2012 Dodge Journey SUV Features & Specs

 

What's New for 2012

Besides changes to its trim names and structure, the 2012 Dodge Journey is essentially unchanged.

Introduction

Once, the Dodge Journey was only a good idea compromised by half-hearted execution. Slow, ponderous and inefficient on the highway, it was further flawed by an interior that didn't fit the human form and seemed poorly made besides. Usually it takes an entirely new model to turn around such a wayward ship, but Dodge managed to bail out its midsize crossover with a bold makeover last year. The result is a compact sport-utility that suddenly is worth considering as a family hauler.
The 2012 Dodge Journey slots into the crossover SUV fray alongside tweener-sized vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Like the RAV4, the Journey offers a small third-row seat that is useful for occasionally taking on a couple of extra kids. With or without the third row, however, the Journey strikes a right-sized balance for shoppers looking for something to schlep the family around without stepping up to costlier, thirstier and more cumbersome models like the Dodge Durango and Toyota Highlander.
While the base-model Journey's four-cylinder engine remains underpowered and not especially fuel-efficient, the 3.6-liter V6 is one of the more robust engines in this vehicle segment and offers decent fuel economy. Changes made to the steering and suspension last year also make the Journey much better to drive. The most notable improvement to the Journey is within the cabin, where higher-quality materials, a pleasing design and Chrysler's latest (and very good) technology features are on display. Meanwhile, the wealth of good ideas still remains, including clever hidden storage bins and available integrated child seats.
The 2012 Dodge Journey doesn't quite win our wholehearted approval since its competition remains remain tough to beat. Both the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are fully redesigned this year, boasting higher fuel economy and more refined driving dynamics. You might also want to check out the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Forester.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover SUV available in five- and seven-passenger configurations. It is available in SE, SXT, R/T (late availability) and Crew trim levels.
The base SE comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone manual climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a sliding and reclining second-row seat and a six-speaker sound system with a compact touchscreen interface, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface and steering wheel controls.
The SXT adds to that a V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, foglamps, LED taillamps, a cargo cover and satellite radio. A premium sound system and 19-inch wheels are optional.
The Comfort/Convenience Group available on both the SE and SXT adds a six-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment, a fold-flat passenger seatback and a storage bin under the passenger seat. The Premium Group available on the SE is identical, but includes satellite radio as well. The Popular Equipment Group includes all of the above plus remote ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, an outside temperature gauge, a compass, and on the SE, 17-inch alloy wheels. Also available is a larger infotainment touchscreen.
These optional items come standard on the Crew, which also gets automatic headlamps, 19-inch wheels, chrome-like exterior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a premium audio system and Bluetooth (stand-alone option on SE and SXT). Optional on the Crew are a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system and leather upholstery that brings with it heated front seats.
The R/T (which arrives later in the model year) will add a monochrome exterior, special 19-inch wheels and black leather upholstery with red stitching. Otherwise, it is equipped similarly to the Crew.
The Flexible Seating Group available on every Journey adds a folding/reclining third-row seat and three-zone automatic climate control with rear air-conditioning. Integrated second-row child booster seats are also optional on every Journey, while a navigation system is available on all but the SE.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Dodge Journey SE is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined -- not great given its anemic acceleration and thriftier competitors.
The Journey SXT and Crew get a 3.6-liter V6 good for 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It gets a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. Its fuel economy stands at 17/25/20 with front-wheel drive and 16/24/19 with all-wheel drive. These numbers are on par for other V6-powered crossovers in its size class.

Safety

Every 2012 Dodge Journey comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. Integrated second-row child booster seats are optional on every Journey.
In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Journey received the top score of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

Last year's overhaul transformed the Journey's interior from one of the worst among compact/midsize crossovers to one of the best. The materials are better in quality and texture, the design is clean and modern, and its up-to-the-minute technology is pretty easy to use. We especially like the extra-large touchscreen interface available on most models.
Ongoing strengths for the Journey are its clever storage bins and integrated child seats that make it decidedly family-friendly. Also helping that cause is a versatile seating arrangement. While the sliding and reclining second-row seat is now the norm for this size of crossover, its optional third-row seat is not. Like the Toyota RAV4's, this seat is far from adult-friendly, but if you need to take a few extra kids to a T-ball game, it should come in handy.
In terms of storage space, the Journey offers a total capacity of 68 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. That's a few cubic feet smaller than the RAV4 and CR-V, but bigger than the Chevy Equinox. For smaller items, the Journey does its best Millennium Falcon impersonation with storage bins hidden under the second-row floor as well as under the passenger seat.

Driving Impressions

The four-cylinder engine found in the base 2012 Dodge Journey SE just doesn't have enough power to get this heavy crossover moving. It also doesn't provide the fuel economy to justify its dawdling pace. As such, we'd avoid it and step up to the SXT and its 3.6-liter V6. This engine is quickly spreading throughout the Chrysler lineup, and for good reason: It offers smooth, robust power and decent fuel economy. On the move, the Journey is competent for the class, with a reasonably smooth ride and secure handling.
The interior wasn't the only thing that was overhauled last year. Changes to the suspension and steering gear completely transformed the driving experience. Handling feels much more confident, and the ride, while not silky-smooth, is still quite good. The steering is now much more precise and predictable, with a light but still nicely weighted feel to it. So it's improved, although a Honda CR-V will feel more agile around town, while a Chevy Equinox will instill more confidence on the freeway.

Colors

Exterior

Interior

Exterior

Tires and Wheels

• Steel wheels
• 16 x 6.5 in. wheels
• Steel spare wheel
• P225/70R16 tires
• All season tires
• Underbody mounted spare tire
• Full wheel covers
• Temporary spare tire

Roof and Glass

• Variable intermittent wipers
• Privacy glass
• Rear defogger
• Rear window wiper
• Roof rack

Doors

• Fixed lifgate window
• Rear liftgate door

Towing and Hauling

• Cargo tie downs

Measurements

• Width: 72.2 in.
• Height: 66.6 in.
• Length: 192.4 in.
• Ground clearance: 7.3 in.
• Front track: 61.8 in.
• Rear track: 62.3 in.
• Wheel base: 113.8 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 39.6 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 67.6 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 1000 lbs.**
• Maximum payload: 1212 lbs.**
• Gross weight: 5005 lbs.
• Drag Coefficient: 0.37 Cd
• Curb weight: 3796 lbs.

Exterior Options

• 17" x 6.5" Painted Aluminum Wheels

Mechanical

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 2.4 L
• Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC)
• Cylinders: inline 4
• Valves: 16
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 166 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm
• Horsepower: 173 hp @ 6000 rpm
• Turning circle: 38.5 ft.

• Base engine type: gas

DriveTrain

• Drive type: front wheel drive
• Transmission: 4-speed shiftable automatic

Suspension

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bar

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas
• Fuel type: regular unleaded
• Fuel tank capacity: 20.5 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 389.5/533.0 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 19/26 mpg

Mechanical Options

• Engine Block Heater

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front, rear and third row head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• Auto delay off headlamps
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front multi-adjustable headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Post-collision safety system
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring

Safety & Security Options

• Second Row Seat w/2 Child Boosters

Warranty

• Basic: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
• Drivetrain: 5 yr./ 100000 mi.
• Roadside: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
• Rust: 5 yr./ 100000 mi.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front head room: 40.8 in.
• Front hip room: 53.8 in.
• Front leg room: 40.8 in.
• Front shoulder room: 57.5 in.
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Premium cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 54.4 in.
• Rear head room: 39.9 in.
• Rear leg room: 33.6 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 56.9 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Reclining rear seats
• Folding with storage and pass-thru center armrest
• Rear ventilation ducts

Power Features

• Remote power door locks
• Power mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• 1 one-touch power windows

Convenience

• Cruise control
• Front console with storage
• Front and rear cupholders
• Front and rear door pockets
• Front seatback storage
• Power steering
• 12V front and 12V rear power outlet(s)
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel

Comfort

• Interior air filtration
• Dual zone air conditioning
• Cargo area light
• Front and rear reading lights
• Dual vanity mirrors

Instrumentation

• Clock
• Tachometer
• Low fuel level warning

In Car Entertainment

• Mast antenna
• 6 total speakers
• AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
• Auxiliary audio input and iPod integration
• USB connection

Telematics

• Pre-wired for phone

Interior Options

• Smoker's Group
• UConnect Voice Command w/Bluetooth

Packages

• Premium Group
• American Value Quick Order Package 22D
• Flexible Seating Group
• Popular Equipment Group
• SE Quick Order Package 22F