The 2020 Dodge Journey represents the final chapter of a vehicle that served as Dodge's midsize SUV offering for over a decade. Introduced in 2009, the Journey aimed to blend the practicality of a minivan with the ruggedness of an SUV, all at a competitive price point. Over the years, it carved out a niche among budget-conscious families who valued space, simplicity, and versatility.
Exterior and Interior Design
While it didn’t boast the bold styling or aggressive lines seen in many newer SUVs, it retained a solid and practical appearance. The SE Value trim came with 17-inch steel wheels, while the Crossroad trim added 19-inch aluminum wheels and a more refined look, including chrome and black accents, a gloss black grille, and integrated roof rails for added utility.
From the outside, the Journey gave off a family-friendly vibe—perfectly suited for suburban commutes or weekend getaways. It wasn’t flashy, but it was reliable and approachable in its styling.
One of its most attractive features was its standard three-row seating, which allowed it to accommodate up to seven passengers—something rarely found in vehicles at this price point. Dodge also prioritized practicality throughout the cabin. There were plenty of storage options, including in-floor storage bins in the second row, a feature especially handy for road trips or keeping valuables out of sight. The materials used in the cabin weren’t premium, but they were durable and easy to clean—ideal for families with kids.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, it came equipped with a single engine option: a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that produced 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. However, its performance lagged during highway acceleration or when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. While this helped keep costs down, it also limited traction and handling in wet or snowy conditions, which may be a drawback for buyers in colder climates.
Steering in the Journey was light and predictable, ideal for urban driving and parking in tight spaces. Fuel economy for the 2020 Journey was also middle-of-the-road, with EPA estimates at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. These numbers were not especially impressive but reflected the outdated powertrain and weight of the vehicle.
Technology and Safety Features
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Crossroad trim upgraded this to an 8.4-inch touchscreen—one of the largest in its class at the time—though it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features that had become standard or at least optional in many rivals by 2020. Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and an auxiliary input jack were included, allowing drivers to stream music and make hands-free calls. The available navigation system, offered with the larger touchscreen, provided decent functionality but felt outdated in comparison to smartphone-integrated apps.
Safety Features
Safety was one of the 2020 Journey’s weakest points. While it included standard essentials like front and rear airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control, it lacked most of the advanced driver-assistance features that had become commonplace—even in economy vehicles.
The Journey did not offer options such as:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning or lane keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert
These omissions made the Journey less competitive in a segment where safety is a top priority for many families.
User Experience
The controls were intuitive, and the infotainment system—even in its limited form—was responsive and easy to navigate, especially for those not looking for overly complex systems.
Pros and Cons Summary
The 2020 Dodge Journey stood out as an SUV that prioritized value, space, and simplicity—but those strengths came with some clear compromises.
Pros
Affordable Price Point
One of the biggest advantages of the 2020 Journey was its low cost. Even with the higher Crossroad trim, it remained competitively priced.
Standard Three-Row Seating
The Journey made it possible for larger families or those needing occasional extra passenger space to get it without upgrading to a more expensive model.
User-Friendly Controls
The dashboard layout and infotainment system—though basic—were easy to operate.
Cons
Outdated Powertrain and Transmission
The 2.4L engine combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission was far behind modern standards.
No All-Wheel Drive Option
In its final model year, the Journey was only available with front-wheel drive. This limited its versatility, especially for drivers in regions with snow or rough terrain, where all-wheel drive is often preferred.
Lack of Advanced Safety Features
The absence of features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring made the Journey feel outdated and less secure—particularly when safety is a top concern for family buyers.
Who Should Consider the 2020 Dodge Journey?
While the 2020 Dodge Journey may not top the list for buyers seeking the latest technology or cutting-edge performance, it still holds appeal for a specific group of consumers—particularly those who value practicality, space, and affordability above all else.
Budget-Conscious Families
The Journey’s biggest selling point is its price. For families that need a vehicle for daily errands, school drop-offs, and weekend trips—but don’t want to break the bank—the Journey provides a financially accessible solution.
First-Time SUV Buyers
For buyers upgrading from a sedan or compact car, the Journey serves as a gentle entry into the SUV world. It’s easy to drive, provides good visibility, and doesn’t overwhelm with complex tech or controls.
Drivers Who Value Simplicity
Not every driver wants or needs a high-tech cabin filled with touchscreens, voice assistants, or driver-assistance systems. Some prefer a straightforward, no-frills vehicle that gets the job done. The Journey’s uncomplicated controls, traditional layout, and minimal learning curve make it ideal for drivers who prefer simplicity and ease of use over the bells and whistles.
Light Commuters or Local Drivers
The Journey’s modest performance and front-wheel-drive layout make it best suited for light commuting, city driving, or suburban use.
