2018 Dodge Journey review

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Outdated everything: The Dodge Journey debuted in 2009, and while it was updated in many ways, time and competitors simply passed it by.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.