When the Dodge Journey hit the market, more than 10 years ago, families rejoiced. It offered a unique mesh of capability and felt as though it was one part SUV and one part minivan. Fast forward to 2020, and the Dodge Journey is back for another year of production.

But the crossover competition is steep, and Dodge hasn’t made any generational changes to the Journey. Some worry the Journey is showing its age, and you may be wondering if it at least keeps up with current connectivity technologies. So, does the new 2020 Dodge Journey have Apple CarPlay?

Since not much has changed, what’s under the hood?

Don’t expect any remarkable enhancements under the hood. The Dodge Journey will only offer one engine, the 2.4L I4. The 172 horsepower engine is married to a four-speed automatic transmission. In today’s performance standards, you’ll find most powertrains feature six-speed automatic transmission or more.

The Journey’s power won’t knock your socks off. It won’t save you tons in gas money either. The EPA rates the 2020 Dodge Journey with a combined 21 mpg, which isn’t terribly impressive. You’ll also lose AWD options for the Journey in 2020.

What’s it like on the inside?

The Dodge Journey is one of the very few compact crossovers with third-row seating as standard. New this year, Dodge narrows the trim levels down to two – SE Value and Crossroad.

There are roomy cargo options, with plenty of fold-flat capabilities. With all seats in the upright positions, you’ll have a limited 10.7 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folded to a flat position will provide 37 cubic feet. Fold the second row into the stowed position, and you’ll enjoy 67.6 cubic feet of storage area behind the front seats.

Dodge Journey technology and infotainment features

Considering the Dodge Journey is relatively unchanged for 10 straight years, you’re probably wondering if the tech and infotainment are up to par. The base model will provide you with a 4.3-inch touchscreen and entry-level audio extras.

Upgrades can add in SiriusXM radio, a CD player, auxiliary and USB ports. If you want the 8.4-inch screen, navigation, Uconnect (voice command), and Bluetooth connectivity, you can only enjoy those with Crossroad models. Adding in the extras is easier this year with Dodge bundling the options into a suite they call the Popular Equipment Group.

What about Apple CarPlay connectivity?

Even at the highest-level trim, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto are part of the configurations. This may be a deal-breaker for many consumers.

Having the ability to make and receive both calls and texts, all hands-free and with voice command, is more than a luxury. It’s safe driving. Many competitors offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as base-level standard features these days. For anyone considering a Dodge Journey, you’ll have to pursue aftermarket install options or forgo the connectivity tech altogether.

Does the Dodge Journey have driver assistance features?

The short answer is yes. The 2020 Dodge Journey does offer a few driver aids. Every trim level configuration, including the base model, will come standard with a backup camera and parking sensors.

However, if you’re looking for adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, or lane-keeping assistance, you won’t find any of them available for the Journey.

It’s not all bad, and for many on a budget with several passengers to haul, the Dodge Journey is a perfect fit. It’s still, hands-down, the most affordable crossover out there with three rows. You’ll notice the price tag is thousands less than others in its segment.

The SE Value trim level starts at $24,990, and the well-equipped Crossroad is only $30,090. But remember, you will get what you pay for when you drive a Journey off the lot. You’ll forgo some of the fun tech and extras that almost every other SUV offers, including the Apple CarPlay connectivity.