel.

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Joyce on February 15, 2021

Not a long lasting vehicle engine shot at 112k

Be aware that the 3.6 litre engine of these models have known manufacturer engine issues not addressed in the 2014 and newer engines. This has been ongoing in the same engines in newer models but manufacturer is not extending power train for.newer models.

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ToddT on January 23, 2021

2019 GT

I bought this car last fall of 2020, its the GT model has 33000 on it i bought it with 30000 I was looking at another Dodge Ram, trucks are mote expensive now, so this car has great handling, 283 horsepower Pentastar V-6, 18000 grand I paid for it pretty cool car actually

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Nette on January 13, 2021

Nice car, I would recommend it to anyone.

This car is comfortable and stylish with a lot of features. It has lots of legroom. It is very dependable and has very good gas mileage.

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Jae on January 8, 2021

What a great way to bring in the new year new car

I absolutely just love my new vehicle its so nice brand new very reliable i love having three row seating more room for my children to ride comfortably!!!

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Momof7 on January 6, 2021

First new/used car 😁😁

I LOVE it!! Seats 7! Plenty of space for 3 carseats (2 in middle row and 1 in back or other way around)! Plenty of leg room! Smooth ride! Bluetooth! Low miles and GREAT price!

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Author Image
Drew B

Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma