2018 Dodge Journey ReviewThe aging Dodge Journey platform leaves something to be desired in many categories, but its price to seating capacity makes it a compelling family value. More...
Autolist Editorial | July 24, 2020
Pros:
- Great option when price is a factor.
- Smaller, but smartly designed interior space.
- Uconnect infotainment is excellent.
Cons:
- Aging engine and transmission choices.
- Poor gas mileage.
- Little safety tech, marginal crash scores
Would we buy one? IDK.
Vehicle Type: 4-door, 7-seat midsize crossover.
Price Range: Pricing for the 2018 Dodge Journey starts at an MSRP of $23,590 in base SE trim, while top-tier GT trim begins at $33,590. Pricing includes destination, but no optional equipment.
Powertrain: The standard engine in the 2018 Dodge Journey is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 173 horsepower. That engine is backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission.
An available 3.6-liter V6 engine making 283 horsepower is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on V6 equipped Journeys.
Competitors: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento, and Toyota Highlander.
Overall Score: 6.9/10
The 2018 Dodge Journey includes standard safety features like airbags, electronic stability control, and active head restraints. Available safety equipment is also slim, with a rearview camera and park assist available only as part of an added package on higher-end Dodge Journey Crossroad and GT trims.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety scores the Dodge Journey its highest Good rating on all but the small overlap crash test, where it receives a Poor rating. The Dodge Journey also receives a Poor designation for its headlights and Marginal rating for the LATCH safety seat attachment systems ease of use. Similarly, the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grants the Journey four out of five stars in their crash testing.
The lack of safety tech and Poor rating in the overlap crash test are emblematic of the aging structure of the Dodge Journey and it does not compete with what is offered by more modern options in the segment.
Value: 8/10
Considering it has three rows of seating, the Dodge Journey was found by most reviewers to be a great value, despite its aging chassis and engine options. Starting at under $25,000 and well optioned under $35,000, the Dodge Journey is definitely one of the more affordable 7-seaters on the market.
That inexpensive pricing is exposed in the areas of fuel economy, safety, and styling, where the Journey fails to outshine any of the competition. However, the Dodge Journey does offer AWD and pricing that makes it an appealing option for those looking to avoid settling for a minivan.
The Dodge Journey comes with a 3-year/36,000 mile limited warranty and 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Tech Features: 7/10
Base Dodge Journey trims are equipped with keyless entry, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, and a six speaker audio system which has one USB port and one audio jack. Optional tech on Dodge Journey SXT and SE trims includes satellite radio and a CD player.
Crossroads and GT trim get a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen, which includes Bluetooth and voice command capability. The infotainment system runs Dodge's Uconnect interface which reviewers found to be one of the most user-friendly in the industry. Navigation and Back-Up Camera can also be had as part of a package and add to the functionality of the touchscreen. A Premium Sound System package, which adds a subwoofer and amplifier, is also available on Crossroad models and standard in SXT trim. A Rear-Seat Video package adds a 9-inch overhead entertainment system, with wireless headphones, for a little front seat peace and quiet.
Practicality: 8/10
The Dodge Journey is only configured with a 3rd row for the 2018 model year, which means it comfortably seats up to five adults in the front seats and second row, and has room for two kids in the back. Third row seating would not accommodate adults for any period of time. Seating for seven make the Dodge Journey a good compromise for those not wanting to commit to the sheer size of its larger sibling, the Durango.
The Dodge Journey has 10.7 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and up to 67.6 cubic-feet when the seats are stowed away. Those are average numbers, but don't take into account all of the small cubbies and storage compartments within the cabin. Borrowing somewhat for the excellent Stow 'N Go found in the Dodge Grand Caravan, there are underfloor compartments under the feet of the middle row seat passengers as well as behind the third row seats. All these little spaces provide plenty of room for passengers' personal items.
Styling & Design: 7/10
Outside, the design language of the Dodge Journey follows the Grand Caravan, and smaller Caliber, neither of which are overly attractive. From some angles, it is difficult to tell which you are looking at. Dodge did try to bring the Journey into more modern times with the Blacktop Package, which includes black painted alloy wheels, grille, roof rails, and mirror caps. The package does give the crossover a slightly edgier, tougher look.
Inside, the Dodge Journey's design is basic, but not bad. As previously mentioned, storage cubbies abound, and the simple design is acceptable in an older chassis. The trim levels bring the expected sturdy fabric upholstery in Dodge Journey SE and SXT trim, to perforated leather seats, and heated steering wheel in GT trim. Reviewers barely mentioned the interior fit and finish, which at this low price is honestly a pretty good sign, as it means they were not offended by cheap plastics and found the build quality to be at least up to standard.
Driving Experience: 6/10
Both engine options could be described as sluggish, with even the V6 taking about 8 seconds to get to freeway speeds. Reviewers found the four-cylinder Journey to be even slower, and the four-speed automatic to shift roughly. The six-speed automatic also did not receive rave reviews, as shifting was inconsistent.
Handling was described as carlike compared to larger 7-seater SUV's, but body-roll was a consistent issue, and the suspension failed to absorb road imperfections without jostling the Journey. Reviewers did find the feedback from the steering wheel to be excellent, due to the use of older technology, hydraulic power steering, compared to most modern cars electric power steering systems.
Fuel Efficiency: 6/10
When equipped with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder drivetrain, the Dodge Journey receives EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 highway mpg and 21 city. The Dodge Journey GT, which can be had with FWD and the V6, rates out at 25 highway mpg and 17 city. Other V6 models with standard AWD only pay a slight penalty for the added grip, at 24 highway mpg and 16 city.
Even in 4-cylinder form, the Dodge Journey isn't a fuel-sipper, and the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Sorento all offer better mileage.
