2020 Dodge Journey CrossroadJil McIntosh The Dodge Journey is that old guy in the back corner of the accounting department. Hes been around so long that nobody knows when he started, and you keep expecting him to retire or be replaced and yet he soldiers on.Weve been promised an all-new Journey a few times, but the 2020 model is still basically unchanged from when it first hit the pavement in 2009. Youre getting older technology, but youre also getting it at a starting price thats lower than most other three-row crossovers.Although five trim levels were offered for 2019, the Journey shrinks to just two for 2020. Thats usually indicative of impending retirement, and my money is on it being dropped in favour of the upcoming Chrysler Voyager, a bargain-basement version of the Pacifica thats likely to knuckle aside both the Journey and the aging Dodge Grand Caravan. The Journey will now come only as the Canada Value Package and Crossroad. Pricing hasnt been announced for 2020, but for 2019, those two trim levels start at $24,145 and $34,945 respectively. I took the Crossroad for a quick spin at an event earlier this year.Both models are powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 172 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The Journeys previously-optional larger engine, the brilliant 3.6L Pentastar V6 making 283 horsepower, wont be offered. The V6 was required to order all-wheel-drive, so you guessed it the 2020 Journey powers only its front wheels. That keeps the price down, but with AWD so popular among Canadian buyers, its going to further limit the Journeys appeal.The smaller engine has lacklustre acceleration, although it works fine and is fairly quiet once youre up to speed. The steering is light and visibility is good key for a van thats likely to spend a lot of time running errands and fitting into tight parking spots. The Crossroad has a touring suspension, and the ride is smooth; the Canada Value Package, which I didnt drive, is listed as normal-duty and so I expect will let a few more road imperfections up into the cabin. Theres not as much interior space as in a full-size minivan, but the Journeys roomier inside than you might expect for its footprint. Its fine when youre putting small children in the back, although theyll likely outgrow it if you keep the vehicle long enough. Both rows are easy to fold down for a flat cargo floor.The Canada Value Package comes with a few niceties, including air conditioning, keyless entry with push-button start, heated mirrors, a backup camera and park assist, and oddly enough, an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Crossroad adds 19-inch wheels, LED taillamps, three-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, and FCAs Uconnect infotainment with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, plus leather upholstery and under-floor storage bins in the second row. There will also be option packages for both, with some of the Crossroads items available on the Canada Value Package, and for the upper trim, heated seats and steering wheel, garage door opener, premium speakers, navigation, and rear-seat DVD system. Connectivity is limited, though, with neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto available.The Journeys competitors are better vehicles, and anyone who buys it is shopping on price alone but there are a lot of families on a budget. This Dodge gets them from A to B with decent interior space for a relatively low price, at least at the entry level. How long itll stick around is anyones guess, but for 2020 at least, theres still some life in the Journeys aging
Origin: Quick Spin: 2020 Dodge Journey