It may be one of the SUVs that left the market some time ago, but the Dodge Journey still makes for a unique, muscular-looking, and useful mid-sized crossover to own in 2026. New Dodge SUV models are a little thin on the ground; we can still get the Dodge Durango, and there is a new line of Dodge Hornet SUVs, but that is all for the new market.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.4L Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
4-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
173 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
19/25 MPG
- Make
-
Dodge
- Model
-
Journey
- Segment
-
Midsize SUV
If you want to buy a Dodge Journey, the latest model you can buy is the 2020 model. So, we have made a buyer’s guide for the 2020 Dodge Journey and have included information about how much it will cost you to buy one, how much it will cost you on average to maintain and run one, and what you should consider before buying a 2020 Dodge Journey.
The Dodge Journey At A Glance
Billed as a long-running answer to the everyday family crossover, the Dodge Journey was built for real-life use, not racetrack bragging rights like a lot of Dodge’s immense lineup. Sold here in the U.S. from 2009 through 2020 under a one-generation banner, when it was a new SUV, it carved out a niche as one of the most affordable ways to get three rows of seating with relatively muscular SUV styling.
Throughout its 11-year lineage, the Dodge Journey was always relatively affordable, and had the following original MSRPs:
- 2009 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $21,795.
- 2010 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $21,850.
- 2011 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $22,995.
- 2012 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $19,990.
- 2013 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $19,990.
- 2014 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $20,490.
- 2015 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $21,190.
- 2016 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $21,990.
- 2017 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $22,290.
- 2018 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $23,590.
- 2019 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $24,740.
- 2020 Dodge Journey. MSRP: $25,170.
This is part of the reason the Journey lasted so long; it was affordable to buy, but also simple, useful, and comfortable. It boasts upright proportions, easy-access seating for up to seven people, and fold-flat seats. Over the years, the crossover market grew alongside the Journey, and while other brands brought along fresher tech and sharper platforms, the Dodge Journey leaned into familiarity and easy comfort.
If you want a straightforward workhorse without venturing into luxury pricing but still has enough attitude about it to wear a Dodge badge, the Dodge Journey is the mid-sized crossover SUV to opt for.
Main Features Of The 2020 Dodge Journey
By the final model year in 2020, Dodge had streamlined the lineup to two value-priced trims: the Journey SE Value and the Journey Crossroad, with starting prices of $25,170 and $30,090, respectively. The ’20 Journey rides on the long-serving Chrysler JC platform, a front-wheel-drive-based unibody originally developed during the DaimlerChrysler years.
The JC platform was the basis for models like the Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Avenger, so the Journey has a more car-like feel to it despite its looks, while fully independent suspension, MacPherson front struts, and a multi-link rear suspension are standard fare.
For the 2020 Dodge Journey, Dodge only offered it with front-wheel drive, paired with a conventional automatic transmission, and one engine option. Fold-flat seats, a third row of seating, and under-storage seating make it a handy family SUV to own, and there is just enough tech inside to keep you entertained in traffic. In all, the 2020 Dodge Journey is just enough for what you need for everyday life.
How The 2018 Dodge Journey Stacks Up
By the 2018 Dodge Journey, it was already a very seasoned crossover in a market that was getting more and more competitive at the time, and while that did show in some respects, there is a lot to love about the 2018 MY. For a start, there are more than two trims to choose from; the 2018 Journey is available as the SE, SXT, Crossroad, and GT.
There are also two engine options instead of just the one that is available for the 2020 Journey: a 2.4-liter inline-four rated at 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque for the SE, SXT, and Crossroad, and a 3.6-liter V6 good for 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque available for all trims and as standard under the hood of the GT trim. You can also find used examples with all-wheel drive for a bit more bite in the wet weather.
You still get the simplistic and versatile ride, but there is the choice of a bit more Dodge spirit under the hood and under the tires. Owners have rated the 2018 Dodge Journey 72 out of 100 on J.D. Power and a rather lowly 3.7 out of 5 on Kelley Blue Book, but its 2026 used price could just make it worth its mediocre owner ratings.
|
2018 Dodge Journey SE |
2018 Dodge Journey SXT |
2018 Dodge Journey Crossroad |
2018 Dodge Journey GT |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Original MSRP |
$23,590 |
$28,490 |
$30,690 |
$35,490 |
|
2026 Average Used Price |
$8,350 |
$10,150 |
$9,325 |
$10,150 |
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Under The Hood Of The 2020 Journey: Performance And Specs
There is just one engine option for the two 2020 Dodge Journey trims: a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four. This single engine option is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, and while the horsepower rating and torque output may be low, the front-wheel-drive-only option and its low-stress nature make fuel economy ratings not horrendous for its maximum 4,054-pound curb weight.
It is worth noting, though, that a lot of crossover SUVs at the time had started being fitted with hybrid powertrains, so it is not as fuel-efficient as some of its rivals.
|
Spec |
2020 Dodge Journey |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.4-Liter Inline-Four |
|
Transmission |
Four-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
173 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
166 LB-FT |
|
MPG Rating (Combined/City/Highway) |
21 MPG / 19 MPG / 25 MPG |
2020 Dodge Journey Engine And Transmission
The final model year of the Dodge Journey is powered exclusively by Chrysler’s 2.4-liter inline-four from the Global Engine family. Built with an all-aluminum design with DOHC and four valves per cylinder, the Journey’s engine is built around a lightweight block and an integrated cylinder head.
The inline-four under the hood also boasts VVT, coil-on-plug ignition, sequential multi-port fuel injection, a forged steel crankshaft, and fracture-split connecting rods. It may not be the most raucous engine ever put in a Dodge SUV, but it is made for basic driving and a very wide variety of models. The same engine family is found in other SUVs, like the 2008–2014 Dodge Avenger, the 2007–2011 Dodge Caliber, the 2007–2017 Jeep Compass, and the same model years of the Jeep Patriot. So, a very widely used mill.
The transmission utilized is not a performance box in any form, but is much better for everyday use, much like the rest of the Journey’s build. It is a derivative of the 41TE transmission, which boasts a hydraulically-controlled unit with adaptive management, so you won’t get much in the way of high-revving guts, but you will get a smooth ride for everyday driving.
2020 Dodge Journey Towing Capacity And Interior Space
The final model year of the Dodge Journey is not the SUV you should buy if you want the highest-towing SUV, but with a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds, you can still use it for light duties. However, where the Dodge Journey comes into its own is in the space you get inside.
The Journey boasts 134 cubic feet of EPA interior space, and three rows of seating that offer a reasonable amount of space, though it is worth noting that the third-row legroom is snug and suited for smaller passengers.
|
Headroom |
Shoulder Room |
Hip Room |
Legroom |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Front / Second Row / Third Row |
40.8 Inches / 39.9 Inches / 37.7 Inches |
57.5 Inches / 56.9 Inches / 43.5 Inches |
53.8 Inches / 54.4 Inches / 40 Inches |
40.8 Inches / 36.1 Inches / 23.4 Inches |
Considering that the 2020 Journey only boasts dimensions of 192.4 inches in length by 72.2 inches in width, and rides on a 113.8-inch wheelbase, it also offers a lot of space to lug things around. Behind the third row, you get 10.7 cubic feet; behind the second row, you get up to 39.6 cubic feet, and with the fold-flat seats tucked away, you get a respectable 67.7 cubic feet.
There are also underfloor storage compartments fitted, so there is a little more room to store extra things on weekends away.
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Dodge Journey Reliability And Long-Term Things To Consider
So, it is apparent that the 2020 Dodge Journey is a useful mid-sized crossover SUV to own when it comes to fitting in larger families and for everyday driving, but how reliable is it? There are mixed reviews about the last Journey model years’ dependability, but on the whole, it is not the most unreliable used SUV on the market today.
According to owner reviews on Kelley Blue Book, the 2020 Journey is rated 3.8 out of 5 for reliability, while on J.D. Power, the final model year to get a rating (the 2018 Dodge Journey) is rated 73 out of 100 for reliability. This puts it squarely in the ‘average’ ballpark.
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 7.3/10
iSeeCars favors the 2020 Dodge Journey’s reliability a little more, with a rating of 7.3 out of 10. This again puts the Journey into the ‘average’ area, but puts it just below the Subaru Crosstrek (7.6 out of 10) and the 2020 Subaru Outback (7.8 out of 10).
However, the iSeeCars reliability rating of 7.3 out of 10 does put it above other crossover models like the 2020 Nissan Rogue (7.2 out of 10), the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox (7.2 out of 10), the Jeep Renegade (7.2 out of 10), the Jeep Compass (7.2 out of 10), and the same model year of the Hyundai Tucson (6.8 out of 10).
RepairPal reviews have also given the Dodge Journey a 4 out of 5-star reliability rating based on 15 owner reviews and their own research, which is better than average (3.5 out of 5) compared to other vehicles in the same class, so it may not be Toyota-grade dependable, but again, it is good for everyday driving.
Common Issues, Maintenance Costs, And Longevity
There is a but, though. Despite the reasonable dependability scores, there are a number of common issues with the 2020 Dodge Journey that could make it a fairly more expensive crossover to maintain than it may first appear. According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for a Dodge Journey is $562. This makes it slightly cheaper than the average annual maintenance cost of $573 to keep similar-sized vehicles on the road, and much cheaper than the market average of $652.
The likelihood of severe problems occurring is also the same as the market average, at 12 percent, but slightly better off than similar-sized vehicles at 13 percent. There has also currently only been one NHTSA safety recall, for the rearview camera not working properly and displaying upside down, but it is the owner-reported common problems that could rack up some costs.
According to owners, the most common problem with the Dodge Journey is a malfunctioning remote keyless entry system, which will cost around $180 alone to diagnose. Other owners have complained about the transmission slipping, cruise control not working, and, maybe most worryingly, complete electrical system failure.
Some owners have also reported engine overheating due to debris in the coolant port, throttle body failure, and bits of trim falling off. It is well worth checking with whoever you are buying a 2020 Dodge Journey from that you check all these common problem points. Also, according to data on iSeeCars, the 2020 Dodge Journey has just an eight percent chance of reaching 200,000 miles, and an average lifespan of just north of 131,600 miles.
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2020 Dodge Journey Pricing, Trims, And Value Today
If you find a low-mileage 2020 Dodge Journey that has been looked after and the NHTSA rectified, it can make for a very worthwhile model to buy. It has been rated by iSeeCars as the number-one mid-sized crossover SUV under $25,000 for value, much due to the seven seats you get and the simple, no-nonsense build and sticker price when it was new.
There are hints of sporty Dodge looks about it in the shape of a muscular exterior, and there is plenty of room inside for easy driving, but you will have to keep an eye out for a looked-after example. Also, it will cost you a fair amount for gas. FuelEconomy.gov estimates that it will cost you roughly $2,100 a year for gas; even compared to models like the four-wheel-drive turbocharged 2020 Jeep Wrangler, it costs more to fill up ($1,900).
Average Price Range In 2026: $12,800 To $12,900
There is another but. The 2020 Dodge Journey is a very affordable used mid-sized crossover SUV. Current average used prices only range from $12,800 to $12,900. The top-tier Journey Crossroad actually has the lowest average used price, according to data on Kelley Blue Book, while the base Journey SE Value boasts the ever-so-slightly higher price.
Neither of the trims were expensive when they were released, but in just over six years, they have lost between 48.7 percent and 57.5 percent of its value. To put that into perspective, models like the Honda Passport will lose around 53 percent of its original value. The 2020 Dodge Journey makes for a very affordable buy today.
2020 Dodge Journey Trim Levels And Options
The 2020 Journey lineup is deliberately simple, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get a lot for your money, and it is part of the reason why it is such good value for money. All models come with 60/40 split seats, dual-zone climate control, power windows, and the already-mentioned three rows of seating.
The base SE Value trim is equipped with a simple 4.3-inch touchscreen hooked up to a six-speaker audio rig, 17-inch wheels, auto headlights, and body-color handles. You also get a full-length center console, illuminated cupholders, a tilt/telescoping steering column, and the Electronic Information Center; it is simple, but anything but bare-bones driving.
Then there is the Journey Crossroad. Equipped are 19-inch aluminum wheels, chrome roof rails, and LED taillights, while leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a larger 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with originally optional navigation make it the more refined yet slightly cheaper option today. You also get tri-zone climate control, illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors, and fancier-looking door trim.
Originally available for the final Dodge Journey model year were also SiriusXM, premium cloth trim, remote start, a subwoofer, Bluetooth voice command, a garage door opener, and a power driver’s seat. It is well worth keeping your eye on the used market to see what original owners added. The 2020 Dodge Journey may not be the flashiest mid-sized crossover SUV on the market, but it certainly delivers a lot of bang for your buck despite its known foibles.
You get a small enough build for city driving, there is a lot of room for passengers inside, there are seven seats as standard, you can still tow things behind you, it looks relatively Dodge-esque, and it is very affordable to buy today.
Sources: Dodge, J.D. Power, iSeeCars, Kelley Blue Book, CarEdge, FuelEconomy.gov, NHTSA, and RepairPal.