What class of vehicle is a Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey is a car-based crossover SUV, not a traditional body-on-frame SUV. It was produced by Dodge from 2008 to 2019 and is commonly classified as a crossover, typically offered with two or three rows of seating depending on the trim.
Classification and market position
In automotive terms, the Journey sits in the crossover SUV segment, which means it uses a unibody construction and aims to combine passenger-car comfort with SUV practicality. This places it between compact and midsize crossovers, depending on configuration and market.
Key traits that define crossovers like the Journey include:
- Unibody construction (car-based platform) rather than a traditional body-on-frame chassis
- Elevated ride height with versatile interior space
- Available seating configurations that can accommodate up to seven passengers
- Front-wheel drive as standard with optional all-wheel drive
- Size commonly described as compact-to-midsize, depending on seating and trim
These characteristics explain why the Journey is categorized as a crossover SUV in most markets and reviews. It is not a full-size or truck-based SUV, but a practical, family-oriented crossover designed for everyday driving and cargo flexibility.
Context within the SUV landscape
Compared with traditional, body-on-frame SUVs, crossovers offer lighter weight and typically better fuel economy, at the expense of some off-road capability. The Journey’s footprint and seating options were marketed to families who valued interior versatility over rugged, off-road performance.
Summary
The Dodge Journey is a car-based crossover SUV that Dodge marketed as a versatile, family-friendly vehicle with two- or three-row seating. Produced from 2008 to 2019, it belongs to the crossover SUV class—car-like in comfort and handling, with SUV-style interior space—rather than a truck-based or full-size SUV. It sits in the compact-to-midsize range for crossovers, depending on configuration and market.
What vehicle is comparable to a Dodge Journey?
Cars similar to the Dodge Journey include mid-size and compact SUVs like the Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan, which also offer three-row seating or have a similar family-oriented crossover body style. Other competitors include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Nissan Pathfinder.
This video compares the Dodge Durango and Dodge Journey: 48sAutomobiles MediaYouTube · Oct 17, 2016
Mid-size SUVs (similar size and three-row capability)
- Kia Sorento: A close competitor in the same segment, though a three-row version may require an upgrade.
- Honda Pilot: A popular and well-regarded three-row SUV.
- Toyota Highlander: Another popular and reliable three-row option.
- Nissan Pathfinder: A direct competitor in the mid-size, three-row SUV category.
- Mazda CX-90: A more premium option that also offers three-row seating.
- GMC Acadia: Competes with the Journey in the three-row crossover segment.
Compact SUVs (similar body style but smaller)
- Mitsubishi Outlander: Often cited as a direct competitor, especially in later model years.
- Volkswagen Tiguan: A compact SUV that has been compared to the Journey.
- Nissan Rogue: Another compact SUV that is often compared to the Journey.
- Chevrolet Equinox: A compact SUV that is also considered a comparable option, with different fuel economy figures.
Other options
- Dodge Durango: A larger, more powerful SUV from the same brand, but with a similar family-hauler capability.
- Dodge Grand Caravan: A minivan that is a logical alternative if passenger and cargo space are the priority, given that the Journey is a family-focused crossover.
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.
What is the Dodge Journey classified as?
Mid-size crossover SUV
| Dodge Journey | |
|---|---|
| Class | Mid-size crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler JC platform |
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.
