If you’re looking for a used Dodge Journey, then you’re in luck. The Dodge Journey is a rare case scenario, and this is namely due to its long history of excellent performance thanks to its powerful V6 engine. Because of this, when you purchase a 2011 Journey, it’ll perform practically identically with a newer version, such as the 2019 variant, for example. Even more interesting, Dodge has omitted one of the two available powertrains for the 2020 vehicle, leaving behind a far less capable engine, while the V6 of the past stays strong. That’s right, you can get a used Journey for far cheaper than a newer variant, and you can guarantee it’ll perform better should you opt for its now-discontinued V6 engine. With the stage set, does a used Dodge Journey have the chance to compete with newer vehicles on the market today? Let’s find out.
More Options For Performance
In what would become a surprising move by Dodge, for 2020, the two available powertrains that had become a staple of the model’s lineup was relegated to a singular powertrain that couldn’t be swapped out for anything more powerful. One of the most questionable aspects about this change is that the more powerful engine of the two is the one that has been sidelined. This ultimately makes the latest Journey a tad unappealing to those looking for any vehicle that can produce over 200 hp, meaning the older models are the far better option.
Of course, nowadays, the Journey has been discontinued for the foreseeable future, leaving the 2020 Journey as the last model that will be released. Regardless of its singular powertrain option, the 2020 Journey is still a reliable choice because of the excellent fuel-efficiency that its engine can still achieve. This engine is a 2.4L 4-cylinder that comes paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and produces 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. The impressive aspect of this engine comes down to its EPA-estimated ratings of 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, which are certainly ample.
As mentioned, between the model years of 2011 through 2019, the Journey featured an optional powertrain consisting of a much stronger 3.6L V6 that produced 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Opting for this engine will replace the 4-speed automatic transmission with a 6-speed automatic and provide you with 63.5% more horsepower along with 56.6% greater torque output. Now, you may be expecting this engine to lose a significant amount of its fuel-efficient capabilities because of its increase in power output. However, this is not the case. Yes, its EPA-estimated ratings are lower in the city at 17 MPG, but it gets the same 25 MPG on the highway, meaning you get the best of both worlds with this engine.
Interior Size and Features
One of the Journey’s biggest strengths has always been its interior. Various pre-owned versions support a maximum seating capacity of seven passengers and do so with an expansive cabin. Looking at a 2020 Journey with seven seats, in particular, you’ll find 40.8-inches of both headroom and legroom in the front row, meaning tall passengers will have no issues with fitting comfortably. Your passengers in the backseat will also be treated to ample space, with the second row of seats getting 39.9-inches of headroom and 36.1-inches of legroom. Lastly, third-row passengers will be treated to a respectable 37.7-inches of headroom, along with 23.4-inches of legroom.
Available cargo space is a crucial selling part of an SUV, and with the Journey, it certainly impresses. SUVs such as the Journey are well-regarded because of their cargo space, and the Journey will offer you a maximum cargo capacity of 67.6 cubic feet. Of course, this is if both rows of seats have been folded downwards, meaning you can’t transport more than one passenger. However, should you require your Journey for transporting large amounts of cargo at any given time, it’ll give you plenty of space. If everyone is coming along for the ride, don’t fret as your Journey will still grant you 10.7 cu ft. of space, which should be plenty for everyday use such as groceries, for example.
For years, the Dodge Journey has provided drivers with exceptional tech-centric features for quite some time. While a majority of its best features are not standard and are usually available as optional upgrades, some of these features have been present for most of the model’s history. One of these features is an entertainment center fitted into the back seat, perfect for keeping the kids occupied during those long road trips. Newer models contain a central 9-inch screen, offering a perfect amount of screen real-estate for enjoying all your favorite content and easily accessing all the available infotainment features. Best of all, you can find rear-seat entertainment centers such as these on models from 2020, all the way back to as early 2012, meaning you should be able to find one with ease.
A newer feature that can be found on a host of Journey models from as far back as 2015 is a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. You’ll find this feature in plenty of newer vehicles on the road today, and purchasing a Journey with an integrated hotspot is an excellent way to retain its relevance into the coming years. With a hotspot, you can connect your smartphone directly to a dedicated internet network that stems from your vehicle. Along with this, your passengers can also connect and utilize the network connection to stream their favorite content to their wireless devices, even while on the road.
Arguably the most important piece between connectivity features, various Journey models allow for the inclusion of an infotainment center. Sadly, these were not the standard affair for the Journey and were available as upgrades as well. However, this infotainment center that utilizes UConnect software has been a part of the lineup as far back as 2013. Serving as the central media hub, your infotainment center will allow you to select your favorite music, especially handy with a Bluetooth capable device, and access to various navigational features as well. Best of all, the Journey’s available infotainment center comes equipped with a large and vibrant 8.4-inch screen.
Not The End of The Road
Since the Journey’s time on the new market has come to an end, there’s no indication from Dodge whether or not the model will ever see the light of day again. However, thanks entirely to the pre-owned market, the Journey has potential for greatness and may very well become a must-buy pre-owned vehicle. The true value of the Journey, and its several different models that have historically always included a robust feature set, wasn’t entirely obvious to some until its discontinuation. Despite this, the Journey’s value is now a better proposition than ever before.
Should you opt for a pre-owned Journey from one of the years that included the powerful V6 engine, along with the aforementioned upgrades such as the infotainment center upfront and the entertainment center in the back, the value is nearly unrivaled. If you’re looking for a used Dodge Journey, your best chance at finding some will be to visit your local Dodge dealer to find out how to get started.
