2020 Dodge Journey Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2020 Dodge Journey sits toward the bottom of the pack with an uninspiring line-up this model year. What is it that makes the Journey seem so mediocre? Well, while it might have some versatility in terms of its third-row seating design, it is not equipped with many standard infotainment and driver aids, even on the higher trim level(the Crossroad). The fuel economy is sub par, which is really bad considering that third-row SUVs aren't naturally gifted with excellent fuel efficiency. Additionally, The base engine and transmission are extremely dull and sluggish, and the overall driving performance is not up-to-speed with the Journey's numerous competitors.

However, if you are dead-set on buying the new Journey, there are some things that you need to know about its different trim levels. Some are better equipped than others, and you will likely want to tack on some optional features or packages. You need to know what you are spending your hard-earned money on.

Read on through to the end of this trim level comparison. By the end, you should have a good idea of which trim level will suit your needs. We will also tell you which 2020 Dodge Journey trim level we think presents the best deal for the average driver.

Compare the 2020 Dodge Journey SE vs Crossroad Trims. What is the difference?

There are now only two trim levels to compare as Dodge has been shaving down the Journey's line-up over the last few years. The base Journey from last model year has been renamed the SE, and knowing that should alleviate any confusion you might have between the two model years.

That being said, let us start off with the SE. It has a starting MSRP of $23,495. It is powered by a 2.4-L inline-4 cylinder engine that is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Together, they help the Journey get 173 hp. Many automakers do not use 4-speed automatics anymore for a reason; they do not give as good of a driving performance as a 6-speed or above. However, they tend to require less maintenance, so there is a slight trade-off in that regard. Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain on this vehicle.

The fuel economy numbers are, as already mentioned, pretty low for a segment known for low fuel efficiency. The Journey gets 21 mpg combined, with 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Other mechanical features that you get on the SE include speed-sensitive steering, a rack-and-pinion steering system, front struts and rear multi-link struts, and 19-inch aluminum black painted wheels. All-season tires come standard.

On the exterior of the SE, you get some fairly basic features. The front headlights are halogen projector beams, and you have fully automatic exterior lighting control. The headlamps are delayed on/off, and there are daytime running lights and front fog lights. Perimeter lights are remote activated, and you get LED brake lights. However, you do not get certain features like turn indicators integrated into the side mirrors.

The front fascia is host to a black grille, and there is a liftgate in the rear. Other exterior features on the SE include power-adjustable side mirrors that have a heating function, a sunroof over the first row of seats with express open and close, roof rails, an integrated roof antenna, and body-colored front and rear bumpers.

Inside of the cabin, you get a dual-zone automatic climate control system to warm you up or cool you down when you need it. An air filter comes with it, and the rear HVAC has its own controls. You also get power doors and windows, variable intermittent front windshield wipers, a fixed interval rear windshield wiper, deep tinted windows, and cruise control with controls for it mounted onto the steering wheel. There are four 12-volt power outlets available, a full floor console, a locking glove box, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a manually tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and illuminated vanity mirrors on each front sun visor.

As far as the seating goes, heated front seats are not standard. The driver's seat is 8-way power-adjustable with a manual recline and has 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support. The front passenger's seat is 4-way manually adjustable and has no lumbar support built in. There is also a front sliding center arm rest between them. The second row of seats is a 60/40-split folding bench seat, and the third row is a 50-50 folding bench seat. The seats are done in standard cloth upholstery, and there are leatherette door inserts. Also, the steering wheel is a basic design unless you opt for the leather-wrapped wheel and gear shift knob as part of a package deal.

Entertainment features are fairly basic. You get an AM/FM radio, single CD player, a CD-MP3 decoder, voice activation for the audio controls, a 6-speaker sound system, wireless phone connectivity, and one LCD touchscreen display up front.

Also, the list of standard safety features is too short for most people to really be interested in. This list includes a panic alarm, an engine immobilizer, rear parking sensors, and brake assist. You cannot get forward collision warning or a blind spot monitoring system. The rear parking sensors do work pretty well, but the rear-view camera has a terrible, low-resolution display. You're better off just craning your neck to look behind you and use your own good judgment.

Now, let's get into how the line-topping Crossroad trim differs from the base SE. We will also go over some of the things that these two trim levels have in common. The Crossroad does have a pretty big price jump with its starting MSRP of $28,595. It is powered by the exact same 2.4-L inline-4 cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. It also has standard front-wheel drive. All of the mechanics are exactly the same as what you get on the SE.

On the outside, the Crossroad does not see any significant changes from the SE save for the extra chrome bar slapped across the front fascia, just beneath the grille. You also get body-colored mirrors and 19-inch alloy wheels. Other than that, these two trim levels are difficult to tell apart just by looking at them from the exterior.

So, are they any different inside of the cabin? Can any of these differences justify the price leap? Well, not really. You do not get a lot of standard features that other automakers might give you on a higher trim level, such as rain sensing windshield wipers, a cargo net, or distance pacing cruise control. Dodge has instead opted to leave those things off the list of standard features in the Crossroad, which comes off as a cheapskate move on their part.

You do, however, get upgraded to leather seating instead of the somewhat bland-looking cloth that comes standard on the SE. You also get upgraded from the SE's tiny 4.3-inch touchscreen to an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The Uconnect system comes equipped. This is the one shining element of the whole vehicle, to be truthful with you. The Uconnect infotainment system works exceptionally well. Getting it means you also receive the upgraded sound system and built-in navigation, which can really come in handy if you do not like having to stare at your cell phone's navigation app. Although you only get one USB port, you will find a ton of 12-volt power outlets throughout the cabin. Folks in each row can access them, which is a nice gesture on Dodge's part.

The thing with the Journey is that you have to add packages on to get any real creature comforts. On the SE trim level, you can choose to equip the Blacktop Package, which gives you black aluminum wheels and black exterior trim. You can also get the Popular Equipment Group for the SE in order to experience tri-zone automatic climate control, the power-adjustable driver's seat, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

If you buy the Crossroad, you will likely want to add the Popular Equipment Group. This gives the vehicle heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a built-in navigation system, and a premium audio system. Unfortunately, this is about the extent of what you can do on the 2020 Dodge Journey. And, mind you, the more packages and features you add on, the more costly the Journey becomes. Keep your budget in mind if you choose to go forward with buying the Dodge Journey.

Which Trim to Choose?

Since Dodge decided to cross some trims off their list and ditched the V6 engine in favor of the less-powerful inline-4 cylinder, the Journey has massively lost its appeal. It is festering in a segment dominated by some fuel-savvy, high-tech competitors that pack their trim levels with an array of amazing features. It really is a shame that Dodge has gone the cheap route and given customers two poorly equipped trim levels with the same lackluster powertrain equipped. Honestly, the V6 was a much better option, and we certainly would have recommended it were it still a part of the Dodge Journey's line-up. But that just is not the case.

So, buyers, you are left with two choices here. If you are truly dead-set on getting the 2020 Dodge Journey, we are going to recommend that you go with the line-topping Crossroad trim level. Also, make sure you add on the Popular Equipment Group. That way, you will at least have a nice 8.4-inch infotainment interface with the Uconnect system. The standard 4.3-inch screen is ridiculously small and outdated. Of course, those heated front seats and the heated steering wheel (which is given multiple audio functions) feel nice enough during cooler months.

The SE trim level feels beyond basic. In fact, you will likely find it to be dull and uninspiring. With a mediocre ride quality and driving performance (not to mention the poor fuel efficiency), the lack of standard features on the SE trim level will leave you feeling bored and wondering why you wasted your money on this trim. Definitely skip right over it. Adding the two extra packages on does not really do much to boost your experience, and they just ring up the price. In the end, they are not really worth the extra cost. You will get more bang for your buck from the Crossroad trim level, but even that is kind of a rip-off in some ways.

Are you questioning your decision to buy the 2020 Dodge Journey? If so, we do not blame you. There are plenty of other third-row SUVs out there that have more features for the cost and better powertrains and suspensions. While the Crossroad trim is okay-ish, we would recommend looking at some of the competitors before you make your final decision.