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2011 Dodge Journey

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starting MSRP

Base trim shown

Combined MPG

Seating capacity

View all 2011 Dodge Journey specs .

Limited body roll
Comfortable ride
Easy to maneuver
8.4-inch display's simple interface
V-6's automatic can be hesitant to kick down
Nonlinear braking response
Some low-rent dashboard buttons
Garmin-based navigation system's rudimentary graphics

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2011 Dodge Journey trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

New interior, V-6 engine for 2011
Seating for five or seven
Standard four-cylinder engine
Optional 8.4-inch touch-screen entertainment system

2011 Dodge Journey review: Our expert's take

By Warren Brown

I’ve been going through the Chrysler Group’s products looking for improvements, trying to determine whether the company, reformed after its 2008 financial failure and federal bailout, has a chance to make it in an unmercifully competitive enterprise.

I’m not yet humming the theme to “Rocky.” But I’ve found reason for hope so far.

Consider the 2011 Journey, a midsize crossover-utility vehicle produced by the Dodge division. It is a substantially revised and improved version of its former self.

The Journey was a mediocre affair when reviewed in this space in 2008 as a 2009 model. It was the equivalent of a term paper with an A-plus theme executed with C-minus effort.

The size was right — big enough to comfortably transport a family of five on a long road trip. Anticipation of user needs was on target. Families driving long distances need convenient storage bins for stuff. The Journey was loaded with those, including under-seat storage compartments. There was connection access for all those electronic things we now deem necessary.

But the first Journey was miserable in too many of its particulars. Interior and exterior styling, the lowlights of which were cheap-feel plastics and other interior materials, were lackluster. The performance of the 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine (173 horsepower, 166 foot-pounds of torque) in the predecessor base Journey SE ranged from underwhelming to mildly competent. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine offered in that period’s upper-level Journeys (SXT and R/T) was slightly better.

Now there’s a new Dodge Journey — in this case, the all-wheel-drive Journey Crew driven for this column — from a new Chrysler.

Fit, assembly quality, exterior paint finish and interior material quality are all measurably better. Close your eyes. Feel the control knobs on the instrument panel. The hard plastic knobs have been replaced by soft vinyl pieces. Leather seating surfaces smell and feel rich. Class has mated vigorously with convenience in revised interior styling. The multiple storage bins remain. But the entire interior of the 2011 Dodge Journey Crew feels less like a school bus and more like a limousine.

The 2.4-liter in-line, four-cylinder engine has been carried over from the old base Journey SE to its 2011 counterpart, now called the Journey Express. An aside: That four-cylinder engine is for motorists interested primarily in economical transportation — in terms of both purchase price and daily operation (think fuel costs). It will disappoint motorists desiring the thrill of acceleration with every touch of the gas pedal. The four-cylinder Journey just doesn’t move that fast.

But the new 3.6-liter, 24-valve V-6 (283 horsepower, 260 foot-pounds of torque) sold as standard equipment in the 2011 Journey Mainstreet, Crew, R/T and Lux is a pleasing machine. It will get you where you are going with something approaching fun-to-drive.

Like its predecessor, the 2011 Journey has an option for third-row seating, thereby creating space for seven people, up from five. But again, this column advises against exercising that option in the midsize Journey crossover and similar vehicles. Reasons: Only small children can sit back there, and the rear seats are frightfully close to the rear hatch — not a good thing in a rear-end collision.

In summary, the 2011 Journey Crew and its four crossover siblings (Express, Mainstreet, R/T and Lux) are all worthy of consideration by shoppers seeking a high-quality, versatile crossover-utility vehicle .?.?. with the following caveat: People who are seeking outstanding fuel economy, road performance (particularly acceleration), maximum utility and low pricing in a midsize crossover-utility vehicle are fantasy shoppers.

Putting a six-cylinder or larger engine in a crossover means sacrificing some element of fuel economy in favor of performance and, perhaps, increased utility. Going with a small-displacement (referring to the amount of air and fuel that can be held in combustion chambers) four-cylinder engine means sacrificing performance and certain elements of utility — hauling and payloads are examples — in favor of more miles per gallon.

No one vehicle in any category is likely to meet all needs and desires, certainly not at the same price, which is why car manufacturers usually offer multiple equipment and trim levels in the same vehicle line.

What is encouraging here is that, reflective of a new can-do, will-do spirit at Chrysler, the new Dodge Journey has top-notch quality and design up and down the line. I am impressed by the Chrysler Group’s recent action in paying off the $6 billion-plus in federal bailout money years before the due date. But I am much more impressed by what I see in the company’s new products — a drive to get things right, an elegant swagger, and a determination win on its own terms without apology or excuse. That change in attitude could prevent Chrysler from ever again coming to the government, hubcap in hand, begging for a bailout.

Consumer reviews

Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.0
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.2

Most recent consumer reviews

The absolute worst vehicle we have ever owned.

I will never purchase a Dodge again. Bad paint, bad transmission bad all around car.parts cost more than car originally. Probably built on Friday. Purchased from dodge dealer.

Comfort 2.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 1.0
Exterior 1.0
Reliability 1.0
Purchased a Used car
Used for Commuting
Does not recommend this car

Dodge journey , apparently can't be fixed

Absolutely gutted . I have a car that sits on the driveway because Dodge can't figure out how to fix it . So far $6500 spent trying. Now they want another $1500 to TRY something else. It's only done 60000 km's ,, peice of xxxx

Comfort 3.0
Performance 2.0
Exterior 3.0
Purchased a New car
Used for Transporting family

Very comfortable car.Drives smooth

This car net all my needs plenty of legroom plenty of storage room I have no complaints thank you to the salespeople especially the one that took care of me Lou...

Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
Does recommend this car

NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings (scores out of 5)

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Compare the competitors

2011 Chrysler Town & Country

2017 Jeep Patriot

2014 GMC Terrain

All model years for the dodge journey.

2020 Dodge Journey
2019 Dodge Journey
2018 Dodge Journey
2017 Dodge Journey
2016 Dodge Journey
2015 Dodge Journey
2014 Dodge Journey
2013 Dodge Journey
2012 Dodge Journey
2010 Dodge Journey
2009 Dodge Journey

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Dodge Journey

2011 Dodge Journey
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2011 Dodge Journey MPG

Based on data from 46 vehicles, 2,217 fuel-ups and 568,500 miles of driving, the 2011 Dodge Journey gets a combined Avg MPG of 17.60 with a 0.17 MPG margin of error.

Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 134 outliers (5.70%) removed.

Following shows the average MPG of each of the 46 vehicles in the system.

2011 Dodge Journey R/T 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Sport Utility (4 Door) Added May 2012 • 329 Fuel-ups

16.7 Avg MPG

My 2011 Dodge Journey R/T

2011 Dodge Journey R/T 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Speed Added Aug 2012 • 334 Fuel-ups

16.1 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package 2.4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Sport Utility Added Apr 2018 • 26 Fuel-ups

23.1 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey Express 2.4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Added Sep 2022 • 125 Fuel-ups

24.1 Avg MPG

2011 Journey

2011 Dodge Journey Mainstreet 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Speed Sport Utility Added Jun 2022 • 12 Fuel-ups

28.5 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey Express 2.4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Added Aug 2022 • 12 Fuel-ups

18.8 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey RT

2011 Dodge Journey R/T 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Speed Sport Utility Added Oct 2017 • 309 Fuel-ups

19.5 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey SXT 2.4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Added Mar 2018 • 194 Fuel-ups

17.6 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey SE 2.4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Added Sep 2019 • 5 Fuel-ups

14.7 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey SE 2.4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Added Jul 2017 • 145 Fuel-ups

20.0 Avg MPG

Dodge / Journey (Black)

2011 Dodge Journey RT Added Sep 2016 • 62 Fuel-ups

18.4 Avg MPG

Journey 2011

2011 Dodge Journey SXT 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Speed Sport Utility Added Aug 2018 • 3 Fuel-ups

22.7 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package 2.4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Added Mar 2017 • 277 Fuel-ups

17.0 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey SXT 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 4 Speed Added Jun 2017 • 39 Fuel-ups

20.9 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey SE 2,4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Sport Utility Added Oct 2017 • 159 Fuel-ups

2011 Dodge Journey Mainstreet 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Speed Added Mar 2017 • 129 Fuel-ups

18.2 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey Crew 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Speed Added Mar 2018 • 128 Fuel-ups

18.1 Avg MPG

The Journey

2011 Dodge Journey Crew 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Speed Sport Utility Added Jul 2017 • 9 Fuel-ups

23.3 Avg MPG

2011 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package 2.4L L4 GAS Automatic 4 Speed Sport Utility Added Nov 2017 • 19 Fuel-ups

Dodge Journey 2011

2011 Dodge Journey Crew 3.6L V6 FLEX Automatic 6 Speed Sport Utility Added Oct 2014 • 34 Fuel-ups

18.6 Avg MPG
Recent Activity

from other Dodge Journey vehicles ( View All )

stratrider fueled-up their 2015 Dodge Journey . Last Tank: 20.7 MPG 12 hours ago
moparmaniac fueled-up their 2016 Dodge Journey . Last Tank: 13.4 MPG 1 day ago
gjalxndr added 1 notes for their 2016 Dodge Journey . 3 days ago
madhat111 had 1 best tank(s) for their 2014 Dodge Journey . Last Tank: 223.0 MPG 3 days ago
johnvosh1986 fueled-up their 2017 Dodge Journey . Last Tank: 12.7 MPG 4 days ago
stephaniekennedy027 added 1 notes for their 2017 Dodge Journey . 5 days ago
rjohnson2828 added 1 notes for their 2017 Dodge Journey . 5 days ago

Do not overfill your tank!

Some bad information around here... some great too! Overf... ...

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2011 Dodge Journey

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This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. DOE and the U.S. EPA.

2011 Dodge Journey Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Family-friendly size
wide-opening rear doors
sophisticated interior with many useful features.
Base model's lackluster four-cylinder engine
limited third-row legroom
short on cargo space.

The 2011 Dodge Journey receives a number of significant changes, including a new, more powerful 3.6-liter V6, retuned suspension and steering, and a revamped interior featuring higher-quality materials and a new touchscreen interface.

Edmunds says

The 2011 Dodge Journey is significantly better than the model it replaces, and so now merits consideration by anyone in the market for a small-to-midsize crossover.

Cost to Drive Cost to drive estimates for the 2011 Dodge Journey Express 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.55 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Vehicle overview.

Know that old expression about the journey being its own reward? Well, in the case of the 2011 Dodge Journey, we can definitively say that this new version is a lot more rewarding than the 2010 model it's replacing.

To be honest, we haven't much cared for Dodge's midsize seven-passenger crossover SUV since it debuted back for 2009. While it featured a number of clever details like multiple hidden storage bins and family-friendly wide-opening rear doors, its anemic engines, lackluster handling and low-budget interior made it difficult to recommend.

Well, that's all changed now that the folks at Dodge have given the Journey a thorough makeover that addresses those specific complaints. At the top of this list of major improvements is an all-new 283-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that's significantly more powerful and refined. A similar makeover has been applied to the suspension and steering, and as a result the Journey is noticeably more buttoned-down.

An even more noticeable aspect of the 2011 Journey's transformation concerns the interior. The combination of a handsome new design and soft-touch plastics gives the interior a level of sophistication that was sorely lacking in the previous version. An 8.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash of upper trim levels adds to the modern look and allows easy access to both audio and climate controls and cutting-edge features like the available Sirius Travel Link satellite infotainment service.

All these tweaks make this Journey a much more serious contender for a crossover SUV. The Journey's size and price also give it some niche appeal; it's larger and roomier than similarly priced small crossovers like the 2011 Honda CR-V , 2011 Kia Sorento and 2011 Toyota RAV4 , yet less expensive than most midsize and large offerings such as the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse , 2011 Ford Flex and Toyota Highlander.

That's not to say it's perfect -- the four-cylinder engine is underwhelming, for instance, and cargo capacity isn't all that impressive. Ultimately, though, we think these well-targeted improvements make test-driving the 2011 Dodge Journey a trip that's definitely worth taking.

Performance & mpg

The 2011 Dodge Journey is available with a choice of two engines. The entry-level Express model gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are expected to be 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

All other Journey trim levels are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered as an option. Dodge estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for front-drive and 16/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

For 2011, the Dodge Journey is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control with a rollover sensor, traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and side curtain airbags for all three rows.

The Journey has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) were a perfect five stars in all front- and side-impact categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Journey its highest "Good" rating for both frontal-offset and side impacts.

On the road, the 2011 Dodge Journey's character depends greatly on what's under the hood. We'd suggest avoiding the four-cylinder engine that's standard on the base Express model, as it just doesn't have enough oomph to get this 4,000-pound vehicle up to speed quickly enough in common scenarios like merging onto a freeway. The new 3.6-liter V6 is a far better choice, as it produces quicker acceleration with only a slight sacrifice in fuel economy.

This year's complete redesign of the suspension and steering gear has completely transformed the driving experience. Handling feels much more confident now and the ride, while not silky-smooth, is still quite good. The steering is now much more precise and predictable, with a light but still nicely weighted feel to it.

The 2011 Dodge Journey's switch to top-quality soft-touch plastics, along with a sleek new design, projects a far more refined image. Worthy of special mention here are details like hidden storage bins and available child booster seats.

The long and wide-opening (nearly 90 degrees) rear doors make getting little ones in and out of car seats a hassle-free affair. The second row is comfortable for two good-sized adults. The third-row seat is best left for small children. With both the second and third-row seats folded down, the Journey offers 68 cubic feet of total cargo capacity -- a useful amount, although many competing models offer more.

Perhaps the most significant change for the 2011 Journey is the incorporation of the huge 8.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash of upper trim level models. Besides providing a slick way to access everyday controls, the screen plays a role in some of the cooler tech features offered here, including displaying the image from the rearview camera and the wide range of useful info delivered by the available Sirius Travel Link service.

2011 Dodge Journey models

The 2011 Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Crew, R/T and Lux.

The entry-level Express model comes reasonably well-equipped with a four-cylinder engine, 16-inch steel wheels, heated outside mirrors, roof rack side rails, dual-zone air-conditioning, illuminated cupholders, a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

Move up to the Mainstreet trim level and you get a V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, body-color mirrors, a rear cargo compartment cover and satellite radio. The Crew model adds 19-inch alloy wheels, foglights, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat with built-in storage compartment, reclining 60/40-split second-row seat with fore-aft adjustment, an overhead console with conversation mirror, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start, a 115-volt AC power outlet and a premium Infinity audio system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and SD card slot.

The R/T model gets you all the Crew's standard features but with dual-zone climate control and distinctive interior and exterior trim. The top-of-the-line Lux adds a handful of desirable extras, including 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and a Garmin-sourced navigation system.

Many of the features included on the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trim levels via optional packages. Other notable options include a sunroof, a 50/50-split third-row seat, built-in child booster seats, a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

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Most helpful consumer reviews

2011 dodge journey sxt, great vehicle, who woulda thunk it, 2011 journey highlights.

Back-up camera
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

NHTSA Overall Rating

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Overall Not Rated Driver Not Rated Passenger Not Rated
Side Crash Rating Overall Not Rated
Side Barrier Rating Overall Not Rated Driver Not Rated Passenger Not Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings Front Seat Not Rated Back Seat Not Rated
Rollover Rollover 4 / 5 Dynamic Test Result No Tip Risk Of Rollover 18.5%
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original Good
Side Impact Test – Updated Not Tested
Roof Strength Test Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint Good

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2011 Dodge Journey

# 21 out of 22 in 2011 affordable midsize suvs.

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$ 7,223 - 10,369

Avg Price Paid

$ 22,245 - 33,645

Original MSRP

2011 Dodge Journey Review

Other Years:

U.S. News Rating

The 2011 Dodge Journey has excellent safety ratings and offers a lot of utility for families. However, the Journey falls short uninspiring performance.

Smooth ride

Available Uconnect infotainment system

Great safety scores

Underpowered base engine

What's New for 2011

New V6 became available

Refreshed interior design

Features and Specs

16-19 City / 24-26 Hwy

173 - 283 horsepower

Dodge Journey Rankings

The 2011 Dodge Journey's #21 ranking is based on its score within the 2011 Affordable Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Dodge Journey has a score of 7.2 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 22 pieces of research and data elements using various sources .

# 3 in 2011 Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows
# 21 in 2011 Affordable Midsize SUVs
# 27 in 2011 Affordable Crossover SUVs
# 70 in Used SUVs with 3 Rows under $15K
# 112 in Used Crossover SUVs under $10K
# 183 in Used Midsize SUVs under $20K
Critics' Rating 7.7
Performance 7.8
Total Cost of Ownership 9.2
Interior 7.5

Where This Vehicle Ranks

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2011 Journey Photos

2011 Dodge Journey Overview

The Dodge Journey was significantly refreshed for 2011, and reviewers said the updates transformed it into a more competitive compact SUV. The Journey’s relatively smooth handling and compact dimensions impressed reviewers, and the front-wheel drive Journey’s 19/26 mpg city/highway fuel economy rating is better than most midsize SUVs’. However, many testers said that even with the Journey’s improvements, the Journey still isn’t good enough to compete with top-ranked members of the class. If you plan to use the Journey’s available third row, most said that it’s barely fit for anyone larger than a small child. At 67.6 cubic feet, the Journey’s overall cargo space is limited, and test drivers wrote that the seats weren’t supportive enough. Plus, they took issue with the Journey’s poor rearward visibility and cramped second row. The Journey isn’t a sporty SUV, and test drivers were quick to note that its four-cylinder engine is significantly underpowered and its base four-speed automatic transmission was unresponsive and made the crossover feel sluggish.

The 2011 Dodge Journey came with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine. Test drivers recommended the V6, since most agreed that the drop in fuel economy is worth the performance gain. All-wheel drive was optional on V6 models, which earn an EPA rating of 16/24 mpg city/highway. That’s not great for an SUV of the Journey’s compact dimensions. The Journey’s standard features include a six-speaker audio system, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and manually-adjustable driver’s seat, but features like Bluetooth, rear climate control and a power driver’s seat were options when it was new. Other available features include navigation, leather-trimmed seats and a rearview camera.

See the full 2011 Dodge Journey specs »

Other Cars to Consider

If you like the Dodge Journey’s smaller size and need a third-row seat, you should also consider the 2011 Toyota RAV4 . Like the Journey, reviewers said the RAV4’s available third-row seat is cramped, but they also said it’s a better SUV overall. Though the RAV4 has a lower safety score than the Journey, it has better performance and interior scores.

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is also a great choice for its abundance of standard features like Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls and a USB port. While other SUVs offer more luxury or performance, reviewers agreed that the Santa Fe’s value was hard to beat. With used Santa Fe prices on the low end of the class, that still may be true.

Compare the Journey to the RAV4 and Santa Fe »