What type of oil is best for a Dodge Journey?
The best general choice for most Dodge Journey engines is synthetic 5W-20 motor oil, paired with the Chrysler MS-6395 specification. Always confirm the exact grade and spec for your specific model year and engine in the owner's manual or with a Dodge service advisor.
Understanding which engine your Journey has—and the climate in which you drive—helps you pick the right oil. The Journey used at least two main engines during its production run: a 2.4L Tigershark inline-four and a 3.6L Pentastar V6. Oil viscosity and certification can vary by year, so consult the manual for your exact configuration and follow recommended service intervals based on driving conditions and climate.
Engine options and their oil needs
The following outlines the typical oil requirements for the two primary engines that powered the Dodge Journey over the years.
2.4L Tigershark inline-four
- Common recommendation: synthetic 5W-20 oil that meets ILSAC API SN or newer and Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
In practice, many owners run 5W-20 synthetic in the 2.4L Tigershark to ensure reliable cold starts, good fuel economy, and adequate protection across a wide temperature range. Always verify the exact grade/spec for your year with the manual or a dealer.
3.6L Pentastar V6
- Common recommendation: synthetic 5W-20 oil meeting API SN or newer and Chrysler MS-6395; some climates may permit 5W-30, but confirm with the manual or dealer for your year and region.
The 3.6L Pentastar often follows the same baseline 5W-20 synthetic requirement, with allowances for 5W-30 in particular climate conditions. As with the 2.4L, check your vehicle’s manual to confirm the exact specification for your year and engine.
Oil specifications to look for
When selecting oil, focus on viscosity and certification to ensure compatibility with your engine’s requirements.
- Viscosity: 5W-20 is the default for many Journey engines; 5W-30 may be acceptable in hot climates or if the manual specifies it.
- Specifications: oils should meet API SN or newer and Chrysler MS-6395; many brands label compliance on the bottle.
- Type: synthetic or synthetic-blend oils are typically preferred; conventional oil may be allowed in older or special cases as per the manual.
Using the correct specification helps protect the engine, support warranty coverage, and maximize long-term reliability.
Maintenance tips and intervals
Oil-change frequency depends on engine, oil type, and driving conditions. The following guidelines reflect typical practice for a Dodge Journey in normal use.
- With synthetic oil: about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or roughly every 12 months, whichever comes first.
- With synthetic-blend or conventional oil: more frequent changes, commonly around every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (5,000 to 8,000 km) or six months.
- Severe-duty or extreme driving conditions (short trips, heavy traffic, towing, or very hot/cvery cold climates) accelerate wear and shorten intervals; follow the manual’s guidance or a dealer’s maintenance plan.
Regularly check oil level, use a quality filter, and ensure you’re following the correct interval for your engine and climate to maintain optimal performance.
Climate considerations
Climate can influence the ideal oil choice and service intervals for a Journey. The following points summarize common adjustments by region.
- Cold climates: 0W-20 or 5W-20 synthetic oils are typically recommended to improve cold-start lubrication.
- Hot climates: 5W-30 synthetic may be preferred for better high-temperature protection, depending on the year and engine.
Always default to the official manual’s guidance for your specific model year and engine, as recommendations can vary across production runs.
Summary
For most Dodge Journey models, synthetic 5W-20 oil meeting the Chrysler MS-6395 specification is the standard recommendation, with some year- and climate-specific allowances for 5W-30 or 0W-20. Confirm the exact grade and specification in your owner’s manual or with a Dodge service advisor, and follow maintenance intervals appropriate to your driving conditions. Keeping up with the correct oil type, quality filter, and timely changes helps ensure the Journey runs smoothly for years to come.
What type of oil does my 2009 Dodge Journey take?
The 2009 Dodge Journey typically uses SAE 5W-20 full synthetic or SAE 10W-30 conventional or synthetic oil, depending on the engine. Always check your owner's manual for the specific recommendation for your vehicle's engine size, but the 2.4L engine commonly uses 5W-20 and the 3.5L V6 engine commonly uses 10W-30.
Oil type by engine
- For the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine: Use 5W-20 motor oil.
- For the 3.5L V6 engine: Use 10W-30 motor oil.
Additional tips
- Full synthetic vs. conventional: Synthetic oil generally provides better protection and lasts longer, while conventional oil is less expensive. Check your owner's manual to see if synthetic is recommended or required.
- Check your owner's manual: The most reliable way to ensure you have the correct oil is to consult your owner's manual for the specific viscosity grade and API service rating required for your vehicle.
What kind of oil should I put in my Dodge Journey?
The recommended oil for a Dodge Journey is SAE 5W-20, though some models may specify 5W-30. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual or the oil filler cap for the exact type and a specific certification standard like FCA Material Standard MS-6395. Both synthetic and conventional 5W-20 oil can be used.
Key details
- Oil Viscosity: SAE 5W-20 is the most common recommendation, but verify on your oil cap or in the owner's manual. Some models might use 5W-30, particularly with the 3.6L engine, according to JustAnswer.
- Oil Standard: Look for an oil that meets FCA Material Standard MS-6395, which is often specified in the owner's manual.
- Oil Type: You can use either conventional or synthetic oil. Synthetic offers longer-lasting protection but is typically more expensive.
- Oil Capacity: The capacity varies by engine, but common amounts are around 4.5 quarts for the 2.4L and 5.9 quarts for the 3.6L, always with a filter change. Check your dipstick to confirm the correct level after filling.
Can you put 5W-30 in a Dodge Journey?
6 Liters Of German RAVENOL DXG 5w30 Motor Oil - Meets the Chrysler MS-6395 motor oil quality standard and viscosity required for the 3.6L Dodge Journey gasoline engine.
Can I use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in my Dodge?
You can run 5w-30 without issues. The owners manual used to "allow" it in older rams (2014 or so) and it was actually recommended in the 2500's when towing. If it's under warranty you may want to stick to what the cap says.
