During its time on the market, the Dodge Journey occupied a unique space in the SUV market. It was well-known as the cheapest three-row SUV available, and now that it's been a few years since the 2020 model was new, it's even cheaper than before.The Journey's affordability was obvious from the start. It isn’t going to make anyone say “wow” unless it’s a sarcastic or derisive statement. Despite the sluggish feeling and lack of driving dynamics, this Dodge SUV has value and can be a useful vehicle for shoppers on a tight budget who also need the flexibility of three rows of seats. The 2020 Dodge Journey Could Be Worth More Than You Think Rough Condition Value Dodge Not every vehicle is well cared for, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some intrinsic value to it. A Journey SUV in Rough Condition is one with extremely high mileage, some cosmetic wear and possible body damage, minor mechanical needs, a lower trim level with the least equipment, and a less-than-desirable ownership history, which could include an accident. Average Condition Value Dodge Most vehicles on the road fall into the Average Condition Value category. As much as drivers try to keep up with maintenance and vehicle care, it can be difficult to stick strictly to the manufacturer’s suggested intervals. A vehicle in average condition has an average mileage for the age, is clean but shows some signs of use, doesn’t have any mechanical issues, and typically includes the standard trim and equipment. As the most likely condition for most Dodge Journey models, a 2020 version in this condition should be valued between $8,500 and $11,500. High Condition Value Dodge Some drivers are meticulous about the care and maintenance of their vehicles, and as a result, they are often rewarded with High Condition Values when selling those models. A vehicle that achieves this category has lower than average miles on the odometer, has a clean title and complete maintenance history, is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, and is one of the highest trims offered during the model year. These models also require strong local demand to achieve the highest possible values. A Journey in this condition could cost $11,500 to $14,000 or more. Dodge Journey Powertrain Specifications Only One Powertrain For 2020 Dodge The 2020 model year signaled the slow walk to the end of the line for the Dodge Journey. This year, Dodge dropped the optional V6 engine, leaving only a 2.4-liter four-cylinder to handle all driving needs. To make things worse, the engine is attached to a four-speed automatic transmission that feels like it should have been discontinued long ago. This combination produces 173 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque, which is enough power to handle the drive, but you won't be inclined to pass other drivers on the highway. Tow Rating And Fuel Mileage Dodge This Dodge SUV, during its final few years, is meant as a people mover and not very good at towing. Still, if you can limit your towing needs to 1,000 pounds or less, the Journey can oblige and get the job done. Fuel mileage is likewise unremarkable at 19 city/25 hwy mpg, but that should be expected of a four-cylinder, four-speed, seven-passenger SUV. Thankfully, the Journey does just fine on regular 87-octane fuel. 2020 Trims And Features Dodge Reduced The Trims To Two Dodge Simplification in a trim lineup makes sense for a vehicle that’s coming close to the end of a generation, which was the case for the 2020 Dodge Journey. In fact, the Journey hasn’t been seen since 2020, but there are some rumors of a return to the market; those might be nothing more than rumors since Dodge has moved on and now has the Hornet SUV in the lineup.The only two trims offered for the final model year of the Journey are the SE Value and Crossroad models. When new, these trims were affordable at $25,170 and $30,090, respectively. SE Value Trim Dodge As the name suggests, the SE Value trim is the base model of the Journey. It doesn’t have any frills or extras to speak of, but it isn’t a bare bones model either. This trim features a 4.3-inch infotainment screen, 17-inch steel wheels, rear parking sensors, power windows, dual-zone climate controls, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The headlights are automatic, the steering wheel tilts, and the seats are comfortably trimmed in cloth. Crossroad Trim Dodge Larger 19-inch alloy wheels make their way under the Crossroad trim, giving you a slightly higher riding position. The seats are upholstered in leather, and this upgraded trim features tri-zone climate controls to keep passengers more comfortable. The Dodge Journey Crossroad rides on a smoother touring suspension than the base model and features a much larger 8.4-inch infotainment screen in the dashboard. The driver’s seat gains power adjustments, and the taillights are fitted with LED bulbs. You’ll also find in-floor storage bins behind the first row of seats to add more cargo space to your experience. Things To Consider When Buying a 2020 Dodge Journey It’s Exactly What You Expect Dodge The 2020 Dodge Journey was the most affordable SUV when it was new. That is a clear signal that it fits the “you get what you pay for” moniker. It has seven seats and ample storage, making it versatile and flexible. The ride can be comfortable, as long as you don’t expect too much from it, and it has the benefits of the lauded Uconnect infotainment system.Dodge On the other hand, the aging design, sluggish acceleration, antiquated transmission, and lack of driver-assist features could be a serious turn-off to many drivers. Another troublesome feature is the single engine, which severely limits the Journey’s towing capacity. The second and third rows can be cramped for adult-sized passengers, and when full, the cargo capacity is almost nonexistent at just 10.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat. This limits you to what you can carry on the roof or pull behind in a trailer at less than 1,000 pounds. Alternative SUVs That Might Be Better Than The Journey 2018 Dodge Journey Dodge The 2018 Dodge Journey might seem like it should be nearly the same as the 2020 version, and for the most part, that’s true, but there are some significant differences. The 2018 model includes two additional trims, SXT and GT, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, besting the four-cylinder by nearly 100 in each category, giving you a much more capable three-row SUV. 2020 Honda CR-V Honda The 2020 Honda CR-V is rated much higher in almost every category than the Dodge Journey. The CR-V is more reliable, has a higher resale value, offers more interior and cargo space, and achieves better fuel mileage figures at 28 city/34 hwy mpg. This Honda SUV is a significant upgrade over the Journey in most categories, but you won’t get the third-row seat and will need to pay more to drive the CR-V, with an average used-car price of $24,889, which is on the higher end of the compact SUV category. 2020 Toyota RAV4 Toyota Another highly-rated SUV is the 2020 Toyota RAV4. In a similar fashion to the Honda CR-V, it clearly outperforms the Journey in most categories, including safety tech, crash rating, modern features, and long-term durability. It also achieves much better fuel mileage figures at 27 city/35 hwy mpg, while a hybrid version can reach up to 48 mpg in the city, which is a huge step up from the 19 mpg of the 2020 Dodge Journey. Choosing the RAV4 means losing the third-row seat and spending at least $20,800 for the base model. The Bottom Line Dodge The 2020 Dodge Journey might not be as flashy as other SUVs, and it certainly doesn’t have the power options of its predecessors, but it could be the cheap and useful SUV that meets the needs of some drivers. Depending on the condition, it should still be the most affordable way to have three rows of seats in an SUV today.
+37 others