2020 Dodge Journey Review
Price Range: $12,999 - $21,998





+57
Below Average
5.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2020 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.
2020 Dodge Journey Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- Base trim renamed to SE Value
- GT trim and V6 engine dropped
- Part of the first Journey generation introduced in 2009
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 $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Minnesota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Minnesota
$175/mo for Journey SE Value
Journey SE Value
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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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(57%)
4(19%)
3(6%)
2(4%)
1(14%)
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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