Does the Dodge Journey have a CVT transmission?
In short: No—there was no CVT option for the Dodge Journey. Across its production years from 2009 to 2019, Dodge paired the Journey with conventional automatic transmissions rather than a continuously variable transmission. This article explains the transmission setup across its lifespan and what buyers could expect in terms of performance.
Transmission options over the Journey's lifespan
The Dodge Journey used traditional automatic transmissions, evolving from a four-speed unit on early models to a six-speed unit on later versions when equipped with the larger V6 engine.
- 2009–2010: 2.4-liter inline-four engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available on some trims.
- 2011–2019: 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter engine remained in lower trims in some years, typically still paired with a 4-speed automatic.
From the outset, there was no CVT option. All Journeys used conventional automatics, with gear counts tied to the chosen engine and trim. This arrangement influenced driving feel, fuel economy, and towing capability, but not CVT operation or maintenance concerns.
Why the design stayed away from CVTs
Engineering and market considerations
Automakers weigh transmission design against performance, durability, and cost. The Journey was built on a platform and powertrain lineup optimized for reliability and familiar service, which historically favored automatic transmissions over CVTs in that segment.
For buyers evaluating a used Journey today, the key takeaway is straightforward: no CVT availability existed; buyers should focus on the specific engine and automatic transmission pairing for the model year to understand gear ratios, towing capacity, and fuel economy expectations.
Summary
The Dodge Journey does not use a CVT. It relies on traditional automatic transmissions—4-speed in earlier models and 6-speed with the later V6—throughout its production run from 2009 to 2019. When shopping for a Journey, confirm the exact engine and transmission combination for the model year to gauge performance and efficiency accurately.
Does Dodge use CVT transmission?
Chrysler: No modern Chrysler is equipped with a CVT. Dodge: No modern Dodge is equipped with a CVT. Fiat: No modern Fiat is equipped with a CVT. Ford: Every Ford except the Escape and Fusion hybrids and their truck lineup (except the Maverick hybrid).
What transmission does the Dodge Journey have?
The Dodge Journey typically uses an automatic transmission, with the specific type depending on the engine and model year. The base 4-cylinder models have a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the more powerful V6 models came with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- 2.4L 4-cylinder engine: Equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission (models like the 62TE).
- 3.6L V6 engine: Comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This means you'll need to know your Journey's engine size to determine the exact transmission type.
Which Dodge Journeys to stay away from?
The 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015 Dodge Journey are the worst years in terms of reliability. Avoid the 2009 Journey at all costs since it's the most problematic. These models exhibit tons of problems, mostly related to the electrical system, engine, transmission, airbags, and braking system.
Which car brands do not use CVT?
Each of these used cars without a CVT scores highly for reliability, affordability, safety, maintenance costs, and practicality where noted.
- 2016 Mazda6. Mazda.
- 2017 Lexus NX 200t. Lexus.
- 2018 Mazda CX-9. Mazda.
- 2015 Toyota Tacoma. Toyota.
- 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Mazda.
- 2021 Kia Sportage. Kia.
- 2017 Honda Odyssey.
- 2022 Toyota RAV4.
