The Dodge Journey was not a leader in performance, technology, or driving dynamics during its production run from the 2009 model year to 2020, but the midsize SUV was always an attractive choice for bargain hunters. In 2018, the three-row Journey could move up to seven passengers in its spacious cabin with a starting price under $30,000, making it a large family hauler that wouldn’t break the bank.

The 2018 Dodge Journey featured an updated trim lineup, standard three-row seating, and an optional appearance package that enhanced the Journey’s appearance. While the Journey pales in comparison to the budged-friendly three-row SUVs of today, and even when the 2018 model entered the fray, its low original price and subsequent affordability on the used car market allows the Dodge to retain its place among the most affordable three-row SUVs for penny-pinching families. Though, as so many money-saving options do, the Journey’s smaller asking price does come with sacrifices.

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2018 Dodge Journey

7.50 / 10
Key Features
  • Standard Third-Row
  • Dual-Zone Climate Control
  • 37 Cubic-Feet Of Cargo Space Behind The Second Row
  • 19-Inch Wheels
  • Uconnet 8.4-Inch Touchscren
  • V-6 Engine
Specifications
  • Model: Journey
  • Engine:: 2.4-Liter I4/3.5-Liter V-6
  • Power Output: 173-260 HP
  • Torque: 166-260 LB-FT
  • Range: 401-430 Miles
  • Transmission: 4-Speed/6-Speed Automatic
  • Driveline: RWD/AWD
  • MSRP: $24,390
Pros
  • Affordable Pricing
  • Standard Third-Row Seating
  • Spacious Cabin
Cons
  • Slow Powertrain
  • Cramped Third Row Seating
  • Utilitarian Features

2018 Dodge Journey Performance And Capability

2018 Dodge Journey red
Dodge 
2018 Dodge Journey driving off road 

The 2018 Dodge Journey is available in four trims:

  • SE
  • SXT
  • Crossroad
  • GT

The 2018 Journey SE, SXT, and Crossroad models are powered by the standard, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering a paltry 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque while a 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 with 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque is fitted to all-wheel drive models and standard in the top-tier Journey GT trim. The four-cylinder engine pairs with what was already an outdated four-speed automatic transmission in 2018 while the V-6 is bolted to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive an option for models fitted with the V-6 engine.

With its bargain appeal, the Journey did not put performance as a priority, so even with the V-6 engine equipped it has a rather pedestrian 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. A test of the 2018 Journey by Car and Driver noted the SUV had lackluster handling, an “unresponsive” transmission, lackluster steering precision, and significant body roll in corners, though the publication did note that compliancy of the ride made the Journey comfortable on highway treks. With low horsepower and torque figures, it’s unsurprising that the Journey is not the ideal choice for those who need towing prowess. The 2.4-liter engine can haul up to 1,000 pounds while V-6-equipped models are limited to 2,500 pounds.

Though both the four-cylinder and V-6 are fairly frugal on power, the Journey isn’t particularly efficient among midsize SUVs - it returns middling figures. Models with the four-cylinder engine are rated for 19 City, 25 Highway, and 21 combined mpg with the V-6 dropping those figures to EPA-rated 17/25/19 mpg, respectively. For reference, the 2018 Ford Edge with a turbo four-cylinder was rated for up to 23 mpg, with the six-cylinder 2018 Santa Fe delivering up to 21 combined mpg.

2018 Dodge Journey Specs

Engine Type

Inline-Four/3.6L V-6

Horsepower

173-283 HP

Torque

166-260 LB-FT

Transmission

4/6-Speed Automatic

0-60

9.5 Seconds

Drive

FWD

Mileage/Range

390-430 Miles

Towing Capacity

1,000-2,500 Lbs.

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Exterior Design

2018 Dodge Journey red
Dodge 
2018 Dodge Journey front fascia 

The Journey is emblematic of Dodge’s styling cues of the late 2018s, and these proportions are stretched to accommodate the three-row seating and the model’s pragmatic-forward approach. Overall, the relatively low-slung Journey could be mistaken for a chiseled minivan, but one with plenty of character and a slight aggressiveness.

Dodge’s split-crosshair grille is flanked by stacked running lights, with the lower intake contrasted by metallic trim. In profile, the bulged fenders stand out (particularly with optional 19-inch wheels) alongside a high beltline and a gently sloping rear roof. The rear tailgate includes “ring of fire” LED taillights, a shelf-like, protruding rear bumper, and a contrasting, metallic accent on the lower bumper housing the dual exhausts.

2018 Dodge Journey red
Dodge 
2018 Dodge Journey drives on a road 

The 2018 Journey is available in the following exterior colors:

  • Blood Orange
  • Bruiser Grey
  • Redline 2K Pearl
  • Contusion Blue Pearl
  • Olive Green Pearl
  • Granite Pearl
  • Billet
  • Pitch Black
  • White Noise Tri-Coat
  • Vice White

Exterior Dimensions

Length

192.4 in.

Width

83.7 in.

Height

66.6 in.

Wheelbase

113.8 in.

Ground Clearance

7.4 in.

Curb Weight

3,818 lbs.

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Interior Quality And Technology

2018 Dodge Journey interior
Dodge 
2018 Dodge Journey interior from the driver's side 

The Journey’s affordability-forward design is apparent in the cabin with limited frills and a simplistic design, but it does present good pragmaticism. The dash slopes quickly from the windshield down and house two air vents atop the infotainment screen and an array of analog controls. The center stack is straightforward with a narrow center console, two cupholders forward of the traditional gear lever with a cubby slotting underneath the dash. Two analog gauges flank a small LCD screen ahead of the tri-spoke steering wheel.

Cloth seats are standard with the Crossroad offering leather seats with optional heating and the GT trim fitted with leather-trimmed seats with perforated inserts. Second-row seating is a 60/40 split bench with a recline function with the third-row offering a 50/50 split and recline. Though the Journey is a bit smaller than most three-row midsized SUVs, it offers plenty of passenger space for those in the front and second row, though passengers will be pinched in the rear seats.

The Journey offers a modest 10.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear row, but with the third row folded away flat, that figure swells to a sizeable 37 cubic feet, making it more ideal for four- or five-person families who need to haul stuff rather than additional people.

2018 Dodge Journey Cabin
Dodge
A shot of the cabin in a 2018 Dodge Journey

The Journey comes standard with a 4.3-inch touchscreen with basic features like radio controls, a USB port, and an auxiliary audio jack. An 8.4-inch touchscreen operating the Uconnect system with SiriusXM radio, MP3 player compatibility, and a CD player is fitted to upper trims. The 2018 Journey is not compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity isn’t available.

All models feature dual-zone climate control, front footwell LED lamps, a 12-volt DC input in the front, rear, and center console, second-row in-floor storage bins, and a six-speaker audio system. Options packages for the 2018 Journey include a Chrome Appearance Group, a navigation and upgraded backup camera group with three-zone climate control, navigation, and the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

The Popular Equipment Group came with creature comforts like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with remote start, heated front seats, and heated steering wheel in Crossroad models. The Rear Seat Video Group package includes a premium sound system and a 9.0-inch overhead media screen in the second row with remote control and wireless headphones.

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity

7

Headroom (front)

40.8 in.

Headroom (middle)

39.9 in.

Legroom (front)

40.8 in.

Legroom (middle)

36.1 in.

Shoulder room (front)

57.5 in.

Shoulder room (middle)

56.9 in.

Cargo Room (behind middle row)

37 cu.-ft.

Safety

The 2018 Dodge Journey received an overall safety rating of four out of five stars from the NHTSA with 4/5 stars for overall frontal crash and rollover and 5/5 stars for side crash. Standard safety features on all Journey models include electronic roll mitigation with brake assist, LATCH child seat anchor system, trailer sway control, and a suite of airbags. Active safety features aren’t available.

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2018 Dodge Journey Price And Availability

2018 Dodge Journey red
Dodge 
2018 Dodge Journey parked off road 

Though the Journey has been discontinued since 2020, plenty of models, including 2018 versions, are available on the used market. Original pricing for the 2018 Journey was from $24,390-$34,490, but those figures are obviously radically reduced on the used car segment. As of February 2023, you should expect to pay about $11,000 to $20,000, dependent on trim, for a used 2018 Journey with 50,000-90,000 miles. However, you should be aware of the Dodge Journey's problems.

If purchasing a Journey, ensure that its six recalls have been addressed. These include the replacement of a powertrain control module that, in the case of a chip failing, can lead to stalls or an inability to start the car, and that the rear brake caliper pistons have been replaced as a recall was issued due to potentially reduced rear brake performance. Another crucial recall fix is the vehicle speed control system of the Journey’s cruise control, which if unrepaired could short circuit and prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.

2018 Dodge Journey Original Pricing

SE

$24,390

SXT

$28,290

Crossroad

$29,390

GT

$34,490

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Main Competition

As a midsized, three-row SUV, the 2018 Dodge Journey competes most closely with the Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento of the same model year. In almost all respects, its rivals are overall more solid choices that feature better driving dynamics, more efficiency, additional features, and technology, and fewer reported reliability issues. However, the Journey, as it did when it debuted, still presents a more affordable option for those who need to move a family and their stuff without many frills.

FAQ

Q: How reliable is a 2018 Dodge Journey?

The 2018 Dodge Journey is often ranked low in reliability scores, and it has been the subject of six recalls, some for major issues.

Q: Why was the Dodge Journey discontinued?

The three-row SUV was discontinued as Dodge moved to streamline its lineup and focus on its performance vehicles.

Q: Is there a recall on 2018 Dodge Journey?

The 2018 Dodge Journey has been the subject of six recalls.

Q: Is a 2018 Dodge Journey an SUV or a van?

The 2018 Dodge Journey is a three-row SUV.

Q: What problems does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?

The Dodge Journey has been recalled for six issues, including for its brakes, electronics, and other issues. Owners have reported early wear on brakes as the most common issue.

Q: Are Dodge Journeys a good vehicle?

The Dodge Journey was not up to par with its three-row, midsized SUV competition for technology, performance, or features, but it is one of the most affordable vehicles in its segment.