The 2017 Dodge Journey is available in multiple engine options. Except for the GT, all trims come equipped with a standard 2.4L in-line four-cylinder engine that can produce 173 hp and 166lb-ft. The rather low power output barely manages to move the heavy vehicle. The engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission feels ancient, rough, and slow during the times of smooth six-speed automatics. This engine and transmission combo also prove to be thirsty affecting fuel efficiency. You get an FWD drivetrain as standard if you go for the 2.4L Inline-4 mill.
The GT comes equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine that churns out 283 hp and 260 lb-ft; which feels adequate for a car of this size. This Pentastar V6 engine is available as an option in base trims and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine is not as thirsty as the in-line-4 engine. The bigger engine is powerful enough for everyday activities but the six-speed transmission feels slow in delivering the requested power especially when a sudden downshift is needed. The V6 engine is coupled to an AWD drivetrain configuration in base trims but can be had with an FWD drivetrain in GT trim alone.
Models
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2017 Dodge Journey SE
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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L
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2017 Chevrolet Equinox L
|
2017 Kia Sorento L
|
MSRP
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$21,195
|
$25,350
|
$23,100
|
$25,600
|
Engine
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2.4L Inline-4
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2.4L Inline-4
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2.4L Inline-4
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2.4L Inline-4
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Drivetrain
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FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
Transmission
|
4-speed Automatic
|
6-speed Automatic
|
6-speed Automatic
|
6-speed Automatic
|
Power
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173hp @ 6000 rpm
|
185hp @ 6000 rpm
|
182hp @ 6700 rpm
|
185hp @ 6000 rpm
|
Torque
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166lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
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178lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
|
172lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
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178lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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0-60 MPH (sec)
|
11
|
9.1
|
8.7
|
9.4
|
Quarter mile (sec)
|
17.9
|
16.7
|
16.9
|
16.9
|
Top Speed (MPH)
|
119
|
132
|
122
|
123
|
The Journey is the only car in comparison with a four-speed automatic transmission. The outdated transmission takes a toll on the performance timings of the car. Even with output figures comparable to that of the competition, the 0-60 and quarter-mile timings lag behind by quite a margin. The Journey takes 11 seconds to reach 60mph from rest and 17.9 seconds for a quarter-mile, making it the slowest car in competition.
The Chevrolet Equinox is the fastest car among the rivals with better acceleration timings. The Kia Sorento and the Santa Fe Sport being sisters come equipped with the same engine and they have the highest performance figures. The performance quotient of modern six-speed automatic transmission over ancient four-speed automatics is clearly evident in this comparison.
How well does the 2017 Dodge Journey handle?
The 2017 Dodge Journey faces strong criticism on both ends. The four-cylinder engine is noisy and lacks the required power for such a large vehicle combined with an old four-speed transmission. The handling of the Journey is really impressive considering it is an SUV. The car feels sportier compared to some of its rivals when it comes to handling. The steering wheel is fairly precise and goes in the direction where you direct it.
The driving experience of the Dodge Journey is decent. Its handling characteristics are fairly good considering its size. The suspension does a good job of isolating the passengers from the rough pavements and bumps. The ride quality is good with decent roll control and proper damping. However, the body does lean a lot when driving through hard turns and corners.
2017 Dodge Journey Braking Performance
The brake pedal on the 2017 Journey feels soft and unresponsive. The heavier weight of the car does not help either with the braking performance. The car features 13-inch ventilated disc brakes on the front and 12.9-inch solid disk brakes on the rear. These brakes can bring the 3818-pound vehicle to rest from 60 mph in 128 ft. The braking system is complemented by the ABS and brake assist system for added safety.
Models
|
2017 Dodge Journey SE
|
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L
|
2017 Chevrolet Equinox L
|
2017 Kia Sorento L
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
13
|
12.6
|
12.6
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12.6
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
12.9
|
11.9
|
11.9
|
12
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3818
|
3624
|
3764
|
3704
|
60-0 MPH (feet)
|
128
|
125
|
119
|
130
|
The braking performance on the Journey is nothing to boast about. It barely outdoes the Kia Sorento in stopping by two feet to avoid the last position. To put things in perspective, the brakes on the Kia are smaller by an inch. The Equinox comes to a stop from 60 mph in an impressive 119 ft despite being heavy. The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport also fares better than the Dodge Journey in terms of braking; thanks to its lightweight chassis and comparably smaller dimensions.