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2020 Dodge Journey review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Dodge Journey highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Extra versatility provided by a standard three-row seat
  • Price-competitive against smaller vehicles
  • Some clever features such as built-in booster seats available

Cons

  • Lacks many modern safety and convenience features, even in top trims
  • Below-average fuel economy
  • Disappointing and outdated base engine and transmission

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 25 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

The 2020 Dodge Journey is the final model year for this midsize SUV

Introduced way back in 2009, the 2020 Dodge Journey is the final model year for this midsize three-row SUV. Once available with multiple trims and engine configurations, including a powerful V6 and all-wheel drive, this final edition comes only in two trims, SE Value and Crossroad, both powering only their front wheels with a four-cylinder engine.

The Journey is best suited for those shopping on a tight budget but who need three rows of seating. There are a few clever options, such as an entertainment package that includes built-in booster seats in the second row.

If you choose the Journey, you won’t be getting amenities like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and there are no modern driver assist systems available, even forward collision warning. The engine is connected to an old-school four-speed automatic transmission, which saps power and hurts fuel economy.

All Dodge Journey years

What is new for the 2020 Dodge Journey?

  • The GT trim has been discontinued for 2020.
  • Journey trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors and Sunroof(s) as standard equipment this year.
  • Apple CarPlay features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 Dodge Journey trims

Curious how Dodge Journey trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE:

  • 173-hp, 166-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
  • Parking Sensors
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Third Row Seat
  • Smart Key
  • Rear View Camera
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • View our Dodge Journey SE inventory

Crossroad:

Dodge Journey photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Dodge Journey

What We Like

Clever storage: The Journey has some interesting and clever storage solutions. For example, the passenger front seat cushion flips forward, revealing a hidden storage compartment. In the second row is another hidden compartment under the right passenger’s feet, and the cargo area floor hides yet another storage area. Coupled with the ample door pockets and cupholders throughout the cabin, the Journey can hide more small items than you might think at first glance.

Good sound system: The popular Equipment Group option package includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen that’s bright, clear, easy to use and comes with a powerful audio system that includes a subwoofer. We wish it had modern smartphone integration, but if you can live without that it’s a solid and well-rounded system.

Pop-up booster seats: Available as part of the rear-seat entertainment system, the pop-up boosters are a clever touch normally associated with Volvo. The center section of the seat pops up, giving toddlers a boost using the standard seat belt arrangement. It’s a neat idea, one that we wish other manufacturers had used.

What Needs Improvement

Outdated everything: The Dodge Journey debuted in 2009, and while it was updated in many ways, time and competitors simply passed it by. The driving dynamics are only so-so, the engine and transmission feel like they’re from a bygone era, and it’s not very quiet inside. A case can be made for the Journey based on its price, but we suggest shopping carefully.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.6 out of 5

8 customer reviews
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1
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Above Average

RepairPal gave the Dodge Journey an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Dodge Journey 19th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Dodge Journey is $569, compared to an average of $494 for Midsize SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

According to RepairPal, Dodge Journey owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.1 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Midsize SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 14% for the Dodge Journey, compared to an average of 14% for Midsize SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Dodge Journey features and specs

Crossroad 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.4L

Horsepower

173

Torque (ft-lbs)

166

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

20.5

Wheelbase

113.8"

Overall length

192.4"

Width

72.2"

Height

66.6"

Leg room

F 40.8"/M 36.1"/R 23.4"

Head room

F 39.2"/M 39.2"/R 37.7"

Front tires

P225/55HR19

Rear tires

P225/55HR19

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

100/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Dodge Journey FAQ


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