2012 Dodge Journey

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Rating7.7

Ranked #6 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$18,995 - $31,795
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Well laid out cabin with superb comfort levels

Underperforming base engine

There are no significant changes for 2012 except for the revisions in the trim name

Robust V6 engine delivers impressive acceleration for an SUV

Second-row legroom is not as generous as its competitors

The infotainment interface is very intuitive and easy to use

Loses to the rivals in terms of fuel efficiency

Specs & Features

$18,995

price

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

4-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.4L 4cyl FWD 4A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Competing in the midsize SUV, the 2012 Dodge Journey goes up against other notable names in the class, like the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, the Kia Sorento SUV, and the Ford Edge SUV. Spread across 4 trims, the Journey starts off at a base price of MSRP $18,995 and carries on to $29,995. Not all trims are built equal, however, as there are 2 powertrains on offer. Starting off is the 2.4L inline-4 and a 4-speed automatic transmission base engine. Making 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, this engine makes the Journey capable of accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds and carries the capability to tow 2,500 pounds. One bigger 3.6L V6 engine is paired to the 6-speed automatic transmission. With 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, this engine gets you a towing capacity of 2500 pounds.

Buying Advice

Skipping the base two trims and going for the mid-level SXT trim would be the ideal choice, as it comes equipped with a V6 engine which delivers way better acceleration and performance at your disposal. Other than that, it also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, roof rails, LED taillamps, a cargo cover, and a satellite radio to the existing features. Additionally, you also have the option to choose a premium sound system and 19-inch wheels.

Trims

    American Value Package
    $18,995 onwards
    • 16-inch steel Wheels
    • Cruise control
    • Keyless entry and keyless ignition
    • Tilt & telescoping steering wheel
    SE
    $18,995 onwards
    • 16-inch steel Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM/Satellite-Prep
    • Dual zone manual front air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Premium cloth Seat trim
    • Remote keyless entry
    SXT
    $22,995 onwards
    • 17-inch painted aluminum Wheels
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Sirius AM/FM/Satellite
    Crew
    $28,195 onwards
    • 19-inch painted aluminum Wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    R/T
    $29,995 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl AWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 283 hp @ 6350 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 149 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$18,995- $31,795

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.71

Horsepower

283 hp @ 6350 rpm

Torque

260 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$36,500- $45,765

Gasoline

7.88

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

7

Read Review

$29,660- $41,035

Gasoline

8.08

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

$23,530- $30,970

Gasoline

8.18

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$28,280- $39,855

Gasoline

7.96

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

255 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$21,440- $28,120

Gasoline

7.93

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,770- $38,960

Gasoline

7.81

285 hp @ 6500 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,560- $33,010

Gasoline

7.83

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$32,835- $46,810

Gasoline

7.87

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

$28,620- $40,970

Gasoline

7.13

250 hp @ 5700 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

8

Read Review

2012 Dodge Journey vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    11 sec17.9 sec-
    6.6 sec14.2 sec112 mph
    6.8 sec15.4 sec122 mph
    7.2 sec15.8 sec115 mph
    7.3 sec15.6 sec-
    7.4 sec15.8 sec132 mph

    2012 Dodge Journey vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      19 mpg26 mpg22 mpg20.5 gal.389.5/533 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18 gal.396/576 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/601.6 mi.
      23 mpg29 mpg25 mpg13.6 gal.312.8/394.4 mi.Jeep USA
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg16.6 gal.381.8/464.8 mi.
      21 mpg28 mpg25 mpg16.5 gal.402.5/490 mi.

      2012 Dodge Journey vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        192.4 in.72.2 in.66.6 in.7.3 in.113.8 in.
        205 in.78.4 in.70.4 in.7.2 in.118.9 in.
        201.8 in.79 in.72.5 in.8.4 in.118.9 in.
        200.7 in.78.2 in.69.9 in.7.4 in.118.9 in.
        200.2 in.76.2 in.68 in.8 in.113.2 in.
        197.1 in.78.9 in.70.4 in.7.6 in.112.6 in.

        2012 Dodge Journey vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          39.7 cu.ft.99.6 cu.ft.67.6 cu.ft.
          17.2 cu.ft.139.4 cu.ft.100.7 cu.ft.
          10.3 cu.ft.145.7 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.97.3 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.
          13.4 cu.ft.150.6 cu.ft.86.8 cu.ft.
          21 cu.ft.151.7 cu.ft.80.7 cu.ft.

          2012 Dodge Journey vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            16.7 cu.ft.39.7 cu.ft.67.6 cu.ft.79 ft.
            73 cu.ft.23.3 cu.ft.115 cu.ft.-
            89.7 cu.ft.47.2 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.-
            10 cu.ft.31.5 cu.ft.63.7 cu.ft.212 ft.
            95.4 cu.ft.10.3 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.-
            55.6 cu.ft.-61.2 cu.ft.-Jeep USA

            2012 Dodge Journey vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1000 lbs.1209 lbs.3818 lbs.
              6000 lbs.1047 lbs.4427 lbs.
              5200 lbs.1755 lbs.4656 lbs.
              5200 lbs.1753 lbs.4658 lbs.
              5000 lbs.-4557 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1285 lbs.4050 lbs.

              2012 Dodge Journey SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              6

              Recalls

              1

              Investigations

              368

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 11 sec

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              2012 Dodge Journey User Reviews

              4.0

              [1 Reviews]

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              [100.0%] [1 Reviews]

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              POPULAR TAGS

              KE

              Kaitlyn Eaton

              2013 Dodge Journey

              4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

              4

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 23, 2024

              Minor changes I would make but overall a great vehicle

              Pros - ["The space in the back", "The storage compartments"]

              Cons - ["The inability to use Uconnect without an iPhone.", "The gas usage in city."]

              The uconnect does not allow me to use an android phone. It has to be iPhone. Mpg in city is a bit high but on the interstate works great. I love the dual climate control as well as auto lights being able to turn off and on or stay on auto. The space in the car is wonderful. As well as storage compartments throughout the vehicle. 4.5/5 stars.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review