2017 Dodge Journey vs 2017 Kia Sorento
Posted on March 10, 2020
It's hardly surprising that midsize crossovers are popular as they're stylish, comfortable, capable and practical. The downside for some manufacturers is they take some buyers away from minivans, so it's no surprise a midsize crossover SUV can be pretty similar to minivans in some cases and some respects. Two that have a distinct minivan vibe are the 2017 Dodge Journey and the 2017 Kia Sorento, so let's see how they measure up against each other.
Styling
If it wasn't for the lack of sliding side doors, the Dodge Journey could easily be taken for a minivan; albeit a pretty stylish one compared to some true minivans. There's a slab-sided, no-nonsense look to the Dodge that's evolved into something a little more rounded over the years and gives a feeling that this is a vehicle that knows what it's for and how to do it. There's no getting away from the fact the Kia Sorento looks more modern and contemporary than the Journey, and that's because it is. However, this certainly isn't Kia's most stylish offering by any means, and it definitely melts into the world of more homogenous crossover designs. The Dodge therefore gets this first round as at least it has a little character, which is something the Sorento lacks.
Practicality
The minivan-esque theme of the Journey continues to the inside where you'll find flat loading floors that make life very easy. There's no mistaking the family friendly credential either as there are cubbies, storage and cup holders everywhere you look. There are even storage bins underneath the passenger seat and in the cargo area for storing all sorts of different things. The trim and materials are practical and durable, which is just what you want in a family hauler. The Sorento offers almost identical amounts of interior space as the Dodge, but the seats could be a little more flexible in terms of how they adjust and fold. The materials and trim are of a very high quality, but that might make you nervous about the family abuse they're likely to take. If you're doing airport shuttles the Sorento would be perfect, but for the spills and more spills of family life the Dodge is the better option.
Engines and performance
The Dodge Journey offers two engine options. The first is a 2.4-litre inline-four that develops 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque, and the optional unit is a much more powerful 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 that produces a much more healthy 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque that comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. There are three engines in the Sorento that are also found elsewhere in the Kia family. They are a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.3-litre V-6. The V-6 has slightly more power but less torque on offer than the Dodge's V-6, but we'll give this to the Kia for the extra engine option.
Verdict
You could make a case for choosing either of these two, depending on the application you have in mind for your midsize crossover. The Kia definitely feels a more premium and upscale vehicle than the Dodge, but it should do as it costs around $5,000 more. The Dodge does everything you'd want a family vehicle to do for a whole lot less than the Kia, so for us the Journey is the one to go for.
The 2017 Dodge Journey is available now from Caledon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, so get in touch right away for more information and to schedule a test drive in this fabulous family crossover.