DecodedCars2017 Dodge Journey
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD V6, 4dr SUV FWD I4, 4dr SUV FWD V6
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,825–4,246 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 14% below the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Dodge Journey is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,246 lb (4dr SUV AWD V6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 14% worse than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Journey — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Journey →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD V6 | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,246 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD I4 | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,825 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD V6 | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,043 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -14% | $3,200 | 420 |
| Journey FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 19 | -22% | $3,550 | 456 |
| Journey AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -17% | $3,550 | 470 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Dodge Journey SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
| 2017 Dodge Journey SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Dodge Journey (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2017 Toyota Highlander | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Touareg | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting · Sep 29, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V723000 · 83,453 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z99.
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Not every 2017 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 58 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 44 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 31 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Dodge Journey. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Journey years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 66 |
| 2019 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 102 |
| 2018 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 237 |
| 2016 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 389 |
| 2015 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 553 |
| 2014 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 396 |
| 2013 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 333 |
| 2012 Journey | 22 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 317 |
| 2011 Journey | 22 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 110 |
| 2010 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 770 |
| 2009 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 876 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →