21 MPG. That number won’t win any awards for being eco-friendly, but it’s the fuel economy you can expect from the 2018 Dodge Journey with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine. Before writing it off, consider the Journey’s market position. This is a budget-friendly three-row SUV designed for value, not saving gas. It’s built to haul families and their gear without costing too much, and that affordability is more important than Prius-like fuel consumption for many buyers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Dodge Journey 2.4L gets 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic, where the four-speed automatic transmission has to work harder, and accelerating uses more fuel. The highway MPG is more acceptable, but still lower than many modern SUVs. The four-speed transmission, while simple and potentially reliable, doesn’t have as many gear ratios as more modern six, eight, or even ten-speed transmissions. Those transmissions keep the engine in its most efficient RPM range at cruising speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Dodge Journey 2.4L at $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Remember that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (more city or highway), and the gas prices in your area. To see how the Journey performs across its model years, check out JOURNEY MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers give you a general idea, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Journey owners can expect to see numbers close to the EPA estimates if they drive carefully and mostly on the highway. However, if you often drive in stop-and-go traffic, carry heavy loads, or accelerate quickly, your fuel economy will likely drop below 19 MPG. On the other hand, easy highway driving might get you slightly better than 25 MPG. Driving style and maintenance are important for getting the best possible gas mileage. Also remember that the car requires regular fuel and not premium, which will save you money.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2018 Dodge Journey 2.4L’s fuel economy is definitely worse. The Honda CR-V, for example, gets 28 MPG combined with its base engine and CVT transmission. Even the larger and more powerful Toyota Highlander V6 gets 23 MPG combined. The Nissan Rogue delivers around 29 MPG combined. Why does this matter to the Journey buyer? While they might be prioritizing the initial purchase price, they should know that they’ll be spending much more on fuel compared to owners of more fuel-efficient vehicles. For a broader look at Dodge’s vehicles, you can view all Dodge fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are important for getting the best gas mileage in the Journey. Avoid speeding and anticipate traffic to minimize hard braking. The four-speed transmission isn’t made for fast acceleration, so a smooth and steady approach will give you better results.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying extra cargo in the Journey puts stress on the engine and affects fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to carry every day.

Try to limit how much you use the air conditioning. The AC compressor puts a load on the engine. When you can, open the windows or use the ventilation system without the AC to save fuel. This works best in moderate climates during highway driving.

Keep the engine properly tuned. A poorly maintained engine won’t run efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, improving fuel economy.