2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Dodge Journey
In comparing the 2012 Subaru Forester's and the 2012 Dodge Journey's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2012 Dodge Journey has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2012 Subaru Forester's and the 2012 Dodge Journey's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2012 Dodge Journey.
2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Dodge Journey Pricing
A used 2012 Subaru Forester ranges from $6,988 to $16,045 while a used 2012 Dodge Journey is priced between $4,987 to $20,810.
2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Dodge Journey Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2012 Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value and the 2012 Dodge Journey loses 48.3 percent of its value. This means the 2012 Subaru Forester retains 9.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2012 Dodge Journey.
2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Dodge Journey Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Dodge Journey's quality rating is 7.5 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Dodge Journey being ranked 37 out of 66.
2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Dodge Journey Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10. For the Dodge Journey the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Dodge Journey.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2012 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2012 Dodge Journey base engine makes 173 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 456 miles. The Journey is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 533 miles.This gives the 2012 Subaru Forester the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2012 Dodge Journey the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
The 2012 Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The 2012 Dodge Journey, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2012 Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the 2012 Dodge Journey, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
6988 - 16045
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
4987 - 20810
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.482687
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.563112 / 10
Reliability:
8.589335 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Dodge Journey Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.466667 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 58Ranking
17 out of / 49Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Dodge Journey Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 8Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 22Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
22 out of / 22Ranking
22 out of / 22Ranking
22 out of / 22Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 30Ranking
30 out of / 30Ranking
30 out of / 30Ranking
31 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 31Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Ranking
53 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 66Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Summary Review
The Dodge Journey is one of America’s most affordable 7-passenger vehicles. Those looking for the best bang for their buck may want to give it a look.
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Pros and Cons
- Lowest entry price in its class
- Some years (’14-’19) had an optional V6 and AWD
- Inexpensive to buy used
- Limited new availability
- Poor safety scores
- Poor value retention (see pros above for the bright side)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
2012 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Touring, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5XT Touring
2012 Dodge Journey Trim Levels
American Value Package, Crew, Lux, R/T, SE, SXT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
166 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.046 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
355 / 456 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 533 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
33.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Cargo Space:
39.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
67.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3250 lbs
Width:
79 inches
Height:
65.9 inches
Length:
179.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3796 lbs
Width:
83.7 inches
Height:
66.6 inches
Length:
192.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/70R16