Demand for fuel-efficient cars with ample passenger and cargo space have made midsize SUVs some of the
nation's most popular vehicles. Dodge delivers two midsize SUVs for 2020: the Journey and the Durango. They're both high-quality vehicles designed to appeal to SUV fans, but which one deserves your dollars? Take a closer look at their differences to determine which one is the best midsize SUV for you.
Performance: Battle of the Motors
If you truly value performance, choose the Durango. The 2020 Journey's 2.4-liter inline-four motor is capable around the city, but with 173 horsepower and 166 foot-pounds of torque, it might struggle up steep hills and when towing. It also no longer has a six-cylinder option.
The Durango, however, comes with a V-6 as standard. Its 3.6-liter motor delivers 295 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. Choose one of the higher trims to get a powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 motor. This gutsy engine generates 360 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque.
Dimensions: Consider Space Inside and Out
While they're both midsize SUVs, the Durango and Journey are at opposite ends of the class. The Journey is the more compact of the two vehicles, although it always has space for seven. The base model Durango seats just five. Only higher trims seat seven passengers, which might deter families on a budget. While the Journey is smaller overall, the driver and front passenger get more head and legroom. This is a plus for singles and couples who don't need to consider growing bodies in the back.
Because the Durango is larger, it has more cargo space. You can lay down the rear seats in both vehicles to increase the trunk room. The Durango has maximum cargo space of 84.5 cubic feet, while the Journey has 67.6 cubic feet in the back.
The Durango's wider build can make parking challenging, even with the rearview camera to help. Both cars have a comparable turning radius, though, to make the task easier.
Features: Look at the Luxuries
If you love life's finer things, you'll want the Durango. Tri-zone climate control, heated mirrors, keyless entry, and push-button start all come standard. Tech lovers will appreciate the base model's bright 7-inch touch display for Uconnect 4, which works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional indulgences, such as the eight-way power-adjustment driver's seat, heated seats and steering wheel, and sunroof, make higher trims enticing. Of course, all those extras add to the Durango's already higher price.
The Journey is more basic, with features reflecting its lower price. The infotainment suite is less advanced with a smaller 4.3-inch touch screen as standard. The cloth upholstery is serviceable and low-maintenance. Features like the rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, and cruise control are practical rather than pampering. You can still upgrade to leather upholstery, a larger touch screen, heated seats, and a sunroof.
The Journey is a solid and affordable choice, but it lacks the Durango's performance and pizazz. If you have the extra dollars to spend, you'll appreciate its luxury finish. If you're still torn,
take them both for a test drive at your nearest Dodge dealership.