2020 Dodge Journey

• Overview

  

  The Dodge Journey fits in well in the mid-size SUV category, but it's incredible value proposition blows the doors off most models in the segment. The 2020 Dodge Journey starts at an MSRP of just $23,675 and earns the distinction of being one of the most affordable SUVs in its class. It is the ideal family-friendly SUV. Even more impressive is that the 2020 Dodge Journey was ranked #1 brand in initial quality & driver appeal among mass-market brands by J.D. Power.

  Dodge continues to streamline the Journey model lineup to eliminate confusion and help buyers shop with ease. Available in two trims for 2020 - the base SE Value and the upgraded Crossroad - the Journey gains budget SUV buyers access to a larger vehicle with three rows of seats. Even fully-equipped, the 2020 Dodge Journey remains an affordable choice with plenty of great features for families.

  Pricing aside, the Journey’s roomy interior makes it perfect for growing families. With 67.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, it also comes through for weekend hauling. All that space and utility doesn’t mean a bumpy, truck-like ride, though. Car and Driver accurately points out that the 2020 Dodge Journey is “a comfortable ride on the freeway.”

  There’s a lot to like about the 2020 Dodge Journey, but most of all is its affordability. The base price of well under $25,000 means more buyers can enter the mid-size SUV category and not break the bank. Because of its many comfort and convenience features, the Journey can be equipped with the stylish extras some buyers want while still staying true to its value-oriented roots.

  Bottom line: The 2020 Dodge Journey is perfect for families on a budget. With two affordable trims to choose from, adding a little luxury on top of all that practicality is easy. Thanks to abundant cargo space and a generous assortment of cubbies and storage bins, the Journey’s interior supports busy family lifestyles, keeping gear neatly hidden and readily available. We give the 2020 Journey an enthusiastic thumb’s up for both value and practicality.

  173

  Horsepower (hp)

  19 / 25

  Fuel Economy (city/hwy mpg)

  67.6

  Cargo Space (cu.ft.)

  Starting at

  $23,675

• Capability and Performance

  

  Get Places With the Dodge Journey

  The 2020 Dodge Journey sits on the Chrysler JC platform, the same one previously used for Chrysler’s minivan lineup. Why is this good news? It means the Journey has an elongated wheelbase - 113.8-inches, to be exact - and it’s why the Journey is so roomy. It’s also why the Journey offers a smooth, car-like ride, which is a nice departure from some of its boxier and more rugged competitors.

  Speaking of its platform, the 2020 Dodge Journey enjoys a unique position in its category: because the SUV is built on a car/minivan platform, it is somewhat of a minivan disguised as an SUV. Why is this good? Minivans are beneficial for families in large part because they’re so roomy. The Journey ticks that roominess box, offering three rows of seats, but in an SUV body style. That means buyers hesitant to drive a minivan get all the benefits with none of the stigma.

  What's Under the Hood?

  The 2020 Journey is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), delivering an impressive highway fuel economy rating of 25 MPG. VVT helps engines deliver better fuel economy, better emissions, and peak performance by varying the timing of each valve. VVT-equipped engines commonly achieve more peak power - sometimes as much as 25% more - than engines without it.

  One overlooked but appreciated characteristic of the Dodge Journey is its fuel tank. Combined with its impressive highway fuel efficiency, on a full tank, the Journey can travel up to 500 miles. That means fewer stops at the gas station, so you arrive at your destination a little faster. Towing a boat or small RV? The Journey has you covered with standard Trailer Sway Control, which automatically applies the brakes and adjusts the throttle to keep the trailer stable.

• Safety

  

  The 2020 Dodge Journey puts safety at the forefront, starting with its size advantage. With an overall length of 192.4-inches and a curb weight of 3,818 lbs, the Journey sits at the larger end of the category. The interior cabin is protected by the Journey’s special dual-phase steel frame, which is designed to absorb the energy from a collision and draw it away from occupants.

  The Journey Always Puts Safety First

  The 2020 Journey is equipped with carefully-located airbags designed to deploy when a collision occurs. Beginning with front advanced multistage airbags, which detect the severity of a crash and adjust how much they inflate based on the protection needed, this suite of airbags are each designed for a specific task. Also included as standard equipment are supplemental side-curtain, front seat mounted, and driver’s knee bolster airbags.

  Also included is Brake Assist technology, which aids drivers in an emergency braking situation by detecting the rate at which the driver brakes and applying additional braking to bring the vehicle to a stop faster. The four-wheel disc antilock brakes can send braking cues independently to each wheel for optimal stopping capability.

  The standard ParkView backup camera is a welcome addition to the Journey, giving driver’s a complete view of the area behind the vehicle, especially handy when backing out of a parking space or a driveway. The backup camera displays helpful guidelines on the infotainment touchscreen for expert parking assistance, and the standard ParkSense Rear Park Assist System uses sensors mounted in the rear bumper to detect potential hazards when backing up.

• Interior

  

  The Journey Is Perfect for Families

  The 2020 Dodge Journey is best appreciated for its roomy interior and ample cargo capacity. Thanks to a convenient 60/40 split second-row bench, the Journey’s cabin is easily configurable to accommodate a wide range of passengers and cargo, even long items, like skis and lumber. The 2nd row incorporates Tilt ’n Slide technology, a one-hand-only system that makes adjusting seats easy and painless.

  Every Dodge Journey comes standard with a third row of seating, providing room for up to seven passengers, and the third row is easily accessible from either passenger door. Upgrade to the high-end Journey Crossroad and enjoy leather-trimmed seats with special mesh inserts and additional leather trim accents throughout the cabin. The Crossroad also offers a 10-way power driver’s seat and tri-zone climate control.

  Plenty of Options for Storage

  Storage abounds inside the Dodge Journey and includes in-floor cargo storage in the back, which keeps the trunk area clear and contains gear to a hidden space. There’s even a nifty in-floor insulated cooler in the second row, great for busy families heading to and from sports practice or an afternoon of tailgating.

  High-Tech Features

  The driver and passengers will all stay entertained, thanks to the 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect, Dodge’s connectivity operating system. The available navigation and premium sound system add a 368-watt amplifier to the standard six-speaker audio system, as well as a digital signal processing feature that enhances sound quality inside the cabin. The kids will love the optional rear entertainment system, a nine-inch screen located in the overhead console that can be used to watch movies or even play video games while on the go.

Dan Cummins of Georgetown