Are Dodge Journeys good on gas?
Not particularly. Dodge Journeys are not known for standout fuel efficiency. Across common configurations, expect roughly 19–23 mpg combined with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and around 19–21 mpg combined with the 3.6-liter V6, with all-wheel-drive versions typically lower. Production ended in 2019, so there are no newer Journeys to compare with current crossovers.
To understand how mileage works on the Journey, it helps to know that engine choice, drivetrain (FWD vs AWD), transmission, payload, and driving conditions all affect real-world mpg. The Journey, produced from 2008 to 2019, offered several updates across model years, but the core efficiency story remains: it emphasizes space and practicality over class-leading fuel economy.
Fuel economy by engine and drivetrain
Here is a snapshot of typical EPA estimates and observed ranges for common Journey configurations. Note that numbers vary by year and trim, so use these as rough guidelines.
- 2.4L inline-4 with front-wheel drive (FWD): roughly 19–23 mpg combined, with highway figures often in the mid-to-upper 20s and city figures in the teens when the engine is taxed.
- 2.4L inline-4 with all-wheel drive (AWD): typically around 20 mpg combined or slightly lower, with city efficiency more noticeably affected by the extra drivetrain loss.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 with front-wheel drive (FWD): commonly about 19–22 mpg combined, depending on year and gearing.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 with AWD: usually around 18–21 mpg combined, with the AWD system reducing efficiency a bit more.
These ranges reflect EPA estimates and typical real-world results for Journeys manufactured before 2020. Engine health, maintenance, tire pressure, and cargo load can move numbers by several miles per gallon in either direction.
Ways to maximize fuel economy in a Dodge Journey
Practical steps drivers can take to squeeze more miles per gallon out of a Journey, especially if you’re buying used, include the following:
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and check them regularly; under-inflated tires waste efficiency.
- Remove unnecessary cargo and roof racks when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag and weight.
- Drive smoothly: avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking; steady driving, especially on highways, yields better mpg.
- Lighten the load where possible; every extra 100 pounds can measurably affect fuel economy.
- Schedule maintenance on time: replace air filters, spark plugs as needed, and use the recommended grade of gasoline (Journeys typically run on regular unleaded).
- Keep the drivetrain in good condition: ensure the transmission is serviced and coolant temperatures are within spec; misfires or poor shifting can hurt efficiency.
- Plan trips to minimize unnecessary idling and combine errands to reduce stop-and-go driving.
- If you can, choose a front-wheel-drive Journey over AWD to maximize miles per gallon when AWD isn’t needed.
While these tips help, it’s important to stay realistic: the Dodge Journey sits in the mid-pack for fuel economy among midsize crossovers from its era, and newer models on the market today offer notably better efficiency and more efficient engines.
Final take and context
As a family-oriented SUV, the Journey prioritizes space and practicality over class-leading fuel economy. If gas mileage is a primary concern, you may want to compare with more modern compact or midsize crossovers that feature more efficient engines, turbocharged options, and hybrid variants. For those who own or are considering a Dodge Journey, regular maintenance and sensible driving can help you get the most out of each gallon.
Summary: The Dodge Journey provides reasonable comfort and practicality but is not a standout for fuel efficiency. Depending on the engine and drivetrain, expect roughly 19–23 mpg combined with the 2.4L four-cylinder and about 18–21 mpg with the 3.6L V6, with AWD generally reducing efficiency. If mpg is a priority, consider a newer, more efficient crossover or a used Journey configured for FWD with the smaller engine, and follow the mileage-maximizing tips above.
