The snuck up on us during our 2012 Sport/Utility of the Year program as finally being a serious contender in the segment. Available with two engines, two transmissions, front- or all-wheel drive, and with an available third row of seating, we were impressed with its stylish interior design, hidden storage compartments, and V-6 engine. The base engine of the 2012 Journey is a 2.4-liter I-4 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that produces 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. The base engine/transmission pairing is only available with front-drive on the Journey AVP and Journey SE. The engine you’ll want is ’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that produces 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and is available with front- and all-wheel drive. The 2012 Journey’s interior is full of upscale pieces that put most of its stablemates to shame.
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The Journey allows seating for up to seven passengers. The Journey is also full of hidden cubbies (like one available under the front passenger seat) and tech touches that buyers are likely to appreciate in a midsize crossover. Bodystyle: SUV Engines: 2.4L, I-4; 3.6L, V-6 Transmissions: 4-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic Models: AVP, Journey SE, Dodge Journey SXT. Dodge Journey SXT, Dodge Journey Crew, Dodge Journey R/T Dodge created a new base trim level for 2012, the Journey AVP (short for American Value Package). The Journey AVP starts at just under $19,000 for two-row Journeys and just under $20,000 for three-row Journeys. The Journey AVP cuts content a bit, offering cloth seats, 16-inch steel wheels, and the underpowered (for a crossover) 2.4-liter I-4 paired with a dated four-speed automatic. There are a few minor content changes across the rest of the Journey lineup: SE models now come standard with a roof rack and LED taillights; SXT models now come standard with a unique front fascia, fog lights, and Sirius XM Satellite radio; Crew models now get 19-inch wheels and a fold-flat front passenger seat with in-seat storage.
Also all new for 2012 is the top-of-the-line R/T model which gets a monochromatic exterior, unique 19-inch wheels and a black leather interior with red accent stitching. The Dodge Journey is a typical inoffensively styled midsize crossover. Up front the Journey wears Dodge’s signature split-crosshair grille and out back (on all trim levels except for the AVP) the Journey get’s Dodge’s “ring of fire” LED taillamps. Journeys equipped with the optional Pentastar V-6 are differentiated by a unique front fascia with fog lamps, and dual chrome exhaust tips in back; R/T models are further distinguished by its monochromatic exterior and unique 19-inch wheels.
The Dodge Journey’s interior is intelligently packaged, and very well may be one of the best interiors Dodge has to offer. The Journey’s interior is available with either two or three rows of seating. Both rows are capable of folding flat to offer 67.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Journey’s second row offers a child-sized booster seat in the middle to allow parents easier access to their toddler.
The Journey is also notable for the prevalence of storage cubbies like the two standard under-floor cubbies in front of the second row, and the optional flip-up storage compartment under the front passenger’s seat. Midsize crossovers like the Dodge Journey aren’t geared toward performance. That said, we’ve found Journey crossovers equipped with the 3.6-liter 283-hp V-6 and the six-speed automatic to perform respectably. In our testing, a Journey Crew with all-wheel drive accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The other engine option, a 2.4-liter 173-hp I-4 bolted to a four-speed automatic is one we’d avoid at all costs.
The I-4-equipped Journey returns an EPA-estimated 19/26 mpg city/highway — not good enough in our book to warrant its choice over the V-6 which can return 17/25 mpg city/highway with front-drive, and 16/24 mpg city/highway in all-wheel-drive form. As expected in a modern crossover, the 2012 Dodge Journey comes loaded with safety features. All 2012 Journeys come standard including front driver and passenger airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags. 2012 Journeys also get standard traction control, electronic stability control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and Trailer-sway Control.
All-wheel drive, and Trailer-Sway Control are both available safety-related options on the Journey. The 2012 Dodge Journey is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. Journey AVP: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway Journey SE: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway Journey SXT: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway (FWD); 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway (AWD) Journey Crew: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway (FWD); 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway (AWD) Journey R/T: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway (FWD); 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway (AWD).
Countless hidden storage compartments. Well thought-out interior design. Comfortable ride. Gutless I-4 and its four-speed auto Easily overlooked but better than ever.
Recalls Recalls Recall ID#11V550000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID Consequence THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall Date 2011-11-10 Description CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. SOME VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID AND MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF THE SEALING COMPONENTS WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. Remedy CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2012.
OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. Units Affected 340 Recall ID#11V487000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Consequence CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall Date 2011-09-29 Description CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Remedy CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. Units Affected 667 Recall ID#15V431000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Consequence If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire. Recall Date 2015-07-07 Description Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines.
In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold. Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge.
The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32. Units Affected 145379 Recall ID#15V675000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK Consequence If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall Date 2015-10-19 Description Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary.
These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015.
Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61. Units Affected 275187 Recall ID#15V675000 - ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL Consequence If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall Date 2015-10-19 Description Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler's number for this recall is R61. Units Affected 275187 Recall ID#16V273000 - STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS Consequence A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall Date 2016-05-06 Description Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist. Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge.
The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler's number for this recall is S08. Units Affected 8569 Recall ID#17V432000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Consequence Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury. Recall Date 2017-07-07 Description Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47. Units Affected 363480.
After being completely redesigned for 2011, only one thing kept the Dodge Charger from being a success. Now it's got it: For 2012 models, the Charger gets a new eight-speed transmission that gives the standard V-6 engine a boost in both performance and fuel economy.
The new transmission brings fresh features, like paddle shifters and a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. There are also a few other changes for 2012 (see the model years ). I tested a Charger SXT with the SXT Plus option package, which included the new eight-speed automatic transmission standard; the previous five-speed is still the base transmission on SE models. Choosing the base V-6 engine doesn't mean getting a stripped Charger; the V-6 can be loaded with as many gadgets as the V-8-powered Charger R/T, though experience suggests you might not want some of them.
![Dwggateway 2012 Dodge Dwggateway 2012 Dodge](http://images.newcars.com/images/car-pictures/original/2012-Dodge-Durango-SUV-SXT-4dr-4x2-Exterior-Profile.png)
The SRT8 is the top-dog, high-performance model, and it's separately. See all four trim levels compared.
8 + 6 = 31 The new, optional eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the six-cylinder engine results in an impressive 31 mpg highway rating, up from 27 mpg with the five-speed automatic. Official EPA ratings are 19/31 mpg city/highway, 23 mpg combined, with rear-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, which is a $2,350 option on the SXT, the rating is 18/27 mpg.
That 31 mpg rating was easy to reach on an 80-mile highway trip, according to the in-car mileage computer. A longer 200-mile drive on mos. Show full review. After being completely redesigned for 2011, only one thing kept the Dodge Charger from being a success. Now it's got it: For 2012 models, the Charger gets a new eight-speed transmission that gives the standard V-6 engine a boost in both performance and fuel economy.
The new transmission brings fresh features, like paddle shifters and a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. There are also a few other changes for 2012 (see the model years ). I tested a Charger SXT with the SXT Plus option package, which included the new eight-speed automatic transmission standard; the previous five-speed is still the base transmission on SE models. Choosing the base V-6 engine doesn't mean getting a stripped Charger; the V-6 can be loaded with as many gadgets as the V-8-powered Charger R/T, though experience suggests you might not want some of them. The SRT8 is the top-dog, high-performance model, and it's separately. See all four trim levels compared. 8 + 6 = 31 The new, optional eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the six-cylinder engine results in an impressive 31 mpg highway rating, up from 27 mpg with the five-speed automatic.
Official EPA ratings are 19/31 mpg city/highway, 23 mpg combined, with rear-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, which is a $2,350 option on the SXT, the rating is 18/27 mpg. That 31 mpg rating was easy to reach on an 80-mile highway trip, according to the in-car mileage computer. A longer 200-mile drive on mostly highways resulted in 27 mpg according to the computer and 26.5 mpg according to my calculations — still impressive, considering I didn't take a leisurely pace. Base SE trim levels come with the five-speed automatic that was used exclusively in the 2011 model year; it's most easily identified by the traditional Park/Reverse/Neutral/Drive gear selector. The eight-speed automatic is a $1,000 option on SE trims and standard on the SXT. It uses a less-conventional shifter that's identified by the lack of a pull-down PRND gate.
You pick gears by tapping the selector forward or back rather than by moving the whole stalk through a gate. The unique shifter was awkward to use until I realized it takes a significant pull or push to get the car into Drive or Park. When I pulled lightly, I ended up in Neutral, stuck between Drive and Park. Other editors found the gear selector awkward, and one said he thought it felt cheap, like the pieces were going to break off.
Included in an optional Rallye package ($1,595) on the SXT Plus are paddle shifters and a Sport mode, along with other features like unique wheels, suspension and sport seats. Sport mode is purely a transmission function for faster shifts that also holds gears longer, for spirited driving. It works well in that regard, but the paddle shifters don't give much more control over the transmission when downshifting.
I often wanted to downshift another gear but was locked out of doing so. Performance Dodge's eight-speed transmission is a must-have to wring the most from the standard 292-horsepower V-6. Compared with the old five-speed, it's a worthy upgrade not only for the improved gas mileage (1 mpg in the city and 4 mpg on the highway) but also for the enhanced driving experience. The engine's already-peaky power is more accessible with the new transmission, which reduces the time it takes for the car to get up and go, especially when downshifting to pass on the highway. The engine revs faster and hits its peak power sooner for improved acceleration. Upshifts are seamless and quiet, with nary a sign of the gear hunting so common among transmissions with six or more gears. As noted by other editors, the 3.6-liter's accelerator pedal isn't very responsive to inputs in regular or Sport mode.
There's a lag between hitting the pedal and seeing engine speed jump. I'm sure that's great for fuel economy, but not having much immediacy in the throttle doesn't give confidence for performance driving. In contrast, Ford's optional is a more responsive engine with a ton of guts that doesn't require winding out to redline, as does the Charger's V-6. The turbocharged Taurus engine is rated 22/32 mpg city/highway, 25 mpg combined, besting the Charger's 23 mpg combined rating. Note, however, that EcoBoost is a $995 option; the base Taurus is priced almost even with an eight-speed Charger SE. For a full-size sedan, the Charger is outside the norm with its rear-wheel drive.
The Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Azera are all front-wheel drive, while the Taurus is front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. Those concerned about winter driving can opt for the all-wheel-drive upgrade on the SXT, but it's not available on the SE.
Our Charger SXT's rear-wheel-drive configuration was most apparent in its sporty driving dynamics, assisted by the optional performance suspension and 20-inch wheels that are part of the $1,595 Rallye Appearance Group. The SXT's handling is sporty in everything from mild to moderately spirited driving, with good steering feedback and not much body roll. When pushing the car hard, though, the squealing tires make it apparent that the car is still far from the confidence-inspiring SRT8 and its adaptive suspension.
There's some road noise with the package's high-performance all-season tires, though ride quality is still very comfortable. Combined with the 31 mpg highway rating, that means the Charger is an excellent road-tripper. Interior & Features When the Charger was redesigned for 2011, the biggest improvement over the old design was its interior, which had higher-quality materials, a more contemporary design and new features. For 2012, the interior remains unchanged and competitive.
The Taurus' higher trim levels have an edge, however, with an interior that borders on luxury. Unlike the Taurus, which is deceivingly massive on the outside but small on the inside, there's no shortage of space inside the Charger. It has generous legroom for front occupants and a comfy backseat for adults. I'm a slender 6 feet tall, and I fit in the rear with enough comfort for more than a stint around the block. All my passengers' attention instantly went to the massive 8.4-inch display, and rightfully so. The optional 8.4 Uconnect is one of my favorite systems to combine stereo, climate, vehicle information and navigation functions.
It's a large, easy-to-read and easy-to-use touch-screen that responds to inputs quickly with no lag. What's not great is the Garmin-based navigation system. The glitches haven't been ironed out after two model years, and the system infuriated multiple staffers.
Streets are scarcely labeled, the screen zooms out jerkily and leaves massive blank areas while it loads, and the display often glitches and gives up entirely. I eventually gave up and used my phone's navigation. Our test car was an early-built model equipped with navigation but lacking a backup camera. An electronics supply shortage caused by the tsunami in Japan affected the equipping of the bigger screen, navigation and backup camera, so not all 2012s will have the same packaging.
Some 2012 SXTs were built with the smaller 4.3-inch system instead of the standard 8.4 system; a discount will be applied to those models. The 8.4-inch screen is standard on SXTs, and the $995 navigation option includes a backup camera. The bundling of features continues with the Charger's blind spot warning system that's part of the $900 Technology Group, as well as the adaptive cruise control that's available on SXT Plus models (not regular SXTs) along with a forward collision warning system in the $925 Adaptive Cruise Control Group. Choosing the SXT Plus is a $2,000 upgrade over the regular SXT.
It adds leather seating, LED interior lighting, heated and cooled cupholders, heated front and rear seats, 12-way adjustable seats with four-way lumbar, and a security alarm. Safety As crash-test ratings go, you won't get much more reassurance than the Dodge Charger boasts. It earns the highest overall scores from both of the major crash-test organizations: The Charger is a Top Safety Pick at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, the Charger earned five-star overall ratings for both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. See for a list of standard safety features. Our test car also had a couple of active-safety options: the blind spot and forward collision warning systems.
The features have their usefulness at times, but I found them to be excessively active with their beeps, lights and warning buzzers. It felt like an overly cautious mom was riding in the passenger seat yelling, 'You're too close to the other cars!' When there was clearly enough room. The assists can be turned off — try that with your mom — and you won't be completely wasting money by not using the features, as they come in two different option packages. Forward collision warning is part of the Adaptive Cruise Control Group that also includes a heated steering wheel, while the blind spot feature is part of the Driver Confidence Group ($1,495) that also includes HID headlamps, backup camera, heated power mirrors and rain-sensing wipers.
Dodge Charger in the Market With its rear-wheel-drive configuration, the Charger offers a unique combination of sporty driving characteristics (with the optional suspension) while delivering lots of room and 31 mpg when equipped with the V-6 and eight-speed transmission. Among all the boring point-A-to-point-B sedans on the market, the Charger will stand out.
Hide full review. What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty? Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.
What is a Powertrain warranty? Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.