2020 Dodge Journey Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
Highly affordable, many people in the market for a three-row SUV will start with the Dodge Journey due to its price. Once they take a look, drivers are likely to be impressed by the amount of space and comfort touches found inside. While this vehicle certainly does offer a lot of value to consumers, is it a smart choice when compared to its competitors? Buyers will want to consider this question, as well as the balance of pros versus cons when deciding if the 2020 Dodge Journey is the right option for their life.
What's New for 2020?
In years past, there were three versions of the Journey to consider. Now, the lineup has been simplified down to just two. Both the GT and SE models have been eliminated for 2020. Dodge has also decided to stick with the four-cylinder engine exclusively, eliminating the V6 choice previously available. On the plus side, a rear park assist system has become standard for both models. Additionally, those who opt for the Crossroad trim level will now get a sunroof.
A Popular Equipment Group package is available for both versions of the 2020 Dodge Journey, making adding extra features more streamlined than before. What exactly is in this package depends on the trim level. The SE Value gains things such as tri-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, and leather for the steering wheel, just to name a few examples. As for the Crossroad, this package gives it things such as remote start, navigation, leather upholstery, and heated front seats.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Dodge Journey – The Pros
1. Large and Convenient Cabin
The 2020 Journey is a spacious vehicle with a well-thought-out interior for families. Drivers will find that there is ample space for up to seven people to ride. With reclining seats in the second and third rows, rear passengers have the ability to kick back and relax. As a bonus, the third-row is easily accessible from both sides of the Journey, something that parents know can make a huge difference when it comes to convenience.
2. Expansive Cargo Area
Consumers get 10.17 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 37 cubic feet behind the second. When folding down both rear rows, the Journey offers 67.6 cubic feet of space. While some rivals offer up similar numbers, this option sets itself apart with its standard in-floor cargo compartment that is perfect for hiding valuables. Also available is an in-floor compartment in the second-row floor that can double as a cooler.
3. Easy-to-Use Technology
Buyers will enjoy the fact that they do not have to waste a lot of time learning how to use the infotainment system in the 2020 Dodge Journey. The UConnect system is very intuitive, making it popular with drivers. A 4.3-inch touchscreen is standard and an 8.4-inch one is available. Many buyers will like that they can also use physical knobs for controlling certain things rather than always having to rely on the touchscreen. Other tech features that can be found on select models of the Journey include navigation and satellite radio.
4. Great Fuel Economy for Vehicle Size
Three-row SUVs are hardly known for their efficiency. That said, the Journey puts up numbers that rival if not beat competitors. The numbers will also likely satisfy consumers shopping for a vehicle this big. With 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, the Journey allows drivers to go up to 500 miles on a single tank of gas.
5. Very Affordable
Anyone who needs a three-row SUV will struggle to find one with a lower starting price than the 2020 Dodge Journey. While its true that the Journey does not have all of the bells and whistles found on many competitors, it is an extremely capable vehicle with a comfortable cabin. Plus, going up to the top trim or adding a package does not tack too much on to the price tag.
6. Available Rear Entertainment System
Parents will want to check out the available rear entertainment system that can be added to the Journey. Models with this feature get a 9-inch screen that can flip down for the second row. This screen can be used to play watch movies or even play video games, helping to keep everyone entertainment during the drive.
7. Distinctive Exterior Style
Any consumers who wants an SUV that does not blend in with every other vehicle on the road will love the Journey. It features the iconic Dodge crosshair grille in the front. Avaialble in the rear are exciting LED "ring-of-fire" taillights that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Going with the SE Value trim will give buyers stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. As for the Crossroad, it upgrades all of the way up to 19-inch alloys and also gains fog lights. The Dodge Journey rejects the idea that all new vehicles have to be black, white, or blue. Drivers can choose from paint colors that pop, such as Blood Orange and Redline.
8. Excellent Rearward Visibility
Test driving the 2020 Dodge Journey will show drivers that this vehicle makes it easy to see exactly what's behind the vehicle. Standard here are power mirrors that have the ability to fold-in when parking in tighter areas. They also come heated, allowing for the side mirrors to stay free of frost or fog. The standard rearview camera also helps drivers double check what's going on behind the vehicle before backing out.
9. Trailer Sway Control Standard
While the 2020 Journey may not be a towing beast, it does give consumers trailer sway control as a standard feature. A towing capacity of 1,000 pounds means that this SUV can bring along a decent variety of toys and other gear. Trailer sway control works with electronic stability control to adjust engine throttle and apply brake pressure as needed. This keeps the trailer stable and allows the driver to feel confident while towing.
10. Available Touring Suspension
Standard for the 2020 Dodge Journey is a fully independent suspension. It features MacPherson front struts and a multilink suspension in the rear. Those who desire a more athletic ride can opt for the touring suspension instead. Not only does this enhance responsiveness, but it also gives the Journey a firmer ride.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Dodge Journey – The Cons
1. Lack of Advanced Driver Aids
It is a bit surprising how few driver aids are even optional on the 2020 Dodge Journey. The vehicle does come standard with both a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Drivers looking for anything above that will have to search elsewhere.
2. Engine Lacks Punch
Many buyers will miss the V6 engine that used to be available for the Journey. While the four-cylinder provides good fuel economy and adequate acceleration, it lacks the thrill offered by some rivals. Whether or not the lack of power is worth the efficiency is ultimately up to the driver's preferences.
3. No All-Wheel-Drive
All-wheel-drive is a popular choice among consumers looking at SUVs. Although it was available up until 2019, the 2020 model does not offer it. Instead, all models come standard with front-wheel-drive.
4. Two Trim Choices
With only two models to look at, buyers may find their choices to be too limited with the 2020 Dodge Journey. Once again, having only two trims is a new thing for 2020. That said, the available popular equipment packages may allow for enough customization for drivers to be okay with only the two trim options.
5. No Smartphone Integration
Although the technology features are easy to use, it is hard to ignore the fact tthat Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not even available features. Bluetooth is not a standard feature either, something incredibly rare for 2020 vehicles. Consumers who want to be able to integrate their smartphone with their Journey may be frustrated. Still, opting for the available Bluetooth will allow for hands-free phone calls and music streaming, which may be enough for consumers.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
Being classified as a midsize SUV, the 2020 Dodge Journey is often compared to two-row competitors. For this reason, the Journey beats out vehciles like the Ford Edge when it comes to seating capacity, with room for seven instead of only five. Plus, the starting price of the 2020 Dodge Journey is nearly impossible to beat. The Kia Sorento is a seven-seater in the same segment of the market as the Journey but it is a slightly smaller SUV. When it comes to affordability and room for the entire family, the Dodge Journey is hard to beat.
Conclusion
While the 2020 Dodge Journey may not have an overwhelming amount of tech and safety features, it makes up for it in comfort and practicality. With impressive fuel efficiency and enough space for everyone, this vehicle is sure to attract a wide variety of consumers and their families. The drawbacks, such as lack of AWD and driver aids, are unlikely to be deal breakers for many. The 2020 Dodge Journey is a strong choice for people seeking their next SUV.
