Used 2020 Dodge Journey

The 2020 Dodge Journey is an inexpensive 7-seat crossover SUV available only with front-wheel drive and a 4-cylinder engine. A V6 isn’t available for 2020; nor is all-wheel drive. The Journey, on sale since 2009, is an aging design, but it remains the most affordable 7-seat crossover SUV on the market, powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 that returns respectable EPA fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway.

If you’re looking for a 7-seat crossover SUV without many frills (but with available Uconnect infotainment and an 8.4-inch color touch screen), the 2020 Dodge Journey deserves a look. You’re not going to find many driver-assistance features in this Dodge, but you will discover that it’s an honest crossover SUV with comfortable seats and plenty of onboard storage. Numerous competitors include the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sorento, both 3-row crossover SUVs with better warranties, and maybe even the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon.

The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Tigershark engine in the 2020 Journey gets the job done with its 173 horsepower, but this 16-valve powerplant mates to an old-school 4-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive). As such, the Journey feels adequately powered but a bit strained when there’s a full load of people aboard.

In ride and handling, it’s clear that this Dodge is tuned for comfort, but the chassis remains well composed when the road twists and turns. Of note: The Journey is one of the few new 2020 vehicles that still has conventional hydraulic power-assist steering (versus electric assist), so its steering, though slightly heavy, has good feel.

Overall space inside the 2020 Dodge Journey is generous up front, about average in the second row (which slides and reclines) and cramped in the far back. As such, the 7-seat Journey, which has seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, can be viewed as a compact minivan of sorts, with supportive and comfortable seats covered in durable yet easy to clean fabric.

Apart from the driver’s seat, all the other Journey seats fold flat to aid cargo capacity, and deep wells in the floorboard of the Crossroad model can be used for extra storage. The Uconnect infotainment system has an 8.4-inch touch screen (optional in the Crossroad) with physical buttons for the sound and climate system. Interior plastics are of a better quality than the Journey’s low price might suggest.

As we’ve stated before, the Dodge Journey is saved from being a forgettable crossover SUV by a certain charming chunkiness. The Crossroad model, with its black alloy wheels, blacked-out grille, roof rails and tinted side glass, looks appealingly aggressive, more like an SUV than a station wagon or a minivan.

UCONNECT COMMAND CENTER
From navigation commands to voice-activated music selections, the available Uconnect command center makes multiple tasks for the Journey driver much easier. With an 8.4-inch-color touch screen.

POPULAR EQUIPMENT GROUP
On the Journey SE model, this available package includes a power-adjust driver seat, Uconnect voice command (with Bluetooth and Sirius satellite radio), 3-zone climate control and an auto-theft alarm along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

There are only two Journey models in 2020 — the SE Value and the Crossroad. The SE Value is not as basic as you might expect. Standard items on the SE Value include cruise control, power heated mirrors, 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt steering wheel, a 4.3-inch touch screen and a 6-speaker audio system.

The Crossroad ups the ante with a leather interior, black 19-inch alloy wheels, touring suspension and an 8.4-inch infotainment screen, plus fog lights, body-color mirrors, LED taillights, 3-zone climate control, an overhead console, in-floor storage bins and a power sunroof.

Most Journey options come in packages. The Blacktop Package on the SE Value includes a black grille and wheels, while the Popular Equipment Group on the SE Value includes a power driver seat, premium cloth, Uconnect voice command (with Bluetooth and satellite radio), 3-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

On the Journey Crossroad, the Popular Equipment Group is different. It includes a remote start system, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation and a premium audio system that features a subwoofer. The Crossroad also is available with a rear-entertainment system that includes a 9-inch overhead video screen, wireless headphones and two child boosters.

The 2020 Dodge Journey is powered by a smooth 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Unfortunately, last year’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, with 283 horsepower, is no longer available. The Journey’s 4-cylinder engine runs just fine on regular 87-octane gasoline, and its tow rating is an unremarkable 1,000 pounds.

2.4-liter inline-4
173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg