DecodedCars2020 Dodge Journey
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD V6, 4dr SUV FWD I4, 4dr SUV FWD V6
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,825–4,246 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 18% below the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG.
- No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a small SUV.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Dodge Journey is a small SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,246 lb (4dr SUV AWD V6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 18% worse than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2020
- Engine dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl
- All-wheel / four-wheel drive no longer offered
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Journey →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD V6 | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,246 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD I4 | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,825 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD V6 | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,043 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 420 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Dodge Journey SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Dodge Journey (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 35 |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Aug 26, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V552000 · 219,577 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.
Not every 2020 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Back Over Prevention — 8 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Dodge Journey. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Journey years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 102 |
| 2018 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 237 |
| 2017 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 202 |
| 2016 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 389 |
| 2015 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 553 |
| 2014 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 396 |
| 2013 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 333 |
| 2012 Journey | 22 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 317 |
| 2011 Journey | 22 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 110 |
| 2010 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 770 |
| 2009 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 876 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →