Dodge Journey vs. Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Dodge Journey and Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Dodge Journey and the Ford Explorer.
When we compare the Dodge Journey's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Dodge Journey has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Dodge Journey's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Dodge Journey.
Pricing: A used 2020 Dodge Journey ranges from $14,994 to $22,993 while a used 2020 Ford Explorer is priced between $22,987 to $38,899.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Dodge Journey loses 46.8 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the Dodge Journey retains 0.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Dodge Journey is 7.9 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Dodge Journey being ranked 19 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32. Out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Dodge Journey is ranked 25 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 8. The Dodge Journey is also ranked 37 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Dodge Journey is 8.1 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Ford Explorer a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Dodge Journey.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Dodge Journey’s base engine makes 172 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Journey is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 538 miles. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Dodge Journey. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Dodge Journey has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Dodge Journey, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,675
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,675 - $36,120
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,765
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,675 - $36,120
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,600
Price Range:
$14,994 - $22,993
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,718
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,600 - $37,369
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
298
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
73,503
# Good or Great Deals:
109
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$29,989
Price Range:
$22,987 - $38,899
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,718
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,600 - $37,369
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,108
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
71,335
# Good or Great Deals:
524
Dodge Journey Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Dodge Journey
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 31.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
28.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 31.3
Dodge Journey Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 32Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 39Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Summary Review
The Dodge Journey is one of America’s most affordable 7-passenger vehicles. Those looking for the best bang for their buck may want to give it a look.
Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Pros and Cons
- Lowest entry price in its class
- Some years (’14-’19) had an optional V6 and AWD
- Inexpensive to buy used
- Limited new availability
- Poor safety scores
- Poor value retention (see pros above for the bright side)
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Dodge Journey Trim Levels
Crossroad, SE Value
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
165 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.045 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 25 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
403 / 538 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Cargo Space:
10.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
67.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3818 lbs
Width:
83.7 inches
Height:
66.6 inches
Length:
192.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Pitch Black Clear Coat
Blue
Contusion Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Destroyer Gray Clear Coat / Granite Pearl Coat
Red
Redline 2 Pearl Coat
Silver
Billet Clear Coat
White
Vice White
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Blue
Gray
Magnetic
Red
Not available
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black/Light Frost Beige
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Sandstone
