The 2017 Dodge Journey with the 3.6L V6 gets 19 MPG combined. It’s a figure that elicits few gasps of excitement, and it won’t win any bragging rights. But for families who absolutely need three rows of seating on a tight budget, and who prioritize space and practicality over fuel efficiency, it’s a compromise they might make. The Journey isn’t trying to be a fuel-sipping hybrid, it’s an affordable workhorse designed to haul kids, cargo, and all the associated baggage that comes with family life.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Dodge Journey offer a straightforward picture of its performance. Expect around 17 MPG during typical city driving. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent red lights, and lower average speeds mean the Journey’s weight and conventional six-speed automatic transmission use more gas. On the open road, the story improves somewhat. The 25 MPG highway rating is achievable, but requires a light foot and consistently cruising at moderate speeds. Remember, the 3.6L V6 has enough power to overtake and merge confidently, but using that power impacts fuel consumption. This isn’t a vehicle designed for hypermiling, it’s designed to get you and your family where you need to go, even if it’s not the most efficient way to do it.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Dodge Journey 3.6L at $2,300. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a mix of city and highway driving habits, and national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs, of course, will vary depending on your driving habits, the specific regions where you drive, and the fluctuating price of gasoline. If you primarily drive in the city or tend to accelerate aggressively, expect to spend considerably more than $2,300 annually. If you do mostly highway miles and practice fuel-efficient driving techniques, you might save a bit. Don’t forget to consider the octane requirements, the 3.6L V6 runs fine on regular unleaded, which helps keep costs down.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, remember that your mileage may vary. Real-world driving conditions rarely align perfectly with laboratory testing. Load up the Journey with passengers and cargo, and its fuel efficiency will drop noticeably. Towing, even within the vehicle’s modest towing capacity, will have a significant impact. Aggressive driving, rapid acceleration, and extended idling will all increase fuel consumption. On long highway trips, expect to see figures closer to the EPA’s 25 MPG estimate, but in mixed driving, especially with a lead foot, you’ll likely hover closer to the combined 19 MPG figure, or even slightly below it. Before buying, read reviews from owners to see what JOURNEY MPG across all years drivers are experiencing in similar conditions to your own.

How it compares

The 2017 Dodge Journey isn’t winning any fuel economy awards. Compared to other three-row SUVs, it lags behind. For example, the 2017 Honda Pilot, with its 3.5L V6, achieves a combined EPA rating of 22 MPG even with AWD. It offers better fuel economy and more refined driving dynamics. The Toyota Highlander, another popular choice in this segment, gets around 23 MPG combined with its V6 engine. The Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned for better efficiency, also returns around 22 MPG combined. Even within the Dodge family, Dodge fuel economy data reveals that more modern SUVs offer superior efficiency. The Journey’s primary advantage lies in its lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who can tolerate the fuel economy penalty in exchange for three-row seating and available features.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Be mindful of your acceleration and braking habits. The Journey’s 3.6L V6 is responsive, but aggressive acceleration burns fuel quickly. Practice smooth, gradual acceleration, and anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking. A lighter foot on the gas pedal can significantly improve your fuel economy, especially in city driving.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. This is especially important when carrying heavy loads or embarking on long trips.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment. Even a few extra pounds can add up over time and impact your fuel economy, especially during city driving. A roof rack will also cut fuel economy, so take it off when you’re not using it.

Avoid excessive idling. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. 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 the fuel saved by turning off the engine will outweigh the energy used to restart it.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Be mindful of hills, and adjust your speed accordingly to avoid excessive downshifting, which can negate the fuel savings.

The 2017 Journey has other qualities, though these numbers make it clear that fuel economy is not one of them.