As an automotive enthusiast with a passion for SUVs, I’ve spent countless hours exploring vehicles that balance power, comfort, and practicality for families and adventurers alike.
My experience with Dodge models has always been exciting, given their reputation for bold design and robust performance.
The Dodge Journey and Dodge Durango are two popular SUVs that cater to different needs, from budget-friendly family haulers to powerful, spacious cruisers.
This article aims to compare these vehicles in detail to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
From performance to interior space, I’ll share a comprehensive breakdown to guide you toward the right Dodge SUV for your needs.
Comparison Table: Dodge Journey Vs. Dodge Durango
| Feature | Dodge Journey (2020) | Dodge Durango (2025) |
| Starting MSRP | $24,795 | $32,570 |
| Engine Options | 2.4L I4 (173 hp) | 3.6L V6 (295 hp), 5.7L V8 (360 hp), 6.2L V8 (710 hp) |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/25 MPG | 19/26 MPG (V6) |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 | Up to 7 |
| Cargo Space (Max) | 67.6 cu. ft. | 84.5 cu. ft. |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500 lbs | Up to 8,700 lbs (V8) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD, optional AWD | RWD, optional AWD |
| Infotainment System | Uconnect 3 with 8.1-inch touchscreen | Uconnect 5 with 10.1-inch touchscreen |
| Safety Rating | 4-star NHTSA | 4-star NHTSA |
My Journey With Dodge SUVs
My fascination with Dodge SUVs began when I needed a vehicle that could handle family road trips and occasional towing for outdoor adventures. As someone who values versatility and performance, I often drive in mixed conditions, from city streets to open highways, with a preference for vehicles that offer both comfort and capability.
To compare the Dodge Journey and Durango, I test-drove both models extensively, evaluating them on city commutes, highway cruises, and light towing scenarios to understand their real-world performance.
Key Features Of Dodge Journey
- Design Philosophy & Target User: The Dodge Journey is designed as an affordable, family-friendly midsize SUV targeting budget-conscious buyers who need seating for seven and practical features. Its compact size and straightforward design make it ideal for urban drivers and small families looking for value without sacrificing utility.
- Specific Features:
- Affordable Pricing: Starting at $24,795 for the 2020 model, the Journey offers one of the lowest price points in its class, making it accessible for families on a budget. This affordability allows buyers to prioritize essential features without breaking the bank.
- Flexible Storage: The Journey includes clever storage solutions, such as under-floor compartments and a hidden compartment under the front passenger seat, which enhance its practicality for daily errands and family trips.
- Nimble Handling: With a smaller wheelbase and soft suspension, the Journey excels in tight corners and urban environments, providing a smooth, comfortable ride for city dwellers.
- Summary: The Dodge Journey is best suited for budget-conscious families or urban drivers who prioritize affordability and compact maneuverability over high-end performance or luxury features.
Also read: My Thoughts on BMW X7 Vs. Cadillac Escalade.
Key Features Of Dodge Durango
- Design Philosophy & Target User: The Dodge Durango is a bold, powerful midsize SUV designed for drivers who crave performance, spacious interiors, and towing capability. It targets families and adventurers who need a versatile vehicle that can handle heavy loads and long-distance travel with a touch of sporty flair.
- Specific Features:
- Powerful Engine Options: The Durango offers a range of engines, from a 295-hp 3.6L V6 to a 710-hp supercharged 6.2L V8 in the SRT Hellcat models. This variety allows buyers to choose between efficiency and exhilarating performance.
- Superior Towing Capacity: With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds (V8 models), the Durango is ideal for towing boats, trailers, or campers, making it a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Spacious Interior: The Durango provides up to 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space and more legroom than the Journey, ensuring comfort for larger families or those needing extra storage for gear.
- Summary: The Dodge Durango is best suited for drivers who prioritize power, towing capability, and a spacious interior, especially those with active lifestyles or larger families.
Pros Of Dodge Journey
- Affordability: The Journey’s starting MSRP of $24,795 is significantly lower than the Durango’s, making it an excellent value for families needing a three-row SUV. During my test drives, I found it offered a solid feature set for the price, including a user-friendly infotainment system.
- Compact Size: Its smaller footprint makes the Journey easier to park and maneuver in crowded urban areas. I appreciated this during city drives, where tight parking spaces were no issue compared to larger SUVs.
- Fuel Efficiency: With an EPA-estimated 19/25 MPG (city/highway), the Journey is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Durango’s V6 models, saving me a few bucks at the pump over a week of mixed driving.
Cons Of Dodge Journey
- Underpowered Engine: The Journey’s sole 2.4L I4 engine produces only 173 horsepower, which felt sluggish during highway merges and when carrying a full load of passengers or cargo.
- Outdated Transmission: The 4-speed automatic transmission is less responsive and efficient compared to modern standards, leading to a less engaging driving experience, especially noticeable on long highway stretches.
- Limited Features: While affordable, the Journey lacks some advanced safety and tech features standard in the Durango, such as adaptive cruise control or a larger touchscreen, which I missed during extended drives.
Pros Of Dodge Durango
- Powerful Performance: The Durango’s engine options, particularly the 5.7L V8 and 6.2L V8, deliver thrilling acceleration. During my test drive, the R/T model’s 360 horsepower made towing a trailer feel effortless and added excitement to open-road cruising.
- Spacious Cargo Area: With up to 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space, the Durango easily accommodated sports equipment, luggage, and groceries, making it a standout for family road trips.
- Advanced Technology: The Uconnect 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen offers crisp graphics and seamless smartphone integration. I found the navigation and voice controls intuitive, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Cons Of Dodge Durango
- Higher Price Point: Starting at $32,570, the Durango is notably more expensive than the Journey, which could be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers. Higher trims like the SRT Hellcat can exceed $80,000.
- Lower Fuel Economy in V8 Models: The V8 engines, while powerful, significantly reduce fuel efficiency (13/19 MPG for the 5.7L V8), which I noticed during long drives where refueling became more frequent.
- Larger Size: The Durango’s larger dimensions make it less agile in tight spaces, such as urban parking lots, where I found it trickier to maneuver compared to the Journey.
Read more: My Thoughts on Porsche Taycan 4 Vs. 4S.
Analytical Breakdown: How They Compare On The Road
- Testing Methodology: To compare the Dodge Journey and Durango, I tested both over a week, including city commutes, highway trips, and light towing tasks, evaluating performance, comfort, and practicality.
- Performance (Power and Acceleration): The Durango’s 3.6L V6 (295 hp) and V8 options far outshine the Journey’s 2.4L I4 (173 hp). On a highway test, the Durango accelerated from 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds (V6), while the Journey took nearly 10 seconds, feeling underpowered with a full load.
- Handling and Ride Quality: The Journey’s compact size and soft suspension provide a nimble, comfortable ride in city settings, with responsive steering in tight corners. The Durango, with its larger wheelbase, excels on highways, offering a stable, smooth ride but feels less agile in urban environments.
- Interior Comfort and Space: The Durango offers more legroom (40.3 inches front, 38.6 inches rear) and cargo space (84.5 cu. ft.) compared to the Journey (40.8 inches front, 36.1 inches rear, 67.6 cu. ft.). During a family trip, the Durango’s extra space was a game-changer for comfort and storage.
- Towing Capability: The Durango’s 8,700-pound towing capacity (V8) dwarfs the Journey’s 2,500 pounds. When towing a small trailer, the Durango handled the load with ease, while the Journey struggled under similar conditions.
- Price and Value: The Journey’s lower price ($24,795) makes it a better value for basic family needs, but the Durango’s advanced features, power, and space justify its $32,570 starting price for those needing more capability.
Who Should Choose Which SUV?
- Recommendation for Dodge Journey: The Journey is ideal for budget-conscious families or urban drivers with moderate towing needs (up to 2,500 lbs) and a preference for compact size and fuel efficiency. It’s best for those prioritizing affordability over performance.
- Recommendation for Dodge Durango: The Durango suits larger families, outdoor enthusiasts, or drivers needing robust towing (up to 8,700 lbs) and powerful engines. It’s perfect for those who value space, advanced technology, and a sporty driving experience.
My Real-World Experience
- Memorable Scenario 1: On a weekend camping trip, I loaded the Durango with gear and towed a small trailer. The V8 engine made the 3,000-pound load feel effortless, and the spacious cargo area easily fit tents and coolers, whereas the Journey struggled with the same trailer, showing its power limitations.
- Memorable Scenario 2: During a city commute, the Journey’s compact size allowed me to navigate a crowded parking lot with ease, slipping into a tight spot where the Durango required multiple adjustments. However, the Journey’s underpowered engine made merging onto busy highways less confident.
Why These SUVs Matter For Amateurs
- General Statement: Both the Dodge Journey and Durango are designed to meet the needs of everyday drivers, offering practical features and family-friendly configurations at different price points.
- Benefits for Amateurs: The Journey provides affordability and ease of use, making it accessible for first-time SUV buyers or those with basic needs. The Durango offers enhanced performance and space, appealing to drivers who want a premium experience without luxury pricing.
- Reiteration of Choice: The choice between the Journey and Durango depends on your priorities—budget and maneuverability versus power and spaciousness—ensuring there’s a Dodge SUV for every lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
Who Should Use The Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey is ideal for budget-conscious families or urban drivers needing a compact, affordable SUV with seating for seven and basic towing capabilities.
What Features Does The Dodge Journey Offer?
The Journey includes a 2.4L I4 engine, Uconnect 3 infotainment with an 8.1-inch touchscreen, and clever storage solutions like under-floor compartments.
What Is The Best Dodge SUV For Large Families?
The Dodge Durango is better for large families due to its spacious interior, up to 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and superior towing capacity.
Do Pros Use The Dodge Journey Or Durango For Towing?
Professionals requiring heavy towing prefer the Durango for its up to 8,700-pound capacity, while the Journey’s 2,500-pound limit suits lighter tasks.
Conclusion
The Dodge Journey offers unbeatable value and maneuverability for budget-conscious urban drivers, while the Dodge Durango excels in power, space, and towing for those needing a robust, versatile SUV. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize affordability or premium performance, but both vehicles deliver reliable Dodge quality for diverse lifestyles.
