The Good
The 2012 Dodge Journey offers a compelling value proposition with its affordable price and available third-row seating, appealing to practical buyers. The comfortable ride and spacious interior provide a pleasant experience for families. The Journey's design is functional, and its available V6 engine offers adequate performance for daily driving.
The Bad
Known weaknesses of the 2012 Dodge Journey include its below-average fuel economy, particularly with the V6 engine. The four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered when fully loaded. Reliability has been a concern for some owners, with reports of electrical and transmission issues. The interior materials are also not the most luxurious in its class.
2012 Dodge Journey: Quick Overview
2012 Dodge Journey Key Specs:
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L Inline-4: Standard on SE and SXT
- 3.6L V6: Optional on SXT, Standard on Crew and R/T
- Horsepower:
- 2.4L Inline-4: 173 hp
- 3.6L V6: 283 hp
- Fuel Economy (MPG):
- 2.4L Inline-4: 19 city / 26 highway
- 3.6L V6: 17 city / 25 highway (FWD)
- 3.6L V6: 16 city / 24 highway (AWD)
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.4L Inline-4: Approximately 10 seconds
- 3.6L V6: Approximately 8 seconds
- Towing Capacity:
- Up to 2,500 lbs (with the V6 engine)
- Trim-Level Features:
- SE: Cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, 4.3-inch touchscreen, six-speaker sound system.
- SXT: Adds alloy wheels, fog lights, premium cloth upholstery, automatic headlights.
- Crew: Adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio system, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity.
- R/T: Adds sport-tuned suspension, leather seats with red stitching, unique exterior styling.
2012 Dodge Journey Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 2012 |
Make | Dodge |
Model | Journey |
Trim | - |
Style | All-Wheel Drive |
Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | Mexico |
Manufacturing City | TOLUCA |
Dimensions
Doors | 4-Door |
Curb Weight | 1843.4 kg |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 2540.12 kg |
Overall Height | 169.16 cm |
Overall Length | 488.7 cm |
Overall Width | 183.39 cm |
Wheelbase Length | 289.05 cm |
Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
Engine | 3.6-L V-6 DOHC 24V |
Engine Size | 3.6L |
Engine Cylinders | 6 |
Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $31,795 USD |
Invoice Price | $30,251 USD |
Delivery Charges | $800 USD |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2012 Dodge Journey Have?
How long will the 2012 Dodge Journey last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for the 2012 Dodge Journey varied, generally receiving four out of five stars overall. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) ratings varied as well, with some tests showing good performance and others showing marginal or acceptable results. These ratings reflect the safety technology available at the time, but are less comprehensive than modern safety standards. Overall, the Journey offered a reasonable level of safety for its class, but lacked the advanced driver-assistance features found in newer vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2012 Dodge Journey Prices and Market Value
2012 Dodge Journey Cost of Ownership
2012 Dodge Journey Fuel Efficiency
2012 Dodge Journey Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2012 Dodge Journey Recalls & Defects
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
Engine and Engine Cooling
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Engine and Engine Cooling:engine
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, and Connections
AIR Bags:frontal
2012 Dodge Journey Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2012 Dodge Journey Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2012 Dodge Journey Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
Alternatives to the 2012 Dodge Journey include the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which offer superior reliability and better fuel economy, although they may be more expensive. The Kia Sorento provides a similar blend of features and affordability, with potentially better reliability than the Journey. If budget is a primary concern and you're willing to accept potential reliability risks, the Journey could be considered, but for overall value and peace of mind, the other options are generally better choices. The Chevrolet Equinox could also be a viable alternative.
Ranks #1861 SUV
1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (5.0★) |
8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
1861 | 2012 Dodge Journey | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Dodge Journey a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Christian on December 2, 2022
Good car for what you pay for🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴Great car mines a 2012 and has around 149k miles and is running great barley any issues and it is also the v6 model which is good
J Davenport on October 8, 2022
Love my JourneyBought my 2012 journey slightly used in 2013 and have had only one thing crap out on it. The Bluetooth. That's it! Nothing else, just the Bluetooth. This has been the most reliable car I've ever owned! My husband makes sure all the maintenance is done when recommended by dodge. 122,000 miles in and she is still perfect!
Au1994 on August 31, 2022
Cannot beat the valueI had owned a 2010 Journey a few years ago when they came out. It was a very finicky car but was always reliable and never let me down. I had moved on to much higher end vehicles from Toyota and even had a Volvo. Just this past year everything changed and I essentially had to start over. A dealer that specialized helping people in my situation put me in a 2012 Journey. I'm very happy with it! Every complaint I had on the 2010 is not on the 2012. The 3.6 in the 12 is so much better matched to the Journey then the 3.5 ever was. It has way more power and gets about 25 mpg or 5 more then the 2010. The Journey is actually more comfortable then the Volvo it replaced! In terms of money, you cannot beat the Journey value. Both of my Journey have been reliable, I wouldn't think twice about taking it anywhere and it has 130000 miles. It is ten years old and has aged very well. Every feature works, air is ice cold, sound system is great, and the 3.6 is still silent. The 62te transmission does occasionally "stumble" when shifting but I've had four other Chrysler with 62te and they all did it as well.
Jayson on June 25, 2022
Spent Over 10k in repairsare my dodge journey 2012 is very reliable. I bought the car out flat since it hit the showroom floor and it hasn't stopped paying for it since. over the years I've calculated and put about $10,000 into my car only for it still to not be able to go over 45 mph. I love the car would definitely recommend it new but the old models I don't know.
C on May 30, 2022
TrashAbsolutely worst vehicle. Wiring is the worst .. never buying again. The back hatch wiring snapped not to mention the over heating. Trash. I hate this vehicle.
Holly reynolds on March 25, 2022
Has put my kids n my life at danger to many timesI have not a clue what I did to deserve a car that just does what it darn well pleases. I will be driving down the highway or just regular city streets n out if know where it dies n its so dangerous cause I can barley turn the wheel to get off to the SD of the road. N Bluetooth suxs works when it wants to. Then there's days I try n start my journey (push strart) n it just revs n revs unable to stop it until I hit the lock n unlock on my key fob take my foot off brake n it finally stops reving. But that's the beginning cause trying to get it to start again without the reving in a pain in my xxx especially when the car dies in the middle of traffic n I'm blocking the road as is. The thing does what it wants n turning my steering wheel to the left turns the radio on full blast n only way to turn it down I the steering wheel n that works when it wants. There's more but to much to type.....
YoungDriver on June 16, 2021
Long lasting vehicleThis 2012 journey had 288,xxx miles on it when bought and it is still running strong. The interior design is like that of a newer model suv, it's sleek yet robust. From the looks of other comments they weren't very consistent in engine quality.
Runner007 on April 29, 2021
Has a lot of issuesAlthough Comfortable and roomy,this car has been a nightmare. Fixing same issues repeatedly, Fixing recall issues as well. Interior poorly put together. It's a $ pit
Juliana on April 20, 2021
My Baby lolMy car is my faithful lifeline. From the moment I test drove her at the lot to every second I drive her now, my car is the best.
Mindy on March 14, 2021
It's not what I expected.All wheel drive is good for winter. Uses more gas than I thought it would. It is very roomy with the 3 row seating. Don't think I would purchase another one.