Confirmed: Dodge Journey Won’t be Back for 2021
With the announcement of three wicked new models for 2021, led by the Durango SRT Hellcat, the Dodge brand is emphasizing top-level power and performance more than ever.
In fact, it will now be able to focus entirely on its trio of muscle cars including the Challenger coupe, the Charger sedan and the Durango three-row SUV. That’s because the Grand Caravan is not the only model bowing out after this year: the Journey compact crossover won’t return for 2021, either.
- Also: Expect the Dodge Journey’s Successor to be Much Sportier
- Also: 2020 Dodge Journey: A (Very) Simplified Lineup
Tim Kuniskis, head of Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat passenger cars in North America, confirmed the news today at the very beginning of the virtual presentation of the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat, Challenger Super Stock and Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye.
Of course, the elimination of the Dodge Journey is not a surprise. The company seemingly gave up on it many years ago.
For 2020, the lineup has been streamlined extensively. SE Plus, SXT and GT models are no more. Same thing for the V6 engine and all-wheel drive option. Customers are left with just two models and a four-cylinder engine rated at 172 horsepower, front-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic transmission.
Priced from $24,795, the Journey is still the least expensive seven-passenger vehicle in Canada. However, its outdated design and components are attracting few customers. In 2019, only 2,184 units were sold across the country (versus 9,220 Durangos), a drop of 62 percent from the previous year.
Could the Journey Come Back?
According to the latest rumours, a sportier, next-generation Journey based on Alfa Romeo’s Giorgio platform (currently used by the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV) could arrive in 2022 as an early 2023 model.
Actually, the vehicle might go by a different name and be limited to five seats. The design could be similar to the Charger with possibly a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 280 horsepower under the hood.
Another rumour claims that production will move from Mexico to Italy at the same Cassino assembly plant where the Stelvio is built.
Let’s wait and see. In the meantime, kiss the Journey goodbye.