The 2017 Dodge Journey with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine gets 21 MPG combined. Let’s be frank: nobody buys a Journey for its fuel efficiency. They buy it for its low price, available third-row seating, and utilitarian nature. The four-cylinder is the entry-level option, chosen primarily by those seeking the absolute lowest upfront cost, even if it means sacrificing performance and not gaining much in fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for this Journey configuration. While 25 MPG might sound respectable, remember that this figure is achieved under ideal, steady-state conditions. The Journey, with its somewhat dated four-speed automatic transmission, needs to work hard to maintain highway speeds, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo. That constant gear shifting and engine strain chip away at that 25 MPG number quickly.

In the city, the Journey’s heavy curb weight means it’s constantly needing throttle input to move with traffic, further eroding the already uninspiring 19 MPG rating. This is due to the modest power output of the 2.4L engine.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Dodge Journey 2.4L is $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a good starting point for comparison, but your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the price of gasoline in your area.

Expect that $2,100 figure to climb higher if you primarily drive in stop-and-go traffic or tend to accelerate quickly. You can compare this figure to other vehicles and explore all Dodge fuel economy data to get a better sense of the Journey’s efficiency relative to the broader market.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently achieve the EPA’s estimates in real-world driving. Journey owners report slightly lower MPG figures than the official ratings, especially in combined driving. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and driving style significantly impact fuel economy.

Some drivers might achieve the advertised 25 MPG on long highway trips when driving conservatively, but stop-and-go city driving can easily drag the average down closer to the 17-18 MPG range. The four-speed automatic transmission doesn’t help, as it lacks the efficiency of modern five, six, or even eight-speed transmissions, which offer closer gear ratios for optimal engine performance at different speeds. If you’re curious about JOURNEY MPG across all years, you’ll find consistent results.

How it compares

The 2017 Dodge Journey 2.4L’s fuel economy lags behind many of its competitors. For example, the 2017 Honda CR-V, a smaller but more efficient SUV, achieves 28 MPG combined with its base engine. The 2017 Toyota RAV4 manages 26 MPG combined. Even the larger 2017 Kia Sorento achieves 24 MPG combined with its base four-cylinder.

These comparisons are important for potential Journey buyers. They highlight that while the Journey might win on price, it loses ground when considering long-term fuel costs. The comparison isn’t necessarily apples-to-apples in terms of size, but the Journey’s price point often puts it in consideration against these vehicles.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is your best friend in the 2.4L Journey. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking, as these actions consume significantly more fuel. The Journey’s four-speed transmission isn’t the most responsive, so anticipating traffic flow and gradually increasing speed will help keep the engine in its most efficient range.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, which is usually found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The more weight you carry in your vehicle, the lower your fuel economy will be. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger seats. Every extra 100 pounds can noticeably impact fuel consumption.

Avoid extended idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without getting you anywhere.