Is the 2020 Dodge Journey AWD?
In short: there is no 2020 Dodge Journey. Dodge ended Journey production after the 2019 model year, so a factory‑level 2020 Journey does not exist. When the Journey was in production, all‑wheel drive was available only on certain configurations that paired the V6 engine with AWD.
Timeline and what happened to the 2020 model year
The Dodge Journey was marketed as a practical three‑row crossover during its production run, with a mix of front‑wheel drive and all‑wheel drive options depending on the engine and trim. The company discontinued the Journey after the 2019 model year, so there has been no official 2020 Journey offered in the United States or Canada. If you encounter a listing or ad for a 2020 Journey, it is not an official new model and may refer to a used vehicle or a confusion with another model in Dodge’s lineup.
How AWD was offered on the Journey during its production years
Across the Journey’s lifetime, the all‑wheel‑drive option was tied to the engine choice. The 2.4L inline‑4 engine was typically paired with front‑wheel drive, while the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine was available with all‑wheel drive on selected trims. This meant that if you wanted AWD, you were most likely choosing a Journey equipped with the V6, rather than the base four‑cylinder engine.
Before you consider a used Journey, it helps to know the following general points about AWD availability.
- Engine options: 2.4L inline‑4 or 3.6L V6. The AWD option is associated with the V6 model.
- Drivetrain pairing: AWD was not offered with the 2.4L engine in most years; the 3.6L V6 could be paired with AWD on certain trims.
- Trim and model year nuance: AWD availability varied by year and trim level, so check the specific vehicle’s window sticker or VIN‑level drivetrain details to confirm.
For buyers today, the practical takeaway is that there is no new 2020 Journey to buy. If you’re shopping used, focus on Journeys with the 3.6L V6 and verify AWD through official documentation or a trusted mechanic.
What this means for buyers today
Fast‑moving SUVs with seven seats in the Dodge lineup are now represented by other models. If you specifically need AWD in a Dodge vehicle, you’ll want to compare current offerings (such as the Durango) or explore older Journeys with the AWD configuration, keeping in mind that maintenance costs and parts availability for a discontinued model can vary by year and region.
Tips to verify AWD on a used Dodge Journey
When evaluating a used Journey advertised as AWD, use these steps to confirm the drivetrain configuration:
- Check the vehicle’s window sticker or build sheet for drivetrain specifications and the engine code.
- Inspect the VIN‑level documentation or a trusted vehicle history report for the drivetrain option (AWD indicated).
- Physically look for AWD indicators, such as an AWD badge on the rear hatch or doors, and listen for drivetrain‑related sounds during a test drive.
- Test the vehicle in conditions that would engage AWD (a light incline or damp surface) to observe power delivery to all wheels, if safe and permitted.
If you’re unsure, consult a dealership or a qualified mechanic who can verify the presence of AWD and assess any potential transmission or transfer case concerns common to older all‑wheel‑drive systems.
Summary
The 2020 Dodge Journey does not exist as a new model—the Journey was discontinued after the 2019 model year. When the Journey was produced, AWD was an option only with the 3.6L V6 engine on select trims. For buyers today, there is no new 2020 Journey to purchase; used‑car shoppers should verify AWD on any Journey by checking the build documentation and conducting a thorough drivetrain check during inspection or test drive.
