The Dodge Journey was introduced into Dodge’s lineup as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2009 and was made through 2020. Dodge vehicles are known for their reliability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey has a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs to 3,500 lbs depending on the model year, engine, and whether or not the Trailer Tow Prep package was installed.
There’s a bit more to know about Dodge Journey towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2020 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2020 Dodge Journey can tow 1,000 lbs across all trim levels.
A 2023 Dodge Journey SE Value can tow 1,000 pounds.
A 2023 Dodge Journey Crossroad can tow 1,000 pounds.
| Dodge JourneyTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| SE Value | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | 173 hp | 166 lb.-ft |
| Crossroad | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | 173 hp | 166 lb.-ft |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Dodge Journey Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Dodge Journey Braked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Dodge Journey Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Dodge Journey Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Dodge Journey tow capacity.
Model Year
The Journey’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
Some early years had a max towing capability of 3,500 pounds, while the final year (2020) could only pull 1,000 pounds.
Recent model years of the Journey have a tow rating of 2,000 pounds.
Engine
For some years of the Journey, you could tow up to 1,000 more pounds just by having a 3.6L engine instead of a 2.4L engine.
Towing Package
For earlier years of the Dodge Journey, you could only reach the max tow rating of 3,500 pounds by having the Trailer Tow Prep package installed.
Dodge Journey Engine Specs
There is one engine option for the most recent generation Dodge Journey.
Dodge Journey 2.4L 4-Cylinder Gas Engine
The Dodge Journey gas engine is a 2.4 Liter inline 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine paired with a 4-speed transmission
This engine produces 172 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft of torque.
Dodge Journey Tow Package Info
Does The Dodge Journey Have A Tow Package?
Dodge offered a factory-installed towing package called the Trailer Tow Group on select trim levels of the Journey..
The Dodge Journey Trailer Tow Group includes the following:
- Class II Trailer Hitch
- Wiring Harness
In addition, the Journey also offered select towing features on specific trim levels:
- Traction control
- Sway control
- Electronic stability control
- Electronic roll mitigation
- Anti-lock brakes
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Dodge Journey?
If you plan on towing anything with your Dodge Journey, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Dodge Journey Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Dodge Journey uses a Class 2 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class II Dodge Journey trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 400 lbs. tongue weight, 4,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 400 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Dodge Journey
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Journey:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Dodge Journey Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Journey, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Dodge Journey trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Dodge Journey Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Journey to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Journey.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2019 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2019 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2019 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2019 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2018 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2018 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2018 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2018 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2017 Dodge Journey Tow Capacity
The 2017 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2017 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2017 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2016 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2016 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2016 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2016 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2015 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2015 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2015 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2015 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2014 Dodge Journey Tow Capacity
The 2014 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2014 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2014 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2013 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2013 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2013 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2013 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2012 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2012 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2012 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2012 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2011 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2011 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs depending on which engine it has.
The 2011 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2011 Dodge Journey with a 3.6L engine can pull up to 2,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg | 3.6L |
2010 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2010 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine and if it had a Trailer Tow Prep package installed.
The 2010 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2010 Dodge Journey with a 3.5L engine without the Trailer Tow Prep package can pull up to 2,000 pounds.
The 2010 Dodge Journey with a 3.5L engine with the Trailer Tow Prep package can pull up to 3,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Tow Prep Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | N/A |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 3.5L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.5L | Yes |
2009 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity
The 2009 Dodge Journey can tow between 1,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine and if it had a Trailer Tow Prep package installed.
The 2009 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L engine can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
The 2009 Dodge Journey with a 2.7L or 3.5L engine without the Trailer Tow Prep package can pull up to 2,000 pounds.
The 2009 Dodge Journey with a 2.7L engine with the Trailer Tow Prep package can pull up to 3,000 pounds.
The 2009 Dodge Journey with a 2.7L engine with the Trailer Tow Prep package can pull up to 3,500 pounds.
| Dodge Journey Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Tow Prep Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | N/A |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L or 3.5L | No |
| All | 3,000 lbs / 1,361 kg | 2.7L | Yes |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.6L | Yes |
