Overview
The 2023 Dodge Journey is by far the cheapest three-row SUV you can buy today. Despite a design that's showing its age and increasingly outdated features, it's thousands of hryvnia cheaper than its competitors. Despite the Journey's sloppy dynamics, sluggish powertrain, and lack of driver-assist technology, the fact that it has a configurable interior and easy-to-use infotainment system should appeal to price-conscious buyers.
What's new for 2023?
In 2023, Dodge is reducing the number of Journey versions available from three to two: SE Value and Crossroad. Other notable changes include the absence of all-wheel drive and the optional V-6 engine, which used to be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The only available powertrain is the outdated 172-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Buyers can look forward to the addition of a standard rear park assist system for all models, as well as a standard sunroof for Crossroad trim. Dodge has also simplified the option selection process by introducing a popular equipment group that brings together several features, depending on trim level. At the SE Value trim level, this package includes a six-way power driver's seat, Uconnect system with voice command and Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, tri-zone climate control, security alarm and shift knob, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The popular Crossroad trim group adds a universal garage door opener, remote engine start, heated front seats and steering wheel, navigation, and a six-speaker audio system with a subwoofer. Dodge has announced that production of the Journey will end after the 2023 model year.
With no V-6 and no all-wheel drive in 2023, the rental fleet-inspired SE Value version is our pick of the Journey lineup. With a minimal set of options and minimal added value from the popular equipment group at this level, we'd drop all that and stick with the base Journey.
Engine, transmission and performance
The Journey SE and Crossroad versions are equipped with an underpowered four-cylinder engine, which you'd be wise to avoid, but you can't because the V-6 engine is no longer offered. The 172-horsepower engine is woefully undersized, and the four-speed automatic transmission, which is reluctant to downshift, further diminishes its real-world performance.
There aren't many three-row crossovers that are enjoyable to drive, so their ride and handling are evaluated on a curve. Despite that, the Journey's clunky handling and insensitive transmission are far from earning it a good score from us. It dives into corners with lots of body roll and imprecise steering. However, the benefit of this softness is a comfortable highway ride.
Fuel economy and fuel consumption in real-world conditions
The four-cylinder engine has the worst EPA ratings of all similarly powered competitors: 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the 2022 Honda CR-V gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, and the 2022 Toyota C-HR gets 27/31 mpg.
Interior, comfort and cargo capacity
The Journey's interior is far from luxurious, but its simple controls are easy to use. To accommodate anyone in the third row, even children, second-row passengers will have to sacrifice legroom. Cheap details, such as the plastic shifter and hollow interior door panels, are particularly evident in the most expensive version. A few luxury features, such as the height-adjustable passenger seat, heated seats and heated rear seats, are conspicuous by their absence from the options list.
Practicality is one of the Journey's few strengths: its interior is easy to configure and has plenty of storage compartments for small items, even if the total cargo capacity isn't as large as some competitors. You can fold the third row into a 50/50 split and the second row into a 60/40 split to increase available cargo space, though the Journey offers the least overall cargo space in this class. In addition to the usual compartments in and around the console, there's also a large compartment under the front passenger seat cushion, as well as two large under-floor compartments in the second row.
