Does Dodge Journey use a CVT transmission?
The Dodge Journey does not use a CVT transmission. It relies on traditional automatic gearboxes paired to its engines across its production life.
Launched in 2008 and produced through 2019, the Journey offered two main engine options and paired each with a conventional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Transmission options and engines
Here is a breakdown of the main engine-transmission pairings across the Journey's model years.
- 2.4-liter inline-four engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (used on the base models in early years).
- 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (offered in earlier trims).
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (introduced in later years and common in mid-to-late production).
In short, Dodge never offered a CVT on the Journey; buyers received conventional automatics, with the 6-speed unit appearing in later models to improve performance and efficiency.
Production context and implications
During its 2008–2019 run, the Journey’s powertrains evolved to include a larger, more modern six-speed automatic, aligning with Dodge’s broader shift away from the older four-speed designs. The absence of a CVT is a notable differentiator for this model, affecting maintenance expectations and driving feel compared with CVT-equipped crossovers.
Summary
Bottom line: No, the Dodge Journey does not use a CVT. It relies on conventional automatic transmissions—primarily a 4-speed auto for earlier configurations and a 6-speed auto for later ones—throughout its production years.
