“I love my didge journey. It's very family oriented with 3rd row seating which is very successful. Small carriage space in the very back but it works! I love my larger touch screen, but I am lacking the 4wd in my model. It does decent in the snow. Overall, a great vehicle.”
2018 Dodge Journey: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2018 is standard third-row seating on every Dodge Journey, making every trim a seven-passenger SUV. Otherwise, this is a light late-cycle update rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Dodge Journey
1st generation (2009-2020), late-cycle year after the 2011 refresh.
Dodge positions the Journey as a road-trip-ready family crossover built around space, flexibility, and value. The pitch is simple: standard seven-passenger seating, lots of folding-seat versatility, clever in-floor storage, and easy-to-use controls, with available V6 power and AWD for shoppers who want more muscle. Compared with rivals, the Journey’s appeal is less about the newest safety tech and more about straightforward family usefulness at a lower price point.
The 2018 Journey ranges from the practical SE, with folding rear seats and in-floor storage, to the more polished Crossroad, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, leather-trimmed seating, and black 19-inch wheels. The GT sits at the top with a 3.6-liter V6, leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, and the larger touchscreen.
What changed, by category
Seating
A third-row seat becomes standard on every trim, so all 2018 Journey models seat seven.
Lineup
The Crossroad Plus is dropped, simplifying the range to SE, SXT, Crossroad, and GT.
Styling
The Blacktop appearance package expands to SE, SXT, and GT, while the Crossroad receives new black-finish 19-inch wheels.
2018 Dodge Journey specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/AutoStick | Automatic, 6-Spd w/AutoStick / Automatic, 4-Spd w/AutoStick | Automatic, 4-Spd w/AutoStick / Automatic, 6-Spd w/AutoStick | Automatic, 4-Spd w/AutoStick / Automatic, 6-Spd w/AutoStick |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–17 mpg | 17–19 mpg | 17–19 mpg | 17–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 283 hp | 173–283 hp | 173–283 hp | 173–283 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 166–260 lb-ft | 166–260 lb-ft | 166–260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2500 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 67.7 cu-ft | 67.6 cu-ft | 67.6 cu-ft | 67.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 23.4 in | 23.4 in | 23.4 in | 23.4 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is every 2018 Dodge Journey a seven-seater?
Yes. Every 2018 Dodge Journey has a standard third-row seat and room for seven passengers, including the entry-level SE.
How is the 2018 Dodge Journey different from the 2017 model?
The main difference is that third-row seating becomes standard across the 2018 lineup. Dodge also drops the Crossroad Plus, extends the Blacktop appearance package to more trims, and gives the Crossroad new black 19-inch wheels.
Which trims make up the 2018 Dodge Journey lineup?
The 2018 Dodge Journey lineup consists of SE, SXT, Crossroad, and GT. The previous Crossroad Plus trim is no longer part of the range.
Was the 2018 Dodge Journey redesigned?
No. The 2018 Journey remains part of the first generation introduced for 2009, with a light late-cycle update rather than a full redesign.
What styling changes did the 2018 Dodge Journey receive?
The Blacktop appearance package extends to the SE, SXT, and GT for 2018, and the Crossroad receives new black-finish 19-inch wheels.
2018 Dodge Journey Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Dodge Journey.
3.8
2018 Dodge Journey
(292 reviews)
“The roominess of the vehicle. The ease of getting in and out. The quality of the vehicle in how it is made.”
“The dodge journey is a great vehicle. I love it. Great on gas and the hwy. Plenty of room and storage.”