The 2020 Dodge Journey lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average brake wear and wheel hub issues reported. At $17,700 to $26,998, it’s a good value for a midsize SUV, although it’s outdated.
Is the 2020 Dodge Journey a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Dodge Journey, although it’s not as advanced as some competitors. Owner reviews praise the low purchase price, spacious cabin, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are cheaper than other SUVs, the seats still offer good support, cargo space is also similar to the competition.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious problems found on the 2020 Journey. Models from 2009–2017 have a lot of engine problems, while 2018–2020 are much better.
- Performance 6/10 – The base four-cylinder engine is very weak for a midsize SUV, and the more powerful engine is not offered for 2020.
- Safety 6/10 – The 2020 Journey gets 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera and parking sensors, with no other upgrades offered.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 430 miles of range out of the 20.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 higher than average at $268 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Dodge Journey is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs on the market while still offering good practicality, making it a decent value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Journey?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Dodge Journey rides well with a relatively quiet cabin, while getting average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Dodge Journey at 4.1/5, enjoying the very affordable purchase price, but doesn’t like that the base engine is outdated.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Journey a 3.7/5, praising the comfortable seating throughout the cabin, but owners don’t like the lack of driver assistance features.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Dodge Journey Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Dodge Journey include excessive brake wear, noise from the wheel hubs, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs from the same year, leading to average repair costs as the Journey ages.
Excessive brake wear is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Dodge Journey, showing up within the first 12,500 miles. The brake pads tend to just wear down quicker than in other SUVs. Replacing the brake pads costs around $200, depending on local labor rates. If the rotors are damaged, they cost an additional $400.
Noise from the wheel hubs has also been reported by 2020 Journey owners at roughly 20,000 miles. The wheel bearings wear out quicker than on some other vehicles, and have to be replaced. Changing out the wheel bearings costs around $350 since there’s a decent amount of labor involved.
Stereo system issues are another complaint from some Journey owners within the first 1,500 miles. There are software updates for the stereo system, which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will update the software for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
There are no recalls on the 2020 Dodge Journey, which is better than other midsize SUVs. Since there are no recalls, it simply means that there have not been any widespread issues which have affected the safety of the SUV.
How Long Will the 2020 Dodge Journey Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Dodge Journey can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other SUVs like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $515 per year.
As a used 2020 Journey reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the variable valve timing control solenoid for $175, knock sensor costing $255, along with the brake master cylinder, which costs around $300.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very basic and only has a relatively small 4.3-inch touchscreen. Optional upgrades include a much better 8.4-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful audio system.
Standard safety technology is also worse than some competitors and only includes a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. There are no optional advanced features available.
Is the 2020 Dodge Journey a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Dodge Journey is a decent value since it’s cheaper than most other midsize SUVs on the market, although it’s very outdated feeling. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,700 to $26,998, making it less than a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Subaru Ascent. When new, the price range was $23,675 to $28,595. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing around 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Dodge Journey?
There are only two versions of the Dodge Journey offered for 2020, from the SE Value to the Crossroad. All models come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive was discontinued for 2020.
SE Value is the entry-level model with:
- Manually adjustable cloth seats
- 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers
- Basic six-speaker audio system
- 3-inch touchscreen
- Exclusively available Blacktop Package
- Black exterior accents
- Black aluminum wheels
- SE Value Popular Equipment Group
- Power driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Satellite radio
- Three-zone climate control
Crossroad is a step up, adding:
- Leather seating surfaces
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Sunroof
- Larger 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Body-colored mirrors
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Crossroad’s Popular Equipment Group
- Navigation
- Upgraded audio system
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Rear seat entertainment system
What Engines Come In the Dodge Journey?
The 2020 Dodge Journey offers only one engine option. It’s powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 172 horsepower. This engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, which is a bit dated compared to the transmissions found in many of its competitors. As for fuel efficiency, the 2020 Journey with this powertrain has a combined fuel economy rating of 21 MPG. Regarding performance, the 0-60 MPH acceleration time for this engine is not particularly quick, with estimates ranging in the 9-10 second bracket.
What Colors Does the Dodge Journey Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Dodge Journey?
The 2020 Dodge Journey is designed with comfort in mind, especially for families and those who spend a lot of time on the road. Its cabin is spacious, accommodating up to seven passengers across its three rows. The seats are cushioned and provide adequate support for both short drives and longer journeys. The vehicle offers an elevated driving position, giving the driver a clear view of the road ahead. Rear passengers, especially those in the second row, will find ample legroom.
The third row, as is typical in many crossovers, is best suited for children or shorter trips due to its more compact nature. Features such as multi-zone climate control further enhance the comfort levels for all occupants. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews have mentioned that the Journey’s interior materials and finishes aren’t as upscale as those in some competitors. Overall, the 2020 Dodge Journey offers a pleasant and comfortable riding experience for its occupants.
How Much Storage Space Does the Dodge Journey Have?
The 2020 Dodge Journey offers a spacious interior designed to meet the needs of families and those with an active lifestyle. With all the seats in place, the Journey provides 10.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. While this might not sound expansive, it’s enough room for grocery bags, small luggage, or day-to-day items. For larger cargo needs, folding down the third-row seats expands the storage area to 37.0 cubic feet, suitable for larger suitcases, sporting equipment, or a stroller.
If even more space is needed, with both the second and third rows folded down, the Journey boasts an impressive 67.6 cubic feet of cargo space. This generous room can easily accommodate larger items like bicycles, furniture pieces, or camping gear. Apart from the main cargo area, the Journey features multiple small storage spaces throughout its cabin, including door pockets, a spacious glovebox, and in-floor storage bins, making sure passengers have plenty of places to stow away their personal items.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Dodge Journey was launched for the 2009 model year, and was discontinued after 2020.
2015: Has all of the same features from the 2014 model.
2016: No updates or changes from earlier years.
2017: Flagship GT model replaces the outgoing R/T.
2018: Third-row seating is now standard on all models.
2019: SXT model was discontinued, more features added to the SE model.
2020: Final model year for the Dodge Journey, entry-level model renamed to SE Value, V6 engine removed from the lineup.
How Does the Dodge Journey Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Dodge Journey is a decent midsize SUV built for buyers on a budget, but it’s clearly outdated and obsolete, which is why 2020 was the final model year for the Journey.
The Dodge Durango is a larger SUV offered by Dodge, which costs about $4,000 more. Passenger room is much better in the Dodge Durango, while the Dodge Journey has a smoother suspension. We recommend the Dodge Durango since it’s a more up-to-date SUV.
The Jeep Cherokee is a slightly smaller SUV offered in the same price range. Standard technology is better in the Jeep Cherokee, while the Dodge Journey has a bit more passenger room in the second row. We recommend the Jeep Cherokee since it has more features for the same money.
