| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Comfortable cabin | Substandard fuel economy | SXT trim has been discontinued from the lineup |
Low price tag | Unimpressive engine and transmission | Optional V6 engine now available across the trim levels |
The cabin offers plenty of cubbies for small items | Limited cargo capacity | Minor revision to the exterior design including an improved set of fog lamps and taillights |
Lack of technology | New exterior color options |
$22,995
price173 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
torque4-Speed Shiftable Automatic
transmission2.4L 4cyl FWD 4A
engine-
basic warrantyThough not heavily populated, the three-row SUV segment has carved a niche for itself in the market, and with limited yet potent options to choose from, decision-making might not be an easy process. However, the Dodge Journey might be a no-brainer choice for some, as it offers a decent level of performance and a comfortable cabin at an affordable price.
Among all four trims, we would suggest going for the Crossroad trim. As its $29,840 price tag is fully justified by its long list of features. Oh, and yes, we would suggest going for the optional V6 engine over the base four-cylinder one. Not only does it come with every feature from the lower trim levels, but it also upgrades by having a better infotainment system, which includes an updated 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, and voice commands. Updated 19-inch wheels and touring tuned suspension system for better driving experience, and updated level of luxury by having features such as leather upholstery, three-zone climate control with rear seat vents, power-adjustable driver seat, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The 2019 iteration of the Journey is no different. It still vaunts affordability as one of its strongest suits and gets a visually pleasing and leisurely cabin at its disposal. However, its clunky transmission and inefficient powertrain might be against the ideal needs of the traditional buyer. Moreover, it faces serious competition from its rivals such as the Kia Sorento, GMC Acadia, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Can the Dodge Durango continue to be an affable performer in the segment or do its flaws overshadow the value it has to offer? Let’s find out.
The Dodge Journey is available in four trim levels; namely SE Value Package, SE, Crossroad, and GT ranging from $24,740 to $37,040. Not every trim is overloaded with a set of features but still offers something particular. The base trim comes with a 4.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, six-speaker sound system, rearview camera, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, adjustable driver seat, and heated side mirrors. The SE provides a better suspension system, front fog lamps, and auxiliary input jack. The Crossroad presents itself by having bigger 19-inch wheels, even better-tuned suspension, an updated 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, power-adjustable driver seat, leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, voice commands, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The GT tops out by having a V6 engine with remote start, navigation system, sunroof, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, and an entertainment system for rear occupants.
|
Trim |
SE Value Package |
SE |
Crossroad |
GT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$22,995 |
$23,645 |
$28,095 |
$33,395 |
|
MSRP (AWD) |
NA |
$28,045 |
$31,595 |
$35,295 |
|
Key Features |
17-inch wheels |
Enhanced suspension |
19-inch wheels |
V6 engine |
|
Automatic headlights |
Front fog/driving lights |
Touring tuned suspension |
Upgraded suspension |
|
|
Roof rails |
Auxiliary input jack |
Leather upholstery |
Remote start |
|
|
Heated side mirrors |
Three-zone climate control with rear-seat vents |
Heated front seats |
||
|
Height adjustable driver seat |
8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen |
Rear seat entertainment system |
||
|
Keyless ignition and entry |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
Navigation system |
||
|
Rearview camera |
Satellite radio |
sunroof |
||
|
Six speaker sound system |
Power adjustable driver seat |
Rear parking sensors |
||
|
4.3-inch infotainment touchscreen |
Voice commands |
Which Trim should you buy?
Among all four trims, we would suggest going for the Crossroad trim. As its $29,840 price tag is fully justified by its long list of features. Oh, and yes, we would suggest going for the optional V6 engine over the base four-cylinder one. Not only does it come with every feature from the lower trim levels, but it also upgrades by having a better infotainment system, which includes an updated 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, and voice commands. Updated 19-inch wheels and touring tuned suspension system for better driving experience, and updated level of luxury by having features such as leather upholstery, three-zone climate control with rear seat vents, power-adjustable driver seat, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
By default, the 2019 Dodge Journey is powered by a 2.4 Litre inline-4 cylinder engine, which manages to produce 173 horsepower and a torque of 166 lb-ft. The engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, which is unimpressive but gets the job done. Power is sent to the front wheels by default, but buyers can opt for an all-wheel-drive system by paying extra. As for the engine, it is mediocre for its segment as it manages to move the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds.
The best experience one can get from it is by pushing it on the highways. But that doesn't mean it fails when driven locally or through rush hours. It’s just you will find better performance from the other vehicles. To compensate, Dodge offers a 283 horsepower 3.6L V6 engine that produces a torque of 260 lb-ft and comes connected with a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination is significantly better on the road. This particular engine option is available as standard on the Crossroad and GT trims and as optional on the SE trim, while the SE Value Package only gets the base inline-4 motor.
|
Models |
2019 Dodge Journey |
2019 Kia Sorento |
2019 GMC Acadia |
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$22,995 |
$26,290 |
$29,000 |
$24,295 |
|
Engine |
2.4L inline-4 cylinder |
2.4L Inline-4 cylinder |
2.5L Inline-4 cylinder |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 cylinder |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
4 speed automatic |
6 speed automatic |
6 speed automatic |
8 speed automatic |
|
Power (hp @ RPM) |
173 @ 6,000 |
185 @ 6,000 |
193 @ 6,300 |
184 @ 4,400 |
|
Torque (lb-ft @ RPM) |
166 @ 4,000 |
178 @ 4,000 |
188 @ 4,400 |
221 @ 1,600 |
|
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
7.8 |
7.6 |
7.4 |
8.5 |
|
Quarter Mile (seconds) |
16.1 |
15.8 |
15.7 |
16.2 |
|
Top speed (MPH) |
125 |
130 |
130 |
155 |
The base engine of Dodge Journey is tolerable on the road. However, when compared to its rivals, it manages to surpass the Volkswagen Tiguan only, as both GMC Acadia and Kia Sorento come out faster than Dodge. This can partly be credited to their higher power ratings, but an efficient transmission system, that the Dodge lacks with the base engine is also a determining factor.
The Kia and GMC take around 7.6 and 7.4 seconds to the 60 mph mark, while the Volkswagen remains considerably behind. However, the 2019 Tiguan does manage to deliver class-competing performance in the quarter-mile sprints and also records the highest top speed of 155 MPH. While the base engines of all these SUVs will be effective for those who travel often in the city limits, an optional six-cylinder engine is available with each of these cars.
The acceptable four-cylinder engine might be slower on the road but seems to get the job done. As for the handling, Journey comes with a lightweight 2.0-liter engine and a steering wheel that offers little to no feedback. It performs decently when driven mannerly, but push the vehicle further and one will have to keep the vehicle in a straight line. The same can be said about it when taken to sharp corners as the body roll is there. So one will have to stay gentle with it.
As for the suspension system, the standard system is rather underwhelming, but move to the higher trim levels, and you get an enhanced suspension or even a touring tuned suspension system, which significantly improves the ride quality. As it easily eliminates medium to high bumps, we feel it is important to let you know that the vehicle does tend to bounce on every bump.
Dodge Journey weighs 3,818 pounds, which is on the heavier side and leads to body roll. On top of that, opting for a more powerful V6 engine makes it a must to have an efficient braking system. For that Dodge has loaded the Journey with 13-inch front and 12.9-inch rear disc brakes, where the front ones are well ventilated. These brakes are easily one of the biggest in their class and are efficient enough to stop the vehicle from 60-0 mph in a short distance of 129 feet. The braking system is also incorporated with various assists that results in better control over the vehicle when fully loaded. However, we must mention that pushing the brakes on the vehicle often leads to nose dives which is a bummer. So be prepared before pressing the pedal.
|
Models |
2019 Dodge Journey |
2019 Kia Sorento |
2019 GMC Acadia |
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches) |
13 |
12.6 |
12.6 |
13.4 |
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches) |
12.9 |
12 |
12.4 |
11.8 |
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3,818 |
3,810 |
3,879 |
3,721 |
|
60-0 (feet) |
129 |
130 |
126 |
134 |
When compared to its rivals, Dodge Journey comes with bigger brakes than the others, except for Volkswagen Tiguan, which comes with 13.4 inches front brakes, while the rear brake rotors are considerably smaller. Weight-wise Journey is heavier than Kia Sorento and Tiguan. However, the GMC Acadia is the lightest at 3,879 lbs, which when combined with its efficient brakes, allows it to come to a halt at 126 ft., a shorter distance than the Sorento and Tiguan to stop from 60-0.
It is often found that power-hungry engines come with bad fuel economy. But in the case of Dodge Journey, the four-cylinder engine is not even that powerful, yet it fails to impress the buyers with its underwhelming fuel economy. The SUV offers a mileage of 19 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highways, and 21 mpg when driving in combined conditions. Surprisingly, Dodge loaded 20.5 gallons of the fuel tank that comes as a sigh of relief. It bestows a combined range of around 430 miles, which puts the Journey at par with its competition.
The Journey’s fuel tank makes it a decent vehicle for daily usage, however, one might have to stop more at the fuel station if going on a long route trip. Opting for the V6 engine is going to cost you even more as the fuel economy that offers is 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highways. But yes, it comes with 21.1 gallons of the fuel tank which is even better.
|
Models |
2019 Dodge Journey |
2019 Kia Sorento |
2019 GMC Acadia |
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
19 |
22 |
21 |
22 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
25 |
29 |
26 |
29 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
21 |
25 |
23 |
25 |
|
Fuel Capacity (gallons) |
20.5 |
18.8 |
19 |
15.3 |
|
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles) |
389.5/512.5/430.5 |
413.6/545.2/470 |
399/494/437 |
336.6/443.7/382.5 |
Dodge Journey’s four-cylinder offers mileage that is lesser than what its rivals offer. In direct comparison, both the Kia Sorento and Volkswagen Tiguan lead the segment with their combined mileage ratings of 25 MPG. However, their smaller fuel tanks do have a bearing on the range. Similarly, the Acadia might be marginally more efficient, but it manages a similar combined range as the Dodge of 437 miles. But when closely observed, the Kia Sorento emerges as the clear winner in the segment.
When compared to last year's model you are not going to find anything different in the interior of the 2019 Dodge Journey as it is the same. But, we have no complaints about it, since it allows the cabin to uphold its visual appeal. You get a cabin loaded in black with sharp curves and gray accents. But it’s all visuals, as the material quality is average at best. The dashboard is attractive with an ergonomic aura to it The steering wheel looks decent, but its range of adjustability feels quite limited.
As for the interior space and comfort, the Journey can seat seven passengers. At the front, you get manually adjustable seats that get heating functionality on higher trims. While both the second and third-row can be split-folded, the latter remains fixed. All seats come with decent cloth material, but can also be had with leather upholstery. As for the space, both front and rear row seats offer decent room for the occupants, and like is the case with every three-row SUV, the last row is best suited for kids. The standard cargo capacity of Journey at 10.7 cubic feet is poor, but the inside of the cabin offers plenty of storage areas for your personal effects.
|
Models |
2019 Dodge Journey |
2019 Kia Sorento |
2019 GMC Acadia |
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom, in inches) |
40.8/57.5/40.8 |
39.5/59.1/44.1 |
40.3/59.4/41 |
39.6/57/40.2 |
|
Second Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom, in inches) |
39.9/56.9/36.1 |
39.3/58/39.4 |
39.6/58.7/39.7 |
39.1/55.9/36.5 |
|
Third Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom, in inches) |
37.7/43.5/23.4 |
36.3/52.8/31.7 |
37.2/54.3/31.1 |
33.8/47.8/27.9 |
|
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet) |
10.7 |
11.3 |
12.8 |
12 |
The Journey offers a spacious cabin, however, when compared to its rivals it easily falls behind all of its competitors. Over the Dodge SUV, each contemporary option, be it from Kia, GMC, or Volkswagen, feel rather practical, with better third-row seats and proportionately developed cabins. Moreover, the 2021 Acadia also gains ascendancy over its rivals by offering a total cargo capacity of 12.8 cubic feet and is closely followed by the Volkswagen Tiguan that offers a trunk volume of 12 cubic feet.
Below are some of the key interior features.
Sure, the cabin of Dodge is comfortable, but when it comes to the entertainment for the occupants, the Journey resonates with an old-fangled aura. The infotainment system consists of a 4.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, which is upgradable to an 8.4-inch touchscreen powered by Uconnect 3 infotainment system. The display is responsive with a decent user interface. It gets features such as auxiliary input jacks, multiple 12 volt DC power outlets, and SiriusXM as standard, but go higher on the trim strata and you get a navigation system, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and voice commands which often made mistakes.
However, the Dodge Journey misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Additionally, there is only one USB port, which feels rather impractical for an SUV that has a three-row configuration. Moreover, the standard six-speaker sound system sounds very bassy and begins to irritate if you turn up the volume. A 7-speaker sound system with a 368-watt amplifier is also available as an option, which is an improvement over the base system. Below are some of the key infotainment features available with the 2019 Dodge Journey:
Unlike others in the market, Dodge Journey has always looked distinctive. Especially because where others looked more disciplined, Journey stayed close to being exotic. And if you compare it to last year’s model, you are going to find some neat changes which make it even more aggressive than ever before. Dodge has updated both the front and rear end of the vehicle. Such as at the front other than a chrome grille, one can get a blacked-out grille with front fog lamps below. On the sides, body-colored heated side mirrors and extended fenders are still the same and buyers can choose from 17 and 19-inch alloy wheels. In the rear, updated taillights look amazing. The rest of the design is the same and yes the liftgate is still small. Lastly, Journey receives new color options for the list including the Destroyer Gray. Which looks the best and seems like the only color we would need.
|
Models |
2019 Dodge Journey |
2019 Kia Sorento |
2019 GMC Acadia |
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3,818 |
3,810 |
3,879 |
3,721 |
|
Length (inches) |
192.4 |
189 |
193.6 |
185.1 |
|
Width (inches) |
72.2 |
74.4 |
75.4 |
72.4 |
|
Height (inches) |
66.6 |
66.3 |
66 |
66.3 |
|
Ground Clearance (inches) |
7.2 |
7.3 |
7.2 |
7.9 |
|
Wheelbase (inches) |
113.8 |
109.4 |
112.5 |
109.8 |
Dimensions-wise, the Journey is somewhat similar to its rivals, but the 7.2 inches of ground clearance is acceptable. However, the Volkswagen Tiguan offers a better clearance of 7.9 inches when compared to its rivals. Additionally, it weighs the least, while the GMC Acadia is the heaviest at 3,879 lbs and is also the longest SUV in the segment. But, it is the Journey that comes with a bigger wheelbase of 113.8 inches, yet it lacks space on the inside.
Standout exterior features of the 2019 Dodge Journey include:
Yes, the vehicle is heavy and comes with issues controlling it, but it’s the shortage of safety features that make it handicapped than the other vehicles in its segment. Based on the Chrysler JC platform, it somehow managed to score decent ratings in crash tests by NHTSA and IIHS. But the Dodge Journey comes with a very limited set of safety features which makes it harder to accept. The only features that you will find inside it are electronic stability control, roll stability control, ABS and driveline traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, multiple dual-stage airbags at various key points including driver knee airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. Advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross trail alert, and lane changing assists are missing. Only a Parkview backup camera and rear parking sensors are available. Even the rearview camera comes with poor image quality. Below are some of its key safety features.
When stacked against the Kia Sorento, Dodge Journey offers better control over the vehicle, better braking power, a bigger fuel tank, and a vehicle at an affordable price tag. Sorento, on the other hand, is faster and fuel-efficient on the road. It also offers more room for occupants and can easily tow more cargo.
Journey vs Acadia is an old rivalry, and once again it is the GMC that proves to be faster on the road. It offers a spacious cabin and more cargo capacity. On top of that, it offers better mileage and braking power over Journey. In short, it decimates Journey easily, as Dodge only manages to offer a bigger fuel tank, which leads to better range and a vehicle that is lighter than GMC Acadia.
The Volkswagen Tiguan might be the only rival where Journey stands strong as the former only offers a bigger cabin, better cargo capacity, and far better mileage. Dodge Journey, on the other hand, turns out faster on the road, offers a bigger fuel tank capacity which leads to a better driving range and better braking power.
Yes, Dodge vehicles usually focus on performance, but Journey is a strange one. Despite offering a comfortable cabin and acceptable performance on the road, the Dodge fails to match the prowess of its rivals. Once a well-respected vehicle, the Journey is slowly losing its touch as other rivals are simply far better. Even the technology and safety features it comes with are very limited. So only think about getting the 2019 Dodge Journey if you are low on budget, otherwise, we do not recommend it.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Dodge Journey Ranked #21 | 11 sec | 17.9 sec | - | |||
2019 Volvo S60 Ranked #1 | 6.1 sec | 14.6 sec | - | |||
2019 Honda Passport Ranked #1 | 6.1 sec | 14.7 sec | 112 mph | |||
2019 Honda Pilot Ranked #2 | 6.9 sec | 15.3 sec | 115 mph | |||
2019 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #2 | 6.9 sec | 15.4 sec | - | |||
2019 Ford Edge Ranked #3 | 7 sec | 15.3 sec | 130 mph |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Dodge Journey Ranked #13 | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | 20.5 gal. | 389.5/512.5 mi. | |||
2019 Fiat 500e Electric Ranked #1 | 121 mpg | 103 mpg | 112 mpg | - | - | |||
2019 Toyota Camry Ranked #2 | 29 mpg | 41 mpg | 34 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 420.5/594.5 mi. | |||
2019 Lexus UX 200 Ranked #3 | 29 mpg | 37 mpg | 33 mpg | 12.4 gal. | 359.6/458.8 mi. | |||
2019 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #4 | 29 mpg | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 12.7 gal. | 368.3/431.8 mi. | |||
2019 Nissan Rogue Ranked #5 | 26 mpg | 33 mpg | 29 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 377/478.5 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Dodge Journey Ranked #7 | 192.4 in. | 72.2 in. | 66.6 in. | 7.2 in. | 113.8 in. | |||
2019 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #1 | 199.4 in. | 77.5 in. | 69 in. | 8.8 in. | 115.3 in. | |||
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Ranked #2 | 198.5 in. | 77.3 in. | 69.5 in. | 7 in. | 114.2 in. | |||
2019 Ford Explorer Ranked #3 | 198.3 in. | 78.9 in. | 70 in. | 7.8 in. | 112.8 in. | |||
2019 Honda Pilot Ranked #4 | 196.5 in. | 78.6 in. | 70.6 in. | 7.3 in. | 111 in. | |||
2019 GMC Acadia Ranked #5 | 193.6 in. | 75.4 in. | 66 in. | 7.2 in. | 112.5 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Dodge Journey Ranked #17 | 10.7 cu.ft. | 123.7 cu.ft. | 67.6 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #1 | 47.2 cu.ft. | - | 89.7 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Toyota Highlander Ranked #2 | 13.8 cu.ft. | 144.9 cu.ft. | 83.7 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #3 | 29.9 cu.ft. | 103.2 cu.ft. | 63.5 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Ford Edge Ranked #4 | 39.2 cu.ft. | 113.9 cu.ft. | 11.1 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Fiat 500e Electric Ranked #4 | 7 cu.ft. | 78.6 cu.ft. | 10 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Dodge Journey Ranked #1 | 50.8 cu.ft. | 10.7 cu.ft. | 67.6 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Fiat 500e Electric Ranked #2 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 7 cu.ft. | 10 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Lexus UX 200 Ranked #3 | - | 21.7 cu.ft. | 21.7 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Toyota Camry Ranked #4 | 14.1 cu.ft. | 14.1 cu.ft. | 14.1 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #5 | 89.7 cu.ft. | 47.2 cu.ft. | 89.7 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Honda Passport Ranked #6 | 74.4 cu.ft. | 41.2 cu.ft. | 77.9 cu.ft. | 42 ft. |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Dodge Journey Ranked #5 | 2500 lbs. | 1432 lbs. | 3818 lbs. | |||
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranked #1 | 6200 lbs. | 1180 lbs. | 4513 lbs. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1700 lbs. | 4400 lbs. | |||
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1692 lbs. | 4293 lbs. | |||
2019 Ford Explorer Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1717 lbs. | 4443 lbs. | |||
2019 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #3 | 3500 lbs. | 1453 lbs. | 4217 lbs. |
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User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 28, 2024
The dodge journey has a 2.4 liter engine which the pick up speed is not all that great. As for the performance, the dodge journey runs great and drives great when it's not stuck in the shop with all the mechanical issues. It's a good vehicle but it could be a whole lot better.
