Dodge Journey vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Dodge Journey and Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester.
In comparing the Dodge Journey's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Dodge Journey has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Dodge Journey's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Dodge Journey.
Pricing: A used 2020 Dodge Journey ranges from $10,995 to $21,963 while a used 2020 Subaru Forester is priced between $17,287 to $28,333.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Dodge Journey loses 50.6 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 13.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Dodge Journey.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Dodge Journey is 7.4 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Dodge Journey being ranked 36 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Dodge Journey is 7.3 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Journey is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. This gives the Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Dodge Journey. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Dodge Journey, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Forester 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:
23675
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
30923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
23675 - 36120
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24495
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22995 - 26645
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
15956
Price Range:
10995 - 21963
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
24493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
15956 - 37674
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
208
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
76152
# Good or Great Deals:
97
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
23107
Price Range:
17287 - 28333
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
19977
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
16297 - 25192
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
743
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67257
# Good or Great Deals:
252
Dodge Journey Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Dodge Journey
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.1 - 11.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.077
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
4.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.962521070651233
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.0 - 35.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.75708303150874
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 19.8
Dodge Journey Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 32Ranking
34 out of / 34Ranking
34 out of / 34Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
57 out of / 67Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 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 Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
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
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Dodge Journey Trim Levels
Crossroad, SE Value
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
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:
3 years / 36000 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:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 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:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 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:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
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:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
35.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
147.3 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:
3449 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
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
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Green
Jasper Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black/Light Frost Beige
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
