2018 Dodge Journey review
Dodge Journey highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Extra versatility provided by a standard three-row seat
- Price-competitive against other 7-passenger vehicles
- Some clever features such as built-in booster seats available
Cons
- Lacks many modern safety and convenience features, even in top trims
- Below-average fuel economy
- Disappointing and outdated base engine and transmission
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 24 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
The 2018 Dodge Journey has three rows of seats standard
With either a four-cylinder or powerful V6 engine, available all-wheel drive and a now-standard third row of seating, the 2018 Dodge Journey covers the basics of what buyers are looking for in an SUV. There are also clever touches inside, including some interesting storage solutions like a hidden compartment under the passenger front seat, and available pop-up booster seats.
However, the reality is that the Journey suffers from multiple shortcomings that diminish its competitiveness. If you’re shopping on a tight budget and need three rows of seating, it provides a good value option against other brands’ large SUVs. But if you do choose the Journey, you won’t have amenities like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and there are no modern driver assist systems available, even forward collision warning.
We suggest higher-end trims that include the V6 engine since the base four-cylinder lacks the power to move the Journey with any haste.
All Dodge Journey years
What is new for the 2018 Dodge Journey?
- The Crossroad Plus trim has been discontinued for 2018.
- The Crossroad trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Leatherette & Cloth as standard equipment.
- The SXT trim now comes with Flex Fuel Vehicle and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Flex Fuel Vehicle as standard equipment.
2018 Dodge Journey trims
SE:
- 173-hp, 166-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
- 283-hp, 260-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- View our Dodge Journey SE inventory
SXT:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- Alloy Wheels
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Dodge Journey SXT inventory
Crossroad:
- Includes all features available on the SXT
- Power Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Bluetooth Technology
- View our Dodge Journey Crossroad inventory
GT:
- Includes all features available on the Crossroad
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Remote Start
- View our Dodge Journey GT inventory
Dodge Journey photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Dodge Journey
What We Like
Clever storage: If you have a lot of small items you like to keep out of sight, the Journey has some interesting and clever storage solutions. The passenger front seat cushion flips forward to reveal a hidden storage compartment, and under the right passenger’s seat in the second row is another hidden compartment. The cargo area floor also hides more hidden storage. Coupled with the ample door pockets and cupholders throughout the cabin, the Journey can hide more small items than you might think at first glance.
Good sound system: Keep an eye open for Journey models equipped with the 8.4-inch touchscreen. It’s a bright, clear, easy-to-use setup, and it’s paired with a powerful audio system that includes a subwoofer. We wish it had modern smartphone integration, but if you can live without that it’s a solid and well-rounded system.
Pop-up booster seats: Available as part of the rear-seat entertainment system, the pop-up boosters are a clever touch normally associated with Volvo. The center section of the seat pops up, giving toddlers a boost using the standard seat belt arrangement. It’s a neat idea, one that we wish other manufacturers had used.
What Needs Improvement
Outdated everything: The Dodge Journey debuted in 2009, and while it was updated in many ways, time and competitors simply passed it by. The Journey’s driving dynamics are only so-so, the base engine and transmission feel like they’re from a bygone era, and it’s not very quiet inside. A case can be made for the Journey based on its price, but we suggest taking a look at contemporary competitors such as the Kia Sorento and GMC Acadia, both of which offer more features and similar three-row flexibility.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4 out of 5
28 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 16 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 5 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
RepairPal gave the Dodge Journey an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Dodge Journey 19th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Dodge JourneyDodge Journey features and specs
Crossroad 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Alpine Sound System
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
173
Torque (ft-lbs)
166
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
20.5
Wheelbase
113.8"
Overall length
192.4"
Width
72.2"
Height
66.6"
Leg room
F 40.8"/M 36.1"/R 23.4"
Head room
F 40.8"/M 39.9"/R 37.7"
Front tires
P225/55HR19
Rear tires
P225/55HR19
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
100/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Dodge Journey FAQ
The 2018 Dodge Journey is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Crossroad: 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- GT: 17 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- SE: 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
The Dodge Journey received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Dodge Journey as 18 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2018 Dodge Journey has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Dodge Journey, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Dodge Journey Reviews.
The 2018 Dodge Journey has a maximum towing capacity of between 1000 and 2500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Dodge Journey:
- Power Seat(s)
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Satellite Radio Ready
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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