Is Dodge Journey good in snow?
Yes. A Dodge Journey with all-wheel drive (AWD) and proper winter tires can handle light to moderate snow, but it is not a dedicated winter vehicle and performance drops in deep snow or on ice.
Snow performance: What matters
Several design choices and conditions determine how well the Journey grips and moves in snowy conditions. Here are the main factors at play.
- Drivetrain and traction control: AWD is optional on some Journey models and helps with initial grip, but the system is not a heavy-duty 4x4 with low range. ABS and ESC also influence stability when braking on slick surfaces.
- Tire choice: Winter tires are the single most important upgrade. All-season tires lose grip in cold temperatures, while dedicated winter tires stay pliable and grip better on ice and packed snow.
- Ground clearance and weight distribution: As a compact crossover, the Journey has modest ground clearance and a front-heavy balance. This can affect the ability to stay on top of snow and maintain traction on sloped surfaces.
- Engine and power delivery: The available 3.6L V6 delivers more torque, which can help in moving through snow, but heavy throttle or abrupt acceleration can still spin wheels if grip is lacking.
- Braking and stability features: Modern Journeys include ESC and traction control, which help with cornering on slick roads, but they cannot overcome poor tires or extreme conditions.
These factors together determine real-world snow capability. In practice, AWD with proper winter tires and cautious driving provides the best chance of staying on course during light to moderate snow.
Best practices for winter driving with a Journey
To maximize safety and traction in winter weather, adopt a cautious setup and driving habits below.
- Install winter tires on all four wheels to maximize grip rather than relying on all-season tires.
- Regularly check tire pressure and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended cold-weather pressure; cold air reduces pressure.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate slowly, brake gently, and avoid sudden steering, which can cause wheel spin or sliding.
- Increase following distance to account for longer stopping distances on snow and ice.
- Keep headlights and windows clear; use low beams in snow to reduce glare.
- Carry a winter emergency kit (blanket, scraper, ice melt, shovel, traction aids) and a charged phone.
With the right tires and careful driving, the Journey can cope with typical winter commuting. It remains limited for heavy snow or icy mountain roads, where more capable SUVs excel.
Considerations for buyers and owners in snowy climates
The Dodge Journey was phased out after the 2019 model year, so buyers are often looking at used examples. Availability of service, parts, and AWD-equipped models varies by market, and older Journeys may show wear or corrosion in snowy climates. If you live in a region with frequent heavy snow, you may want to compare alternatives known for stronger winter performance, such as Subaru models with standard AWD, or modern crossovers with more advanced all-wheel-drive systems and higher ground clearance.
Ultimately, whether a Journey is the right winter vehicle depends on where you drive, your tire setup, and how much snow you expect to encounter.
Summary
The Dodge Journey can handle winter conditions better than a pure front-drive SUV when equipped with AWD and proper winter tires. It is not a rugged snow vehicle, lacks low-range gearing, and performance declines in deep snow or ice. For light to moderate snow, a Journey with the right tires and cautious habits can suffice, but frequent heavy snowfall or challenging inclines may warrant a more capable winter vehicle or dedicated AWD with higher ground clearance. Always consider vehicle age, maintenance history, and local road conditions when deciding if the Journey fits your winter needs.
What are the cons of a Dodge Journey?
Here are the common problems with the Dodge Journey across its model years: Electrical system failures: Electrical issues are the most prevalent problem, particularly in the 2009–2010 models, with symptoms ranging from dead batteries, malfunctioning power accessories, and flashing lights to vehicles catching fire.
Is the Dodge Journey good in snow?
The Journey I purchased has all wheel drive and drives great in the snow. Its very roomy and has plenty of storage even in the floor. I really like the heated seats and steering wheel.
What year to avoid a Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey years to avoid are primarily 2009, 2010, and 2015 due to numerous complaints about reliability issues. Other problematic years include 2011 and 2012, which also had significant reports of brake, engine, and electrical system failures.
You can watch this video to learn about common Dodge Journey problems: 56scar PROblemsYouTube · Jun 28, 2022
Years to avoid
- 2009-2010: These are frequently cited as the worst years, with high numbers of complaints about premature brake wear, electrical failures (including the TIPM), engine problems, and locking brake calipers. The 2009 model also had eight different recalls.
- 2015: This year is specifically mentioned as one of the worst for reliability.
- 2011-2012: These years are also flagged for problems, including widespread brake issues, engine trouble, and various electrical system glitches.
Common problems across problematic years
- Brake system: Premature wear of brake pads and rotors is a very common issue.
- Electrical system: Multiple electrical failures, including issues with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), sensors, gauges, and keyless entry.
- Engine: Problems ranging from engine power loss to overheating, often linked to coolant system blockages.
- Transmission: Hesitation, shifting delays, and other issues, particularly in specific models like the 2012 RT AWD.
- Other issues: Water leaks and problems with the air conditioning and heater system are also frequently reported.
Are Dodge cars good in snow?
I have driven my own Challenger SRT Hellcat in the snow on local paved roads and I have had a handful of sporty rear-drive test cars with expensive snow tires, and the Challenger GT with all-wheel-drive and all-season tires was clearly more capable with average snowfall.
