Should You Buy a Dodge Crossover?
The Dodge Journey, produced from 2009 to 2020, is the only crossover the American automaker has manufactured in its lineup.
Dodge—renowned for heavy-duty trucks, performance vehicles, and muscle cars—has only produced one crossover model over the years: the
Dodge Journey
. Looking for a vehicle that’s bigger than a sedan but smaller than an SUV? Then a crossover might be for you! It’s a lighter vehicle that provides all the roominess of an SUV without the huge frame—and it will also help you save a few dollars at the pump.
What crossovers does Dodge have?
Dodge is well-known for the power and performance of vehicles like the
Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye
or the Durango
, but the American automaker has only manufactured one crossover—the Dodge Journey. The crossover was first produced in 2009 until it was discontinued in 2020. Here’s how the Journey stacked up over its last four years:Model | Starting price | Type of crossover | Edmunds.com rating | Car and Driver rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Journey | $26,077 | Mid-size | 5.6/10 | 3.5/10 |
2019 Journey | $23,794 | Mid-size | 5.4/10 | 4/10 |
2018 Journey | $19,900 | Mid-size | 5.4/10 | 4/10 |
2017 Journey | $15,600 | Mid-size | N/A | 4/10 |
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What’s the difference between crossovers and SUVs?
Though the terms “crossover” and “SUV” are often used interchangeably, there’s actually a distinction between the two! The main difference is the body frame.
Crossovers are built on a car platform and therefore are generally lighter and more affordable. On the other hand, SUVs are built on a truck platform, so they are usually heavier with a lot more interior space and a costlier price tag.
How powerful are Dodge crossovers?
The Dodge Journey may not have the power performance of a
Ram 1500
or Durango SXT
, but the mid-size crossover is capable of handling lighter loads, depending on the model year. Up until 2020, the Journey offered the optional 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine with the capacity to tow up to 2,500 pounds. But if you’re just planning on using your crossover for daily commuting, then you might want to go with the regular four-cylinder engine to help save on gas.
Here’s how the Journey’s strength compares over the last four years:
Model | Horsepower | Torque | Towing capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
2020 Journey | 173 | 166 lb-ft | Up to 1,000 lbs |
2019 Journey | 173 to 283 | 166 to 250 lb-ft | Up to 2,500 lbs |
2018 Journey | 173 to 283 | 166 to 250 lb-ft | Up to 2,500 lbs |
2017 Journey | 173 to 283 | 166 to 250 lb-ft | Up to 2,500 lbs |
Are Dodge crossovers good on gas?
For a crossover, the Dodge Journey’s fuel efficiency leaves much to be desired. Here’s how the crossover’s mpg numbers have shaken out over the years:
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
2020 Journey | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg |
2017-2019 Journey (inline-4) | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg |
2017-2019 Journey (V6; AWD) | 16 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg |
2017-2019 Journey (V6; FWD) | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg |
If you’re looking to save more money at the pump, you’ll have to look elsewhere—the Journey doesn’t exactly blow us away. But thankfully, there is no shortage when it comes to impressive fuel-efficient crossovers! The
Kia Sorento
is similar in size to the Journey with similar power performance, but you’ll get 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Some other first-rate gas-saving options include the
Nissan Kicks
, with 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, or the Lexus UX200
, with 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. MORE:
How to track gas mileage
Are Dodge crossovers safe?
Overall, the Dodge Journey crossover is considered to be a safe vehicle. It has received a nearly perfect safety score from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
, though the 2018 Journey has had more than its share of recalls compared to other model years. The latest Journey doesn’t offer as many advanced driver-assistance technologies as drivers might expect in a family-friendly vehicle, but it does come equipped with some standard safety features, including:
- ParkSense rear parking assistance
- ParkView backup camera
- Driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag
Here’s the full breakdown of ratings and recalls for the Journey crossover:
Model | NHTSA rating | IIHS rating | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
2020 Journey | 4 stars | Good | 0 |
2019 Journey | 4 stars | Good | 0 |
2018 Journey | 4 stars | Good | 5 |
2017 Journey | 4 stars | Good | 1 |
MORE:
14 safe driving tips
Are Dodge crossovers reliable?
Yes! In fact,
RepairPal
gives the Dodge Journey a 4.0/5.0 for reliability, ranking it 6th out of 26 brands. Additionally, the average repair cost for the Journey is $562 per year, which is about average in terms of ownership costs. Of course, reliability can depend on who you’re asking. While the Journey has an above average rating from RepairPal,
J.D. Power
gave the 2018 Journey crossover a 73/100 rating, which is considered just average. Speaking of average, Dodge’s warranty coverage is another area that leaves much to be desired. But don’t feel bad—shorter warranties are pretty standard for most other car brands, including
Honda
and Toyota
. But to give yourself more peace of mind behind the wheel, you should consider getting an extended car warranty
out of an abundance of caution. Dodge’s warranty comes with:
- A 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
- A 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Which Dodge crossover is best?
By default, the Journey is the best crossover! But in particular, the 2019 Dodge Journey would be considered the best crossover of all the model years. It had absolutely no recalls and it was the last model year to offer the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that can tow up to 2,5000.
But if you’re looking for the cream of the crop when it comes to crossovers, other mid-size competitors to consider include the
Honda CR-V
, Kia Telluride
, and Hyundai Santa Fe
. The best way to save money on Dodge insurance
No matter which Dodge Journey model year you choose (or maybe you’ve decided to go with something else!), don’t forget about getting the best insurance coverage for your crossover. And comparison super app
Jerry
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