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2018 Dodge Journey review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Dodge Journey highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability 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  • Disappointing and outdated base engine and transmission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

From $14,998*

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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

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Dodge Journey generation from 2012 to 2020

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

Curious how Dodge Journey trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

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:

Crossroad:

GT:

Dodge Journey photos

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.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4 out of 5

28 customer reviews
With 7 seats, customers love the 2018 Dodge Journey because of its spacious interior and cargo room for long trips. Customers also love the fuel efficiency and the remote start.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

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 Journey

Dodge Journey features and specs

Curious how Dodge Journey trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

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

Optional Features

  • 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

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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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