You may be tempted to buy a 2020 Dodge Journey simply because it’s so cheap. But there are plenty of reasons to avoid this SUV and shop elsewhere. It may not be a direct rival, but you’ll see that the 2020 Honda CR-V is a better alternative. 

The Honda CR-V provides a more satisfying experience than the Dodge Journey 

The Journey is one of the worst-rated vehicles, and that mostly has to do with its performance. On the plus side, the Journey’s suspension makes for a smooth ride. However, the SUV’s powertrain is lackluster at best. It has a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. As Car and Driver highlighted, the Journey’s engine feels largely underpowered, and its transmission is slow to downshift.

Furthermore, the Journey is merely average for fuel economy with an EPA rating of 21 mpg overall. Conversely, the CR-V is a more efficient SUV. Honda’s CR-V provides an animated driving experience and offers more performance options.

The CR-V gets its power from a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a continuously variable automatic. It has no trouble accelerating and is ideal for skirting around the city and extended trips on the highway. And unlike the Journey, the CR-V is available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive.

CR-Vs with FWD get up to a combined 30 mpg. If you opt for AWD, that only sacrifices one point. Additionally, the CR-V has a hybrid option. 

Comparing car cabins 

The Journey is technically a midsize SUV, while the CR-V is a compact one. Journeys can seat up to seven people; CR-Vs can accommodate five. Even though the CR-V is smaller, its two rows provide more passenger room than the Journey’s does, as U.S. News points out. 

Plus, the CR-V’s interior is more modern than the Journey’s. Critics have praised the CR-V for its soft-touch trimmings and its available technology. Base CR-Vs come with advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Journey doesn’t offer these advanced safety features, but it does come with rear parking sensors. 

The Journey also doesn’t offer as many gadgets in the infotainment department either. Critics do appreciate that the Journey’s standard 4.3-inch touchscreen display is user friendly. However, it doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is disappointing for a 2020 vehicle. The CR-V comes with a 5-inch display screen and Bluetooth; infotainment upgrades include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HD Radio.

The CR-V has better reliability ratings too

In terms of predicted reliability, the CR-V is more impressive than the Journey too. The 2020 CR-V is a recommended choice by Consumer Reports; the org gave it a five out of five for predicted reliability. Conversely, the Journey has poor reliability ratings. 

As the 2020 model year comes to an end, some dealers have priced the 2020 Journey for under $19K. While the price is attractive, the Journey’s low ratings make it less so. The more well-rounded CR-V has a suggested MSRP of $25,150. And if you need three-rows, consider some of these options.