The current, first-generation Dodge Journey counts more than a decade on the roads since an introduction. As its age suggests, the mid-size Journey is almost antique by modern automobile standards and it lacks both visual and interior refinement and sophistication of modern vehicle as well as modern tech and convenience features. The existing Journey is also underpowered and inefficient. Its good points are the versatile and roomy interior as well as low price. Unfortunately, as the things now stand, the next 2021 Dodge Journey should remain the same bet.
The journey was mentioned in Fiat Chrysler’s five-year plan to come all-new for the 2016 season with the hot SRT version expected for 2017. That, unfortunately, wasn’t realized. The news then appeared that the new-generation Journey would bow for the 2019 season based on the Alfa Romeo’s Giorgio platform. The latest reports claim that we should see the new-generation Journey available in the high-performance guise for the 2023 season with the launch date in late 2022.
In the meantime, the 2021 Journey should remain the cheapest SUV in its class but buyers should be ready to many restrictions compared to the newer options if they want to save several thousand by buying the next Journey.
2021 Dodge Journey: Design
As the reports claim, the new-generation Journey or its replacement should hit the roads in late 2022 as the 2023 model and based upon the Alfa’s Giorgio architecture. The redesigned model should take the form of the four-door, five-seat utility vehicle available in the high-performance configuration. The model should be slightly larger than the current Alfa Romeo Stelvio that measures 184.5 inches. The styling should get an inspiration from the Dodge Charger.
The next 2021 Dodge Journey will continue to the new model year with the same dated styling and materials. The Journey was refreshed seven years ago and it looks antique compared to the newer models. The mid-size Dodge SUV still uses the brand’s outgoing crosshair grille mixed with the dated headlights, taillights and body lines.
Interior, Equipment:
The next Journey returns on the roads with the same interior, tech and comfort features. It has versatile bur dated cabin with comfortable first two rows and the third inadequate for adults. The Journey offers up to 67.6 cubic feet of the cargo room.
The mid-size Dodge SUV has easy-to-use controls and a simple infotainment system. The base version comes with a small 4.3-inch display while it switches to the 8.4-inch interface in the upper grade. The entry-level Journey uses cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats and six speakers. Available packages will add unique exterior and interior accents as well as comfort features such as a driver’s power seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, three-zone climate control, etc.
The next-level Journey gets leather upholstery, sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel and more.
The model lacks modern safety features such as automatic emergency braking, parking sensors and others and there are no signs that would change for the new model year.
2021 Dodge Journey: Powertrain
When it comes to performance, the next 2021 Dodge Journey should return with the single engine on offer and without the all-wheel drive. The model dropped the V-6 engine option and all-wheel drive for the 2020 model year.
A 2.4-liter non-turbo four-cylinder engine powers the Journey with 173 hp and torque of 166 lb-ft. A four-speed automatic gearbox will be in the mix with the engine and front-wheel drive.
The four-cylinder engine is unpowered and accelerates slowly while it is also inefficient. The Journey manages 19 mpg city and 25 highway which is below the class average.
The new-generation Journey should switch to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. There should also be a high-performance version powered with the HEMI engine. The model could eventually get an electrified powertrain.
2021 Dodge Journey: Release, Price
Fiat Chrysler hasn’t yet defined when the all-new Journey or its replacement would come. The reports indicate it should come in time for the 2023 model year and we hope that a prototype version would appear on the roads soon to give us a better insight into the new Journey version.
The next 2021 Dodge Journey should go on sale late this year. The price range should start at low-$20,000.
The Journey competes with the recently updated Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox, etc.