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2020 Dodge Journey

Starting at $25,170

3.5/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2020 dodge journey driving
Dodge
3.5/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Lots of cabin space, intuitive infotainment, unbeatable price.
  • Lows Uninspired styling, dismal driving dynamics, needs driver-assist tech.
  • Verdict Practical for families with a budget, but ultimately disappointing.
By Eric Stafford and Mihir Maddireddy

Overview

The 2020 Dodge Journey is hands-down the cheapest three-row SUV you can buy today. Despite a design that is showing its age and features that are increasingly outdated, it undercuts the pricing of its competitors by thousands. Despite the Journey's sloppy driving dynamics, sluggish powertrain, and lack of driver-assistance technologies, the fact that it has a configurable cabin and a user-friendly infotainment system should appeal to price-conscious buyers.

What's New for 2020?

Dodge cuts down the number of available trims on the Journey from three to just two for 2020: the SE Value and the Crossroad. The other notable cuts are the absence of all-wheel drive and the optional V-6 engine that were paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The only powertrain available is now the antiquated 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder that is paired to a four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. Buyers can look forward to the addition of standard rear park assist to all models as well as a standard sunroof for the Crossroad trim level. Dodge also streamlines the option-picking process with the introduction of the Popular Equipment Group which bundles many features together, depending on trim level. In the SE Value trim, the package gives you a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, Uconnect with Voice Command and Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, three-zone climate control, security alarm, and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. The Crossroad's Popular Equipment Group adds a universal garage door opener, remote start, heated front seats and steering wheel, navigation, and a six-speaker sound system with a subwoofer. Dodge has announced that the Journey will finally come to an end after the 2020 model year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

With the absence of the V-6 and all-wheel drive for 2020, the rental-fleet-inspired SE Value version is our pick from the Journey lineup. With minimal options to choose from and minimal value added from the Popular Equipment Group at this level, we'd skip everything and stick with the bare-bones Journey.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Journey SE and Crossroad trims come with an underpowered four-cylinder engine that's best avoided—except you can't, since the V-6 is no longer offered. The 172-hp engine is woefully underpowered and the four-speed automatic transmission that's reluctant to downshift further dulls its real-world performance.

There are not many three-row crossovers that are entertaining to drive, so their ride and handling are graded on a curve. Even so, the Journey's ponderous handling and unresponsive transmission leave it far from getting a good rating from us. It wallows in corners with lots of body roll and imprecise steering. The benefit of this softness, however, is a comfortable ride on the freeway.

2020 Dodge Journey rear
Dodge

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The four-cylinder engine has the worst EPA ratings among competitors with similar powertrains, with 19 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. By comparison, the 2019 Honda CR-V is rated at 26 city and 32 mpg on the highway, while the 2019 Toyota C-HR is rated at 27/31.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Journey's interior is far from upscale, but its simple controls are user-friendly. Getting anyone to fit in the third row—even children—requires those in the second row to compromise their legroom. Cheap-feeling bits such as a plasticky shifter and hollow-sounding interior door-trim panels are especially egregious on the priciest version. Several luxury features including a power-adjustable passenger seat, cooled seats, and heated rear seats are notable in their absence from the options list.

Practicality is one of the few areas where the Journey shines: its interior is easily configurable and it has tons of cubby storage for odds and ends, even if its total cargo capacity isn't as large as some competitors. You can fold down the 50/50-split third row and the 60/40-split second row to expand the available cargo space, although the Journey offers the least amount of total cargo space of the vehicles in this class. In addition to the expected compartments in and around the console, there's also a generously sized bin under the front-passenger seat cushion, as well as two large underfloor compartments in the second row.

2020 Dodge Journey interior
Dodge

Infotainment and Connectivity

Although every model features an easy-to-use touchscreen, the system has fewer features than many other Dodge products. Likewise, the larger screen is responsive, but we wish Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability were offered here. There's also only a single USB port up front—not great for the device-happy spawn likely to inhabit the back seats.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The Journey's lackluster safety report card reveals that it's not the best choice when it comes to sheltering your precious onboard cargo. Its crash-test results are not great, and—what's worse—it offers none of the advanced driver-assistance technology that is expected in other family haulers. The only available safety feature is rear parking sensors.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Dodge's warranty coverage is average, and Journey buyers won't enjoy complimentary scheduled maintenance.

  • Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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