2020 Dodge Journey Review
Price Range: $14,550 - $19,998





+57
Below Average
5.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Dodge Journey is an aging vehicle that's been left behind by competitors in terms of technology, performance, dynamics, cargo space, passenger space, fuel economy, comfort and quality. By almost every metric, it's a backmarker in the small three-row SUV class.
For sale nearby
42 listings
- $14,550fair price$1,127 below market
- 82,432 miles
- No accidents, 3 Owners, Corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl Automatic
- Driveway (2,276 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
Close
Located in Mission Hills, CA
Rare Find,3rd Row Seat,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Keyless Start,Leather Seats,Satellite Radio,Sunroof / Moonroof,Power Door Locks,Satellite...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3C4PDCGB6LT188509
Stock: LT188509P
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $17,921fair price$670 below market
- 30,628 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 4cyl Automatic
- Driveway (2,286 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Clovis, CA
Low Mileage,Rare Find,3rd Row Seat,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Keyless Start,Satellite Radio,Steel Wheels,Power Door Locks,Satellite Radio,B...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3C4PDCABXLT269408
Stock: LT269408T
Certified Pre-Owned: No - 55,864 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use only
- 4cyl Automatic
- CarMax McKinney (1,139 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Parking sensors
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Located in McKinney, TX
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3C4PDCAB4LT220639
Stock: 26760284
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2020 Dodge Journey Review

byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Extra versatility provided by a standard three-row seat
- Low price for the segment
Cons
- Lacks many modern safety and convenience features even in top trims
- Below-average fuel economy
- Disappointing and outdated base engine and transmission
- Lags competitors in handling and drivability
What's new
- Base trim renamed to SE Value
- GT trim and V6 engine dropped
- Part of the first Journey generation introduced in 2009
Overview
For 2020, the Dodge Journey is sent once more unto the breach in an attempt to woo you over with its low price and ... well, not much else. This small seven-seat SUV was once available in a multitude of trim levels and offered a strong optional V6 engine and available all-wheel drive. Now Dodge has stripped the Journey down and simplified it to only two trim levels and one available engine and transmission. It also can only be had in front-wheel drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Dodge Journey SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$175/mo for Journey SE Value
Journey SE Value
vs
$178/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Briefly ahead of its time, the Journey has been largely forgotten by Dodge and left with a low-budget interior, an underpowered engine and subpar driving dynamics. Even its low starting price isn't enough to make much of a case for the Journey since most of its main competitors can be had for similar money.
In its class, the Kia Sorento leads the way with more space, an abundance of features and an excellent warranty, with the stylish Volkswagen Tiguan coming in second thanks to its safety features and user-friendly tech interface. The recently rehabilitated Mitsubishi Outlander is a more distant third but is still a considerably better option than the Journey.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Below Average
5.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Dodge Journey is an aging vehicle that's been left behind by competitors in terms of technology, performance, dynamics, cargo space, passenger space, fuel economy, comfort and quality. By almost every metric, it's a backmarker in the small three-row SUV class.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
5.5/10
How does the Journey drive? With its four-cylinder engine and ancient four-speed automatic transmission (rivals offer more sophisticated six-or eight-speed automatics), the Dodge Journey accelerates more slowly than many competitors. The steering remains appropriately light, but it also lacks any feeling. A dim bright spot for the Journey are its brakes, which are light and easy to control around town with sufficient stopping power for this heavy SUV. But during panic stops, the pedal is a bit squishy, and the vehicle doesn't always track straight.
The Journey feels downright sloppy, wobbling and bouncing through curves. It never really feels in control of itself the way a modern vehicle should. Overall, the Journey has been left behind in terms of driving dynamics and handling by the new generation of three-row SUVs.
The Journey feels downright sloppy, wobbling and bouncing through curves. It never really feels in control of itself the way a modern vehicle should. Overall, the Journey has been left behind in terms of driving dynamics and handling by the new generation of three-row SUVs.
Comfort
6.5/10
How comfortable is the Journey? The Journey is well insulated from road and tire noise, but traffic and wind noise fills the cabin. The soft suspension cushions large bumps well but tends toward exaggerated bounciness especially at higher speeds.
The driver's seat is soft and not very supportive except for the firm lumbar support. The passenger and second-row seats have firmer cushions because of their hidden storage compartments. The third-row seat is stiff and flat.
The driver's seat is soft and not very supportive except for the firm lumbar support. The passenger and second-row seats have firmer cushions because of their hidden storage compartments. The third-row seat is stiff and flat.
Interior
6.5/10
How’s the interior? The front is roomy, and the second row has good head- and legroom. But Dodge routed the rear air vents through the roof, which makes the interior feel smaller. Third row space is inadequate for adults. You can slide the second row forward to provide more legroom, but that makes the second row less usable. The seats fold aside cleverly for third-row access, but resetting the second row is a multi-step process that can't be accomplished from the third row.
Most controls are straightforward, as is the simple touchscreen interface. We found the single, combined wiper and turn-signal stalk frustrating to adapt to, and particularly difficult at night. Navigating the trip computer takes more steps than it should because of a poorly thought-out interface.
Most controls are straightforward, as is the simple touchscreen interface. We found the single, combined wiper and turn-signal stalk frustrating to adapt to, and particularly difficult at night. Navigating the trip computer takes more steps than it should because of a poorly thought-out interface.
Technology
5.5/10
How’s the tech? Thankfully, Dodge's 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system is available, and it's the lone bright spot inside a fairly grim interior. It's available with navigation and an upgraded audio system. We think it's worth the extra coin for the improved experience these provide. There are plenty of 12-volt power ports in the Journey but there's only one USB port.
Like the rest of the Journey, the driver aids are fairly basic. The rear parking sensors are useful, but the rearview camera has a disappointingly low-resolution display.
Like the rest of the Journey, the driver aids are fairly basic. The rear parking sensors are useful, but the rearview camera has a disappointingly low-resolution display.
Storage
6/10
How’s the storage? With a maximum capacity of 67.6 cubic feet, the Dodge Journey offers less cargo space than competitors. And with the third row in place, there's barely even room for groceries in the trunk. But the Journey makes up for this a bit by hiding quite a few cubbies and compartments around the cabin.
With a towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds, the Journey is put to shame by some three-row competitors. Most can handle between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds.
With a towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds, the Journey is put to shame by some three-row competitors. Most can handle between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy
5/10
How’s the fuel economy? It will take a light foot to match the Journey's EPA-estimated 21 mpg (19 city/25 highway). That's not an impressive estimate to begin with, falling 3-4 mpg short of many competitors. Part of the blame lies with the Journey's 2.4-liter engine, which needs to work hard to get the Journey up to speed. The rest of the blame falls squarely on the well out-of-date four-speed automatic transmission. Most competitors use six- and eight-speed transmissions.
Value
5.5/10
Is the Journey a good value? Even considering its low starting price, everything about the Journey feels cheap, plasticky and dated. The leather or faux leather trim on the seats and touch points is stiff and plasticky, and the cloth seat inserts feel unpleasantly synthetic. Because of that there's simply not enough value or equipment in the Journey to make it that appealing considering its competition.
The Journey's three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties are common in the class, though a few competitors offer significantly better coverage.
The Journey's three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties are common in the class, though a few competitors offer significantly better coverage.
Wildcard
4/10
It's difficult to understand the appeal of the Dodge Journey beyond the need for a new vehicle with a full warranty. Driving the Journey, even on short trips, feels tedious. And because of the numb steering and unsorted suspension settings, after a few hundred miles, it proves to be an emotionally draining experience. There are very few new cars left that make a case for buying a used car instead. The Journey is one of them.
Which Journey does Edmunds recommend?
It is difficult for us to recommend the Journey at all. But if you have your heart set on this compact seven-seater, we'd go all in and opt for the Crossroad trim and add on the Popular Equipment Group. That ensures you get Dodge's excellent 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, with navigation, heated front seats and a more powerful stereo. We used to recommend the V6 engine as a must-have but that's no longer offered.
Compare 2020 Dodge Journey trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2020 Dodge Journey models
For 2020, the Dodge Journey has been pared back to just two trim levels: SE Value and Crossroad. Option packages are also kept to a minimum, and their availability is linked to the trim chosen.
All Journeys are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (173 horsepower, 166 lb-ft) mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive has been available in the past, but all 2020 Journeys are front-wheel-drive.
Selecting the SE Value trim delivers a bare-bones experience, with manually adjustable cloth seats, 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, and a basic six-speaker audio system with a 4.3-inch touchscreen. Available to the SE Value trim exclusively are the Blacktop Package, which adds black exterior accents and black aluminum wheels, and the SE Value Popular Equipment Group, which includes a power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, satellite radio and three-zone climate control.
The Crossroad upgrades the seating surfaces to leather and brings a power-adjustable driver's seat. It also adds a sunroof and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and dresses up the exterior with body-colored mirrors and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Crossroad's Popular Equipment Group includes navigation, a more powerful audio system, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#19 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Journey from 2008-2022.$569/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.05x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.3%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Dodge Journey Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(60%)
4(17%)
3(6%)
2(4%)
1(13%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Tired of All the Negative Press!
5 out of 5 starsNails, 01/09/2019
2018 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
When you look at a vehicle in this class you are looking for okay looks, good inside room and access, decent handling and gas mileage, and perhaps throw in the third seat. This Medium Sized SUV has all of that, and my three previous Journeys had been very reliable and needed minimal maintenance until I turned each in, at around 70K miles. I must add that the first iteration had some … issues with the brakes wearing out prematurely, and not being quite up to the task of stopping this vehicle. The transmission also failed catastrophically at 50K, but was replaced under warranty by Dodge with no questions asked. Since that initial stab at it, Dodge has done major improvements in enlarging the disc brakes and creating a much more dependable transmission! This car is priced right, looks great in the bright red finish, has AWD and I am leaving most other drivers in the dust when I take off from a start or need to speed up at highway speeds (within reason that is!). I usually drive around 25K miles per year, up to 85 miles MPH and this car is stable even in substantial winds, gets a bit over 21 MPG and I am happy with it. No backup camera in my version, which is a company car, but aside from that inconvenience, it has everything that I need. And the Stereo is really something to hear, great bass. All in all, a very nice package and not one that matches the online reviews that I have seen. Let's get realistic and realize that this car is very popular (at least in car happy SoCal!) and is a great deal!
Dodge Journey SXT FWD 2.4L
5 out of 5 starsTom, 09/01/2018
2018 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
The Dodge Journey is truly an exceptional vehicle. My wife has the Dodge Journey Crossroad V6 AWD, and that vehicle is a workhorse. I saw how well the vehicle drove especially with a newborn and a toddler traveling on major highways and roads with no issues regardless of any inclement weather. We drove the car cross country, and to Canada, and didn’t feel tired at all. It was time for me … to purchase a new vehicle, and I was always a Subaru guy, but I fell in love with the Journey. It has great handling, no road noise, very comfortable ride. Good visibility, and commanding driving position. Many hiding compartments, and very easy to clean (Turtle wax interior, and Turtle wax ICE on the outside). I give this vehicle a 100% coming from owing two previous Subaru Outback’s. Well done Dodge!
Great mid size SUV & low price
4 out of 5 starsKelly, 10/03/2020
2019 Dodge Journey Crossroad 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
I wanted to downgrade from my Ford Expedition Limited, so I looked at the Chevy traverse, the Ford Explorer & even a Nissan Pathfinder. All of those were great SUV’s but the price wasn’t what I wanted to pay. I rented a Dodge Journey to drive from Boston to SC for my nephews graduation from boot camp. It handled so well, got great gas mileage & had enough room for myself & my 2 children … 11 & 8. In June I seen a black Journey Crossroad AWD with black rims & all black interior for sale & had to go look at it. It was exactly what I was looking for. It was sporty enough that it wasn’t just a mid-size SUV that you see everywhere & it stood out unlike all the rest. The price was just what I was looking to spend because downsizing from a Expedition was hard enough & I wanted to be more realistic w/maintenance after the warranty is up. No it does NOT have ALL the bells & whistles like heated/cooling seats, all electric seats, electronic push button trunk, sensor backup camera or a sunroof BUT it has the bells which was perfect for me. Yes I would love to have all the above, I mean who wouldn’t right, but not for $10-$15k more. I have had my Dodge Journey Crossroad AWD for 4 months now & I must say it’s amazing. It suits my family’s needs & I still have plenty of room for my 11yr old sons hockey bag & 2 sticks. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who wants something NEW but half the cost of the other competitors w/the 3rd row if your able to be ok with only having the bells.
Honestly Surprised
5 out of 5 starsDanny, 03/14/2020
2019 Dodge Journey SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
My wife and I had to by a new car. Since we have two kids (11&9) we wanted a small SUV. I did research and based on price and availability in our area and went to test out the 19 Ford Escape and 19 Jeep Renagade. They both seemed like fine cars, however, neither felt right. I saw a Black Dodge Journey and actually liked how it looked. But I remember looking at expert reviews online and … the Journey was rated at the bottom. I decided to do more research on the Journey and also test drive it. We also test drove a Grand Cherokee for a class comparison.
Online, the Journey was compared with midsized SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Highlander so I felt it was only right to drive one and see the difference.
When compared to the Grand Cherokee, the Journey was a lower standard SUV. The Cherokee had leather, a sun roof, and a larger touch screen and the Journey did not have leather or a sun roof and only a smaller touch screen. I also noticed that the online reviews of the Journey were for the 2.4L front wheel drive model and I test drove the 3.6L all-wheel drive model. It had the same engine as the Cherokee and drove very comparable, however, the Cherokee was a slightly better feeling ride. Another area the Journey received poor reviews was for compartment space. Since it has a third row, there is little room back there if the third row is used. However, we have no thoughts of using the third row and when laid flat, it has a ton of space. The tech is also behind the Cherokee but it still has more tech than any car I have owned. I do wish it had 1 thing, blue-tooth.
When I compared the Journey to the Escape and Renagade, the Journey was much better in my opinion. I’m 37 so I like the look better since the Escape looks like a 20 year old Girls suv and the Renagade looks like a 20 boys suv. The Journey looks like a boring dad suv and that is exactly what I am. Lol. Not going to impress the guys at work but I am not worried about trying to compensate for anything.
The price was almost the same as the two smaller suvs. We walked out of the dealer paying $24,000 for the V6 All-Wheel drive model.
A few months in and we really like the Journey.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Dodge Journey, so we've included reviews for other years of the Journey since its last redesign.
2020 Journey Highlights
SE Value
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,675 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $175/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Journey models:
- ParkSense Rear Park Assist
- Alerts the driver to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when reversing.
- ParkView Backup Camera
- Displays a live video feed from the rear of the car on the infotainment screen when reversing.
- Driver Inflatable Knee-Bolster Airbag
- Protects the driver's knees from damage due to impacts with the dashboard during a collision.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover18.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestPoor
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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