What class is a Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey is classified as a mid-size crossover SUV, typically configured for five to seven passengers depending on seating option.
Produced for the 2009–2019 model years, the Journey was built on a unibody platform shared with the Mitsubishi Outlander and marketed as a versatile family crossover rather than a rugged, body-on-frame SUV.
Classification and market positioning
Industry sources generally describe the Journey as a midsize crossover, with an emphasis on interior versatility and passenger capacity rather than off-road capability. The model offered optional third-row seating to expand the passenger count. The Journey’s unibody construction and car-like driving characteristics place it in the crossover category rather than a traditional SUV.
- Mid-size crossover SUV: Commonly described as a midsize unibody crossover, with a footprint often aligned with compact-to-midsize rivals.
- Five- to seven-passenger configuration: Depending on trim, the Journey can seat five or seven people thanks to an optional third row.
- Unibody construction: Built on a unibody platform shared with the Mitsubishi Outlander, favoring on-road comfort and efficiency over rugged capability.
- Family-oriented market positioning: Marketed as a practical, affordable family vehicle with flexible cargo and seating.
These descriptors collectively show that the Journey sits in the mainstream crossover segment, aimed at buyers who value interior space and daily practicality over heavy-duty SUV traits.
Seating and versatility
Seating configurations
The Journey's interior could be configured for five or seven occupants, with varying second-row arrangements to balance passenger comfort against cargo space.
- Five-seat configuration: Two front seats and a rear bench, sufficient for a family of four or five adults on shorter trips.
- Seven-seat configuration: An optional third-row seat expands capacity to seven, with space that is best suited for children or small adults.
- Second-row options: Some trims offered captain's chairs in the second row, with a 60/40 split bench in others, affecting ease of access to the third row.
With the flexibility to fold seats, the Journey could prioritize cargo space when needed or maximize passenger capacity for road trips.
Production context and market presence
As Dodge repositioned its lineup in the 2010s, the Journey remained a lower-cost, family-oriented crossover option. It shared a platform with the Mitsubishi Outlander and offered engines ranging from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder up to a V6 in higher trims, emphasizing practicality over luxury. The model’s footprint and features were designed to appeal to buyers seeking a roomy interior and flexible seating at a relatively affordable price point.
Summary
In brief, the Dodge Journey is best described as a mid-size crossover SUV with five- or seven-seat configurations. It uses a unibody design, emphasizes interior versatility and cargo space, and was marketed as an affordable family vehicle during its production years from 2009 to 2019.
Is a Dodge Journey considered a large SUV?
In conclusion, the Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a powerful engine. With a variety of models and trim levels, there is a Dodge Journey to suit the needs of any buyer.
Is the Dodge Journey a SUV or minivan?
The Dodge Journey is best described as a midsize crossover SUV, not a traditional van or SUV. It blends characteristics of both, offering the higher ride height and some capabilities of an SUV with the passenger-carrying capacity and practicality of a minivan. It was available with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers.
- Crossover SUV: The Dodge Journey is built on a car-based platform, which is characteristic of a crossover, rather than the truck-based platform of a traditional SUV. This results in a ride that is more car-like than a traditional SUV.
- Van-like features: With three-row seating, it functions as a passenger vehicle capable of carrying more people, a role traditionally filled by minivans.
- SUV-like features: It maintains the higher ground clearance and the presence of an SUV, and was available with all-wheel drive in some model years, although the final 2020 model was front-wheel drive only.
- Not a traditional minivan: While it can function like a minivan, it lacks some features found in traditional minivans, such as the "Stow 'n Go" seating and typically has less overall cargo space with the third row up.
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.
What is the Dodge Journey classified as?
The Dodge Journey is considered a mid-size crossover SUV. It is designed to blend the practicality of a minivan with the capability of an SUV, and it has been available with two or three rows of seating. It was produced from 2008 to 2020 and is marketed as a family-hauling vehicle that is smaller than a large SUV.
- Crossover SUV: This classification means it has a higher ground clearance than a car but is built on a car platform, unlike traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
- Mid-size: It is a mid-size vehicle, sitting below the larger Dodge Durango in the brand's lineup.
- Three-row seating: Many models offer three rows of seating, which allows for up to seven passengers, making it suitable for families.
- Value-oriented: The Journey is positioned as a more affordable option in the mid-size SUV segment, offering value and space for its price point.
