2019 Dodge Journey Review: No Longer A Serious Competitor
Now passing the decade mark, the first-generation Dodge Journey has lived a long life. Unfortunately, in that time, it hasn't really evolved and has steadily fallen further and further behind the pack within the midsize crossover segment. The infotainment system is easy to use but horribly dated, and, in general, the Journey lacks many of the modern amenities that buyers have come to expect from family-focused SUVs. Similarly, the available safety suite lacks the advanced safety features that have become standard on newer vehicles. The only factors keeping the Journey in the running are its spacious interior and appealing price tag, but its poor fuel economy puts a dent in that argument. With rivals like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sorento taking the market by storm, we wouldn't blame you if the Dodge Journey missed a spot on your shortlist.
What's the Price of the 2019 Dodge Journey?
The economy-level SE Value Package has a set price of $23,245 since it does not offer the option of adding packages. The SE starts at $23,895, while the mid-tier Crossroad will cost you $4,450 more, at $28,345. Getting behind the wheel of the top-of-the-range GT will set you back $33,645. The all-wheel-drive variants of the SE, Crossroad, and GT cost $23,295, $31,845, and $35,545, respectively. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Dodge's $1,495 destination charge. Overall, the Journey is one of the cheapest midsize crossovers available, but in too many instances, you get the low quality you are paying for.
Best Deals on 2019 Dodge Journey
2019 Journey Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
192.4 in | 113.8 in | 66.6 in | 72.2 in | 61.8 in | 62.3 in | 3,818.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
2019 Journey Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
It may be a good thing that the Journey struggles to get up to speed because once it gets there, the steering becomes quite difficult to manage. Keeping the SUV pointed straight on the highway requires constant correction from the driver due to the poor on-center feel. Steering response is also slow around corners, with feedback almost non-existent. The only time steering feels manageable is at parking lot speeds, where the lightness of the wheel actually works in its favor. The brakes are as hit and miss as the steering, being light around town at lower speeds, but grabby at higher speeds. In an emergency stop, the brakes can bring the heavy SUV to a halt in 132 feet from 60 mph, which is rather average for the segment.
The excessive weight and imposing dimensions of the Journey lend themselves to some seriously disconcerting handling characteristics, even in a segment already known for its subpar corner-carving standards. The bulky SUV sloppily leans into turns, quickly losing its grip on the road, although you'd never see it coming thanks to the terrible communication between the tires and the steering wheel. This is definitely a vehicle designed with low-speed town driving in mind; but, even then, the slow acceleration and mulish transmission make for a very unpleasant experience. Add to this the mediocre seat comfort and less than impressive noise insulation, and you have yourself a recipe for perpetual annoyance.
2019 Journey Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2019 Journey Trunk and Cargo Space
2019 Journey Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Dodge Journey A Good SUV?
The Dodge Journey was a good SUV when it was launched more than a decade ago. Since then, it has seen few real improvements to the original design, and many features that are becoming standard requirements on newer vehicles have not been incorporated into the Journey via yearly updates. There are almost no advanced safety features to speak of, and the outdated infotainment system does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. The interior also looks as out of date as the feature-count, while the styling is in desperate need of an overhaul.
Where the Journey does impress is in its spaciousness inside the cabin, but this only applies to passengers in the first two rows as there is little cargo room to speak of; and, third-row seating is cramped. Add to this the SUV's poor towing capacity, and you don't have a good daily hauler on your hands. When you compound these glaring shortcomings with a severely underperforming base engine, an only average second available engine, and the handling characteristics of a drunken hippo on roller skates, you have a crossover SUV that simply can't compete with more modern rivals. It is definitely time for a journey, but rather one of introspection, as Dodge takes the Journey's few good qualities and applies it to a new edition that can actually compete with the youthful competition.
What Dodge Journey Model Should I Buy?
Regardless of trim choice, there isn't much on offer across the Journey range, so you are going to need to tick a few boxes for optional features. This immediately rules out the SE Value Package. The Crossroad comes with standard leather upholstery and all the safety features available to the SUV, along with the upgraded infotainment suite. Popping on one of the navigation packages and adding ParkSense parking assist are worthwhile options, while the Premium Sound Package (only available for the Crossroad) will be appreciated by the family. Regardless of anything else, make sure you spring for the available 3.6-liter V6 engine.
2019 Dodge Journey Comparisons
2019 Dodge Journey vs Kia Sorento
Like the Journey, the Kia Sorento comes standard with seating for seven, and also like the Dodge, it is slightly smaller than other seven-seaters. For this reason, it suffers from the same internal spacing issues as the Journey, with the third-row seats serving as more as a novelty than truly usable passenger space. But while the Journey fails across the board, the Sorento makes up for this seating faux pax with a much more stylish interior, an abundance of safety features, and a more up-to-date infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base engine on the Sorento won't wow you, but the optional six-cylinder performs well and complements the SUV's much better handling characteristics. While still not an ideal daily driver due to the spacing issues and less-than-ideal cargo capacity, the Sorento blows the relic that is the Dodge Journey out of the water.
2019 Dodge Journey vs Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango sits a tier above the Journey in the SUV food-chain, with a heavier price tag and all the advantages that come with it. The engine options on the Durano are significantly stronger, with a throaty V8 on offer that throws out almost 400 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a sturdier frame, this gives the larger SUV the ability to tow more than three times as much as the Journey. With a more spacious interior, better cargo capacity, and a more up-to-date infotainment system that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Durango isn't just out of the Journey's league, it's playing a whole new ball game. It also shows up the smaller SUV's biggest weakness: non-existent driver-assist safety tech. And with a starting price of $30,195, it isn't crazy to consider the Durango as a viable alternative to the affordable Journey.