Used-car research · Elgin CDJR
2018 Dodge Journey Gas Mileage
The Journey was Dodge's budget three-row crossover from 2009 to 2020, and 2018 models are now common on used lots. Here are the EPA figures for each engine, what they mean at the pump, and what Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler sell today if you want something newer.
Quick answer
A 2018 Dodge Journey with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city, 25 highway and 21 combined. The 3.6-liter V6 rates 17 city, 25 highway and 19 combined with front-wheel drive, and 16 city, 24 highway and 19 combined with all-wheel drive. With its 20.5-gallon tank a Journey goes roughly 400 to 430 miles between fill-ups. The V6 on E85 drops to 14 mpg combined. Dodge ended the Journey after 2020 and the smaller Hornet in 2026, so a shopper who wants a new three-row today looks at the Durango, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L or the Chrysler Pacifica.
EPA ratings by engine
| Powertrain | City | Highway | Combined | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L I-4, 4-speed automatic, FWD | 19 | 25 | 21 | SE, SXT, Crossroad (standard) |
| 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic, FWD | 17 | 25 | 19 | SE V6 Value Package, GT; optional on SXT, Crossroad |
| 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic, AWD | 16 | 24 | 19 | Available with the V6 only |
| 3.6L V6 on E85 (flex fuel) | 12 | 18 | 14 | V6 models |
Source: fueleconomy.gov. The four-cylinder's four-speed automatic is the reason its highway figure matches the V6; the V6's extra gear offsets its larger displacement.
What the numbers mean in real driving
The 2018 Journey's 20.5-gallon tank is large for the class, so range is better than the mpg suggests: about 430 miles at the four-cylinder's combined rating, about 390 for the V6. Owners typically see 1 to 2 mpg less than the EPA figure in Chicago-area winter driving with short trips and a cold engine. The 2.4-liter is the economy choice but is slow with a full load; the V6 (283 hp) is the one to pick for a family that uses the third row or tows a small trailer (up to 2,500 pounds with the tow package).
Getting the most out of a used Journey
- Keep tires at the door-jamb pressure. The Journey has a tire pressure display in the cluster; use it.
- Use 87-octane regular. Neither engine benefits from premium.
- Change the oil on schedule (5W-20 for the 2.4, 5W-20 synthetic for the 3.6) and replace the engine air filter; a clogged filter costs mpg.
- On the four-cylinder, let the transmission warm up before hard driving; the four-speed is happiest cruising at 65 to 70 mph.
- Remove roof carriers when not in use. At highway speed they cost more than a loaded cargo area.
If you are shopping new instead
Dodge built the last Journey for the 2020 model year and ended the compact Hornet in 2026, so Dodge's current lineup is the Charger and the Durango. For a family that liked the Journey's price and three rows, the closest fits at Elgin CDJR are the Dodge Durango (three rows, HEMI V-8 standard for 2026 and 2027), the Jeep Grand Cherokee L (three rows, V6 or 4xe plug-in hybrid) and the Chrysler Pacifica, including the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, which is rated far higher than any Journey. Our used lot usually has Journeys and Grand Cherokees side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas mileage of a 2018 Dodge Journey?
19 city, 25 highway and 21 combined with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive; 17/25/19 with the 3.6-liter V6 FWD; 16/24/19 with the V6 and AWD, per the EPA.
How big is the gas tank on a 2018 Dodge Journey?
20.5 gallons, which gives roughly 400 to 430 miles of range at the EPA combined ratings.
Does the 2018 Dodge Journey take premium gas?
No. Both engines are designed for 87-octane regular. The V6 is flex-fuel capable and can run E85, at 14 mpg combined.
Is the 2018 Dodge Journey AWD?
All-wheel drive was available only with the 3.6-liter V6. Four-cylinder Journeys are front-wheel drive.
What replaced the Dodge Journey?
Nothing directly. Dodge ended the Journey after 2020; the compact Hornet followed from 2023 to 2026. For a three-row today, look at the Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee L or Chrysler Pacifica.
Looking at a used Journey?
Every used vehicle on our Streamwood lot comes with a vehicle history report. Compare a Journey with a Grand Cherokee or Durango on the same visit.
Sources
EPA figures from fueleconomy.gov, checked on October 19, 2026. Range figures are calculated from the combined rating and the 20.5-gallon tank.
- Gas Mileage of 2018 Dodge Journey, U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Dead: Dodge Hornet (2026), Motor1.com
- Mopar owner's manuals (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram), FCA US LLC / Stellantis