The three-row SUV class is pretty crowded these days making it hard to find the perfect SUV that will meet and even exceed all your needs. However, there are two that stand out from the crowd year after year: the Dodge Journey and the Hyundai Santa Fe. The 2018 Journey comes well equipped no matter which trim level you choose with features from technology to convenience and safety! Plus there is ample cargo room to keep everyone's gear organized and out of the way. New changes for the 2018 model year include the standard third row in every trim level and a new "Black Noise" package for the Crossroad trim. The 2018 Santa Fe is pretty roomy and powerful and offers a lengthy list of safety and security equipment. Sadly, the Santa Fe was just resigned last year there are no new updates for 2018. The Dodge Journey already has a head start on the Santa Fe! Read on to find out which model comes out on top!
There are two impressive engine options for the 2018 Journey. The entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT that creates 166 pound-feet of torque and 173 horsepower. This engine is estimated to reach up to 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 19 mpg in the city by the EPA. Dodge connects this engine to a four-speed automatic transmission that powers the front wheels. This engine also offers a highway driving range of over 500 miles on a single tank of gas! Upgrade to a higher trim level or AWD and you'll gain the award-winning Pentastar engine utilized throughout the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram lineup. The 3.6-liter V6 engine outputs 260 pound-feet of torque and 283 horsepower. With the six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick and front wheel drive, this incredible engine offers a total driving range of over 500 miles!
There is only one engine and one transmission option for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Each model is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 252 pound-feet of torque and 290 horsepower. Hyundai matches this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is estimated at 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 mpg in the city with front-wheel drive. You can upgrade to all-wheel drive as a stand-alone option on all trim levels.
Dodge offers the stylish Journey in a total of four trim levels for the 2018 model year. Standard features across the trim lineup for 2018 include auxiliary and USB audio inputs, a six-speaker sound system, power windows and locks, keyless entry and push-button start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface and dual-zone climate control. There are tons more standard and optional features as you move up through the trim levels like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, a rear entertainment system with a 9-inch screen and two wireless headphones, leather upholstery, navigation, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect. There are also a few packages available for further customization.
The Santa Fe is a good looking SUV but its only offered in three trim levels. Standard features include third-row heating and air-conditioning controls, multi-adjustable front bucket seats with power-adjustable lumbar support, a rearview camera, 18-inch wheels, dual zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system. Moving up through the trim levels and you'll gain features like heated second-row seats, navigation, push-button start, Smart Cruise control, an 8-inch touchscreen, Hyundai's Blue Link, and an Infinity premium sound system.
The Dodge Journey is the clear winner here! With an additional trim level, engine option and equal fuel economy to the Santa Fe you just have to pick the Journey. The lack of upgrades for the 2018 model year really didn't help the Santa Fe either. To learn more about the 2018 Dodge Journey give our sales team a call at (703) 496-4296, fill out the contact form below or read our complete review of the Journey linked below!