The Dodge Journey returns for the 2018 model year with two engine options, new standard features, and a simplified lineup that now includes only four different trims. The Journey is a somewhat overlooked member of the Dodge family, but with seating for seven and bold styling, this is a solid SUV.

The new lineup includes the SE, SXT, Crossroad, and GT. All trims except the GT feature a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission. An optional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is available, and it's the standard engine on the GT. This engine has a 6-speed automatic transmission and is the only way to get the Journey with all-wheel drive (AWD).

New this year is three-row seating as a standard feature for all trims. Also new is the Blacktop Package, which adds black roof rails; gloss black exterior mirrors, fascia applique, and grille; 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SE; and 10-inch aluminum wheels on the SXT and GT.

If it’s cargo you’re worried about and not people, the Journey has 67.6 cubic feet behind the first row of seats, 37.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 10.7 cubic feet behind the third row. The Journey is also rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds with the smaller 2.4-liter engine or 2,500 pounds when equipped with the V6 engine, and there are second-row in-floor storage bins for extra items.

The base SE includes a tilt-and-telescoping steering column with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, cloth seats, and the base Uconnect infotainment system, which has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, AM/FM radio with 6 speakers, an audio jack input, and a remote USB port.

The SXT adds fog lamps, body-color sideview mirrors, 17-inch Tech Silver aluminum wheels, and a greater array of options. This includes an expanded Blacktop Package, Chrome Appearance Group with bright door handle and roof rails, and the luxurious Premium Group. It adds a fold-flat front passenger seat with power four-way lumbar and in-seat cushion storage, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, premium cloth seats, and a 6-way power driver’s seat.

Choose the Crossroad and many of the optional features on the SXT become standard, including the leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel and power seats. Also standard on the Crossroad are leather bucket seats with optional heating, a 6-way power driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar, and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen for the Uconnect infotainment system. The system gets an upgrade, too, with a CD/DVD player, SiriusXM radio, and MP3 capability with optional navigation.

Adding the navigation package also adds three-zone automatic air-conditioning control, a universal garage door opener, ParkSense rear park assist, and ParkView reversing camera. The driver convenience group offers most of the same features, but without the climate control or navigation. Also available is the Rearseat Video Group, which includes a premium sound system, 9-inch overhead video screen for the second row, remote control, and wireless headphones. All of these packages are available exclusively on the Crossroad and GT trims.

At the top of the Journey lineup is the GT, offering the greatest number of standard and available features. It has 19-inch Satin Carbon aluminum wheels, an overhead console with an interior observation mirror and room for sunglasses, premium door trims, and leather-trimmed bucket seats with perforated inserts that are also heated. There’s also a 6-speaker premium audio system with a 368-watt amplifier and an optional Trailer Tow Prep Group with a four-pin trailer-tow connector wiring harness.

Pricing for the 2018 Dodge Journey lineup has not yet been announced, but Dodge says this year’s Journey will be the most powerful three-row SUV available priced under $30,000.