2018 Dodge Journey Review

Name: 2018 Dodge Journey Review
Brand: Dodge
Price: 10775 USD

Dodge Journey Crossroad 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Dodge Journey Crossroad 4dr SUV Exterior

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byWill Kaufman^{Senior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax
Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at Edmunds. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.}

Pros

Extra versatility provided by standard three-row seat
Low price for the segment

Cons

Lacks many modern safety and convenience features, even in top trims
Below-average fuel economy
Disappointing and outdated base engine and transmission
Handling and drivability lag behind competitors

What’s new

For 2018, the Journey's third-row seat is now standard on all trim levels.

Vehicle overview

The Dodge Journey could very well be the car that time forgot. It debuted back in 2009 and has been pretty much the same vehicle since. While this longevity is admirable and speaks to the inherent goodness of the Journey's design concept, there's no denying that it's behind the times in quite a few areas.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Dodge Journey SE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.46 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$199/mo

$197/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

As in previous years, the 2018 version of the Journey has three rows and a low price, but it lacks quite a few of the safety features buyers might expect, even when fully optioned. Its base engine is a truly underwhelming four-cylinder paired to an outdated four-speed automatic, and the combo results in subpar fuel economy. A stronger V6 is available, but even so equipped the Journey can't keep up with other three-row SUVs.

It's not all bad news for the Journey. We like the ride quality, and the seats are comfortable all around. The 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system included on upper trims is also a solid system, although it sadly has not been upgraded to the latest version that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

The Journey will get you where you're going, and will do so for less money than many competitors. But overall we think you'll be happier with vehicles such as the Kia Sorento, GMC Acadia or new Volkswagen Tiguan.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

5.4 / 10

The 2018 Dodge Journey is an affordable crossover that comes standard with three rows of seating. Beyond that, though, the Journey doesn't have much going for it.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2014 Dodge Journey SXT Plus (3.6L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Dodge Journey has received some revisions, including an improved infotainment interface and standard third-row seating. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Dodge Journey, however.

Scorecard

Overall	5.4 / 10
Driving	5.5
Comfort	6.5
Interior	6.5
Utility	6.0
Technology	4.0

Driving

5.5

The Journey's competitors are more responsive and refined. Opting for the V6 engine is a must given the weak base four-cylinder. Even with the V6, the Journey's acceleration is still below average.

Acceleration

5.0

The 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 feels robust, but zero to 60 mph took 7.8 seconds in our tests, which is slower than most rivals with similar engine upgrades. It's better than the weak and inefficient base four-cylinder.

Braking

7.0

In our panic-stop brake test, the Journey needed 124 feet to stop from 60 mph. That's a slightly longer than average distance. We also noted significant nosedive and some squirming. But the pedal has a comfortingly firm feel around town.

Steering

6.0

The steering is slow, so expect to turn the wheel a lot. There's also no real feedback to speak of. It makes most rivals feel lithe by comparison.

Handling

5.0

The Journey feels bigger and heavier than other small SUVs. There's lots of body roll through corners, and it doesn't feel planted or instill much confidence. It's definitely more of a highway hauler.

Drivability

5.0

The automatic transmission is too quick to upshift in most situations and too slow to downshift on steep grades. Otherwise, the Journey is perfectly pleasant to drive. But others do it better.

Comfort

6.5

Though lacking in other areas, your family should be plenty comfortable in the Dodge Journey. While some competitors offer more rear legroom, the seats' adjustability is a bonus. It's a good road-trip vehicle.

Seat comfort

5.5

The six-way power driver's seat (fore/aft, tilt, height) with manual recline was supportive and comfortable during a four-hour drive. The back seat reclines and slides, which is a nice feature.

Ride comfort

6.5

The ride was controlled on undulating pavement, and it didn't get harsh even on the truly rough stuff. The Journey feels solid and secure on the freeway and would make a good long-distance vehicle.

Noise & vibration

6.5

The Journey is impressively quiet most of the time. But the slow-reacting transmission causes excessive engine revving on any kind of a climb.

Interior

6.5

Although the Journey is midsize on the outside, its interior has roughly the same passenger and cargo space as compact SUVs such as the Ford Escape or Chevrolet Equinox, but less than a Honda CR-V. In total, a decent family-ready cabin.

Ease of use

6.0

The 8.4-inch touchscreen features large virtual buttons and understandable menus — it's easy to use. Radio and climate controls, however, are annoyingly jumbled together.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The vehicle and seat height, as well as door size, are typical for a compact SUV. You won't need running boards to get the kids inside.

Roominess

5.5

You'll find more legroom in a Honda CR-V or a Chevy Equinox. Rear headroom is sufficient, but tall folks will be staring at the back end of the sunroof. The third row is for little kids only.

Visibility

8.0

Big windshield pillars and enormous rear headrests limit visibility, and it can be difficult to see over the front of the Journey when parking. The rearview camera display is large, but resolution is poor.

Quality

4.5

In spite of some questionable construction, material quality is above average with soft touch points and solid switchgear.

Utility

6.0

Hidden compartments under the cargo area, passenger seat and back seat floor compensate for the tiny glovebox. The rear load floor is high, making it harder to lift and load heavy items. With all the seats folded down, maximum cargo capacity is average for a small crossover SUV.

2018 Dodge Journey models

The 2018 Dodge Journey comes in four trim levels, with two engine options and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The base SE and SXT are pretty bare bones, lacking even bluetooth as a standard feature. Stepping up to the Crossroad gets you many of the same standard features you expect from entry-level trims on other vehicles. The range-topping GT gives you those features plus leather and a standard V6.

All four Journey trims come standard with front-wheel drive and, excluding the GT, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (173 hp, 166 lb-ft of torque) paired with a four-speed automatic. Opting for all-wheel drive (or the front-wheel-drive Journey GT) gets you a 3.6-liter V6 (283 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is also available as a stand-alone option for the SXT and Journey trims.

Standard feature highlights for the Journey SE include 17-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split second-row seats (with slide and recline), dual-zone climate control, keyless ignition and entry, and a six-speaker sound system with a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface.

Options packages include the Connectivity package (Bluetooth, satellite radio, a USB port, voice commands and a leather-wrapped steering wheel), the Popular Equipment package (three-zone temperature control with rear-seat vents, a conversation mirror, overhead console storage, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel) and the Comfort/Convenience package (a power-adjustable driver seat).

Moving up to the SXT adds 17-inch alloy wheels and contents of the Connectivity and Popular Equipment packages. A Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen package gets you the desirable 8.4-inch touchscreen plus adds three-zone automatic climate control, aimable interior lamps, overhead console storage, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. The SXT's Premium package adds satellite radio, a conversation mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and the power-adjustable driver seat.

The Dodge Journey Crossroad comes with 19-inch black-painted alloy wheels and the contents of the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen package. Further options include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, a premium six-speaker stereo system with subwoofer, navigation, a sunroof and the Driver Convenience package (a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and a universal garage door opener).

The range-topping GT trim gets 19-inch alloys, remote start, a security alarm, leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, and the premium stereo system. Additional options are largely the same as for the Crossroad, but a Trailer Tow Prep package, which adds a hitch and four-pin wiring connector, is also available.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#19 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Journey from 2008-2022.}

$569/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.05x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14.3%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Dodge Journey.

5 (52%)

4 (20%)

3 (11%)

2 (4%)

1 (13%)

3.9

71 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Tired of All the Negative Press!

Nails, 01/09/2019

2018 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

When you look at a vehicle in this class you are looking for okay looks, good inside room and access, decent handling and gas mileage, and perhaps throw in the third seat. This Medium Sized SUV has all of that, and my three previous Journeys had been very reliable and needed minimal maintenance until I turned each in, at around 70K miles. I must add that the first iteration had some …

Not a Sports car but fun with room for a big dog.

R.J. Williams, 05/31/2017

2017 Dodge Journey Crossroad 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

I have to go down and pay my auto tax today. Ouch. But I have to say that I enjoy driving this car as much or more than any I have bought including sports cars. Oddly, it is a car without much of a rating because of early problems, especially with brakes until they increased the rotor and brake pads and because will it has been around for a long time as far as the car world is …

Dependable, Affordable

Vincent Singer, 11/06/2016

2017 Dodge Journey SE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

I made it this far without a nav/infotainment system, traction/stability control, or bluetooth. The 4-cylinder engine in this thing has more horsepower than many older V-8s. That said, I think the 2017 Journey is a fantastic buy. I bought a $21,000 "stripper" - which still has, standard: a 173 hp engine (shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi - buy one of their comparable vehicles and get … the same motor), 4-speed OD automatic transmission, traction control, a six-speaker touchscreen audio system, dual-zone air conditioning, front and rear stabilizer bars, automatic headlights, daylight running lights, and a nicely (manually) adjustable driver's seat. They even threw in an outdoor thermometer, and a gadget that lets you monitor your instantaneous and average fuel economy! I traded a 2007 Ford Escape for this, after the transmission grenaded at 146,000 miles. I consider this to be a step up, although still a front-wheel-drive "disposacar". Same ground clearance, same fuel mileage, good looks, with MORE standard features, more horsepower, easier for my wife to get in and out of. a better radio, more room (it's about a foot longer), and a bigger gas tank. Drives just as nice, handles about the same, much quieter, and I don't have to "drive it like I stole it" to get it moving at an intersection or onto the freeway. Controls same quality or better than the Escape. More power ports. Steering has enough feel for the average driver. 4-wheel power disc brakes "stop on a dime and give 9-cents change". Everything you REALLY NEED is included in the base price - this thing has more comfort and convenience items, and a ride and interior that rival a 1990's Cadillac. Good heater, ice-cold air conditioning. Don't option up unless you really need to, as "everybody" says these don't hold their value all that well. At 3800 lbs., it's heavy, and has a long wheelbase - probably why it rides so nice. BTW - if you don't plow your 2017 Journey into anything, it's doubtful you'll ever discover the difference between a 4-star and a 5-star safety rating. The Escape had poorer overall ratings, and in 10 years I never had an occasion to find out. If you're driving a 10 or more year old Escape or other, similar small SUV/CUV, and you are looking for a new vehicle with similar dimensions that doesn't look like every other SUV/CUV on the road, and an improved overall driving experience, you could do far worse than the 2017 Dodge Journey. UPDATE: While I do miss the styling of the 1st gen. Escape, I do have to say that I still like the 2017 Journey. I stand by all I said above, and will add that while the exhaust note makes it sound like you are driving a sewing machine, it has plenty of pickup, as my wife and I aren't closet autocrossers. So far I have had no issues, and have changed the oil regularly, using full synthetic motor oil. Gets 22 MPG in town if you don't drive it like you stole it. On the highway, at 75 MPH with the cruise control and air conditioner on, it gets a solid 26 MPG. Maybe not as good as some other small SUV/CUV's - but you'll make up for it thanks to the low purchase price. I didn't buy the 3rd row seat, and saved a good bit of cash. Lots of cargo space with the fold-flat rear seats folded down - swallowed a storage shed kit with no problems. I plan on bringing home a load of patio blocks tonight... P.S. I LOVE the manual driver's seat in this vehicle - most comfortable I've ever experienced! 1-year update: I still like it. Everything I said above still holds true. The nice thing about the Journey is that you can find these equipped a hundred different ways, at prices from $22,000 to $40,000. Don't believe the hacks on the car magazine websites - the Pentastar V-6 and 8-speed automatic (which I have in my work van) is a ROCKET engine. The Journey is a fine vehicle for the money. The interior hasn't started coming apart, and everything still works. The only problem I've had is that I ran over something on the highway that ruined a tire, and broke a plastic cover under the front bumper cover. I hope the Journey holds up as long as our Escape did. 1.5-year update: Still runs fine, drives great. Windshield washer squirter supply hose came off between hood and hood insulating pad where I couldn't see it, but friendly oil-change tech figured it out and popped it back on quickly. Otherwise NO complaints - quality remains exceptional. 2.5-YEAR UPDATE: 47,000+ miles, and still VERY satisfied with my purchase. Runs and drives great, gas mileage 28 MPG hwy, no breakdowns. Interior still looks great, exterior like new. I've only spent money for car washes, synthetic oil changes and one tire. Towed a U-Haul trailer w/no issues. 5 year update: 80K mi., still runs great, part failing off after road debris impacted under air dam. Paint still looks like new. Does have 1 pending safety recall. Still worth every dime I paid for it. Periodic maintenance will reward you. 5.5 year (June 2022) update: over 85,000 miles now - almost through the 2nd set of tires, brakes may need service soon. Car has performed great, except that sometimes (since new), at moderate speeds (35 - 55 MPH), the car will stumble a bit at a constant speed as the electronically-controlled transmission tries to decide if it wants to lock up the torque converter or not. Interior still in excellent condition, no exterior or paint issues. Final Update: Sold the car with just over 90,000 miles, and moved overseas. Only paid for tires and routine maintenance. A solid performer if you choose the base model as I did. Won't win many beauty contests or drag races, but will deliver solid value if maintained. Paid to have it detailed before selling - looked like brand-new - no paint or interior issues, a testament to the materials it was built with. Today's new cars all feature expensive, high-maintenance drivetrains, whether forced-induction liquid fuel, or electric. Cars like this Journey are already becoming prized by smart drivers who want REAL economy (low maintenance).

Dodge Journey SXT FWD 2.4L

Tom, 09/01/2018

2018 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

The Dodge Journey is truly an exceptional vehicle. My wife has the Dodge Journey Crossroad V6 AWD, and that vehicle is a workhorse. I saw how well the vehicle drove especially with a newborn and a toddler traveling on major highways and roads with no issues regardless of any inclement weather. We drove the car cross country, and to Canada, and didn’t feel tired at all. It was time for me …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Dodge Journey, so we've included reviews for other years of the Journey since its last redesign.

See all 71 reviews of the Dodge Journey

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2018 Journey Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$22,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$199/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	39.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Journey models:

ParkSense Rear Park Assist: Alerts the driver to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when reversing.
ParkView Rear Back Up Camera: Displays a live video feed from the rear of the car on the infotainment screen when reversing.
Driver Inflatable Knee-Bolster Airbag: Protects the driver's knees from damage due to impacts with the dashboard during a collision.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover18.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Poor
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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