2017 Dodge Journey SE

The Journey is Dodge's mid-size crossover, the one you cross-shop with the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander when you need three rows on a budget. It drives smooth and feels safe, with a ride that soaks up bumps well enough for family duty. Inside, the Journey is roomy with a big touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and handy hidden storage under the middle-row floor. Some owners mention minor electronic glitches, like Bluetooth dropping or the rear hatch sitting low, but the engine and transmission hold up well. The SE is the Journey for shoppers who want three rows on a budget; the SXT adds a few extras but costs thousands more. This SE uses the 2.4L I4 making 173 horsepower and a four-speed automatic, which feels adequate around town but struggles on highway grades. The SE comes with five seats standard, so you'll need to find a used example with the optional third row if you want seven-passenger capacity.