The Dodge Durango debuted in 1998 and has evolved into a well established three-row SUV. Offering a wide range of trims featuring strong towing capacity, performance, and four-wheel-drive, the Durango is ready to take on you and your family’s needs. Receiving its last major redesign in 2011, the Durango still looks great, but some rivals offer more current infotainment and fuel-saving technology. Regardless, there is plenty of value here.
Pros
- Excellent towing capacity
- Serious off-road abilities
- All three rows offer plenty of space
Cons
- Handling feels imprecise
- Lackluster V8 fuel economy
- Cabin design feels outdated
The Durango is available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive for all trims, except the SRT which is only in all-wheel-drive. The standard engine on the Dodge Durango is a 3.6L V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Depending on which trim is selected or optional equipment desired, a 5.7L V8 HEMI is available producing 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Or if you desire the ultimate in performance, the SRT trim comes equipped with the 6.4L V8 HEMI producing 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
Buyers can choose between an all-black interior color scheme, black trim and frosted beige seats or black trim and tan seats. The Durango comes with an upscale interior that makes use of high-quality materials and excellent build quality. Gauges are laid out in an easy to read by the driver format and all switches and knobs are easy to access.
Interior space is excellent in the front row, while the second row has less legroom than what’s found in many other midsize crossovers. What’s surprising is that the third row features more legroom than the second row – in fact so much room that adults can easily sit in the third row comfortably. The Durango’s seats are overall fairly comfortable. Cargo space is respectable at 84.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. Second-row seats not only can be folded flat easily but they also “tumble” forward to allow for more cargo space on the floorboards.
Dodge offers the Durango in eight different trim levels. The base SXT comes with standard features like 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, fog lights, cruise control, power windows and locks, fold-flat front passenger seat, satellite radio, and a sound system with an auxiliary input jack. Crew models come with more standard features like remote start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, powered front seats, a cargo cover, auto-dimming rearview mirror, keyless entry and ignition, backup camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and a touchscreen infotainment center. The SXT also comes with 6,200 lbs of towing capacity available starting around $30,500.
The SXT Plus comes well equipped with the features of the SXT but adds Siris XM satellite radio, eight-way power driver’s seat, and bright side roof rails priced around $34,600. The GT trim adds a more aggressive performance front fascia in body color to add a more upscale look to your Durango. It also features upgraded 20” wheels, 60/40 Fold & Tumble Seat and third-row seat, and several heritage edition colors are available starting around $34,645.
GT Plus trim continues to build upon the GT trim by adding a heated steering wheel, heated first and second-row seats, a power liftgate, and remote vehicle start priced around $40,000. The Citadel trim is aimed at those seeking a more luxurious interior featuring Nappa leather-trimmed seats, dual rear exhaust, and 20” platinum chrome wheels. This trim starts around $43,000.
The R/T is aimed at drivers who value performance with a more powerful 5.7L HEMI engine, performance steering and suspension, and 20” high gloss wheels. The interior also features Uconnect 4C with Navigation and Alpine premium audio. For the added performance the R/T trim is priced around $44,000 starting.
The ultimate luxury expression of the Durango is called the Citadel Anodized Platinum trim which features a hand-wrapped soft-touch instrument panel, Nappa leather ventilated front seats, Heated second-row captains chairs, and high-intensity discharge headlamps. For the added luxury price is increased to just over $46,000 starting.
The most powerful version of the Durango is known as the SRT. Featuring a 6.4L HEMI SRT V8 engine, this trim is designed around performance. Active dampers and a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system combine to make this one of the most powerful three-row SUVs available starting around $64,000.
The Dodge Durango offerer buyers a high-quality domestic SUV with an impressive third row and the latest tech that Dodge has to offer. With high-quality interiors in the Citadel trims and high-performance models like the SRT, the Durango offers a trim for nearly every household.
