2012 Dodge Journey

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$18,995

starting MSRP

2012 Dodge Journey
2012 Dodge Journey

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Limited body roll
  • Comfortable ride
  • Easy to maneuver
  • 8.4-inch display's simple interface

The bad:

  • V-6's automatic can be hesitant to kick down
  • Nonlinear braking response
  • Some low-rent dashboard buttons
  • Garmin-based navigation system's rudimentary graphics

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2012 Dodge Journey trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • Lower base price for 2012
  • Seating for five or seven
  • Standard four-cylinder engine
  • optional V-6
  • FWD or AWD
  • Optional 8.4-inch touch-screen entertainment system

2012 Dodge Journey review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Dodge heavily revised its Journey crossover for the 2011 model year. Changes included a restyled front end, an all-new interior and a new V-6 engine option. Available in five- or seven-seat configurations, the Journey is also offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Competitors include the Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano.

New for 2012
With the addition of an American Value Package, the Journey’s base price is $3,250 lower than last year. The Uconnect Touch 8.4 multimedia system with navigation gains voice-recognition technology, song-tagging capability and an eco-routing feature.

Exterior
With its crosshair grille, lower bumper styling and flared fenders, the Dodge Journey has an aggressive-looking front end. The R/T trim level has a monochromatic exterior appearance and 19-inch aluminum wheels. Other exterior features include:

  • Standard 16-inch steel wheels; 17- or 19-inch aluminum rims optional
  • Standard power heated side mirrors
  • Dual exhaust tips with optional V-6
  • Optional roof rails
  • Optional LED taillights
  • Optional front fog lights
  • Optional power sunroof

Interior
Higher-quality materials were added to the Journey’s dashboard last year. All Journey trim levels have a touch-screen stereo, but the optional Uconnect Touch 8.4 system features a large 8.4-inch touch-screen interface for functions like air conditioning and audio, and it can incorporate a Garmin-based navigation system. The R/T model boasts black leather seats with red stitching. Other interior features include:

  • Standard fabric-covered seats; leather-trimmed seats optional
  • Optional heated front seats
  • Standard manual air conditioning; automatic air conditioning optional
  • Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls
  • Standard second-row floor bins
  • Standard illuminated cupholders
  • Standard CD stereo with 4.3-inch touch-screen, MP3 jack and USB port
  • Optional Infinity premium audio
  • Optional built-in second-row booster seats
  • Optional rechargeable flashlight
  • Optional storage inside front-passenger seat

Under the Hood
The Journey’s base engine is a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder that works with a four-speed automatic transmission. A 283-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 is available, and it teams with a six-speed automatic. Mechanical features include:

  • Four-cylinder model is front-drive only; V-6 versions can have front- or all-wheel drive
  • Both engines use regular gas
  • Maximum Towing capacity is 1,000 pounds for four-cylinder, 2,500 pounds for V-6

Safety
Safety features include:

  • Standard antilock brakes
  • Standard side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard driver’s knee airbag
  • Standard stability system with electronic roll mitigation and trailer-sway control
  • Standard front active head restraints
  • Optional rear parking sensors
  • Optional backup camera

 

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.4
  • Interior design 4.3
  • Performance 4.1
  • Value for the money 4.1
  • Exterior styling 4.4
  • Reliability 4.1

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

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

5.0

Love my Journey

Bought 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!

4.7

Cannot beat the value

I 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.

See all 121 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Dodge
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/less than 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
3 months/3,000 miles
Powertrain
7 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
125-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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