Overview & Reviews

Though the Dodge Durango has long been classified as a midsize sport-utility vehicle, its designers actually made it a half-size larger in order to fill the niche between the midsize and full-size SUV classes. As such, the Durango is often just the right size for those folks who need more interior room and towing capability than a typical midsize SUV can deliver, while not being as bulky and hard to park as a full-sizer.

The first two generations of the Durango were truck-based SUVs in the traditional style. A used model from this period should be a fair choice, though in the later part of the 2000s, the Durango was outclassed by newer crossover SUV competitors. The third-generation Durango, however, has joined the crossover club. It still offers V8 power and stout towing capabilities, but is a much nicer and well-rounded vehicle overall.

Current Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a large crossover SUV that seats seven passengers, though buyers can opt for second-row captain's chairs that lower capacity to six. Four trim levels are offered: well-equipped SXT, midlevel Limited, sporty R/T and plush Citadel.

Both V6 and V8 power are offered. The 3.6-liter V6 has respectable muscle -- 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Standard on the R/T and optional on the Limited and Citadel is a 5.7-liter V8 good for 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. One may also choose among rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (V6 only) and four-wheel drive with added low-range gearing (V8 only).

In reviews, we've found the Durango confident in terms of handling while still providing a composed and comfortable ride over bumps and ruts. Performance is adequate with the V6, while the V8 provides fairly strong acceleration and added grunt, which would be an asset for those who plan on towing.

Inside, the Durango offers an attractive and upscale design, with class-competitive quality and features, including an 8.4-inch touchscreen display (standard on all but SXT) and an available rear-seat Blu-ray player. The second and third rows offer enough room for most families (the rearmost row can even comfortably sit 6-foot adults), though its seven-passenger max falls one person short of its GM and Toyota rivals. Even so, the Durango comes highly recommended as a choice for a midsize or large crossover SUV.

Used Dodge Durango Models
Revived for 2011 after a one-year hiatus, the current-generation Dodge Durango boasts a full redesign with major improvements in several key areas. A carlike unibody (as opposed to body-on-frame) design notably improved interior space and ride/handling dynamics compared to its forebears. The exterior styling traded the former trucklike look for a more upscale persona, while the cabin followed suit with big improvements in fit and finish. Both the V6 and V8 came with a five-speed automatic. The following year brought a six-speed automatic transmission for V8 models, available second-row captain's chairs and revised trim levels.

Potential buyers should note that these Durangos lack the current version's eight-speed automatic transmission, refreshed styling and updated cabin that offers additional upscale features, including an 8.4-inch touchscreen display and a rear-seat Blu-ray player.

The second-generation Durango was produced from 2004-'09. It was first offered in ST, midgrade SLT and Limited trim levels and it came with one of three engines: a 210-hp V6, a 230-hp 4.7-liter V8 or a 330-hp 5.7-liter V8. These were offered with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Alternatively, a single-speed transfer case could be specified on select 4WD models, which essentially meant that you could get a Durango with all-wheel drive. All Durangos came with automatic transmissions as standard -- four speeds for the V6, five for the V8s.

For 2008, the V8 engines were given a welcome nudge in power. The 4.7-liter now produced 303 hp and was more fuel efficient as well, while the Hemi produced 376 horses. In an interesting side story, the Durango Limited HEV hybrid was produced briefly for 2009. It was a so-called "two-mode" hybrid featuring a Hemi V8 (345 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque), two electric motors (87 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque) and a dual-mode transmission with variable ratios.

There were other changes during this Durango's life. Side airbags and refreshed styling arrived for 2006 and the ST trim level was renamed SXT. Two years later, new options such as a back-up camera, a CD/MP3 player, DVD-compatible audio and a MyGIG multimedia infotainment system with a hard drive to store digital music files made the Durango more competitive in an increasingly high-tech market. An Adventurer trim level also debuted, slotting between the SXT and Limited.

In our tests, we found the second-generation Durango handled adequately for a traditional body-on-frame SUV, though car-based crossover SUVs of the time were noticeably superior at providing carlike driving dynamics. Interior quality was a couple notches below what we've come to expect from family-friendly utility vehicles, and its interior space was inferior to bigger truck-based SUVs and large crossovers. Given the Durango's mass, the V8s are preferable for towing and acceleration, but fuel economy was poor no matter what engine you picked. As such, we'd suggest looking at a 2008 or later Durango and even then only if you need a big SUV that can tow and haul a lot of heavy stuff.

Launched in 1998, the first-generation Dodge Durango brought big-rig looks to a segment full of what essentially were tall station wagons. Then, as now, the Durango was larger than the typical midsize SUV but it looked and felt more like a shrunken full-size SUV. It was a sport-ute for the truck person: a vehicle that sat eight, but in pretty much every other way was the antithesis of a minivan.

The Durango was offered with several engine choices, including a wimpy V6, a couple of V8s and even a rare performance-oriented Shelby model with a high-powered V8, a lowered suspension, big wheels and racing stripes. None of the Durango's engines were particularly sophisticated, nor were they very fuel-efficient. Generally, we suggest looking for a used Durango equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 (offered from 2000-'03) or the 5.9-liter V8: The 4.7-liter delivered the best mileage out of the lot, while the 5.9-liter offered the most torque. Despite its rugged underpinnings, the first-gen Dodge Durango had better road manners than most truck-based SUVs of this era thanks to its long wheelbase, wide track and carefully tuned suspension.

If image projection and midsize-plus packaging were the first-generation Durango's strengths, its chief weakness was quality -- both real and perceived. Gaps between body panels were sizable and inconsistent, while interior fit and finish was lacking compared to the competition. Furthermore, ergonomics revealed the utilitarian pickup underneath, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable for all but children. Still, among families who needed a real workhorse, the original Dodge Durango made many friends.

User Reviews:

• 

  2005 dodge durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By ken reyburn - April 5 - 9:46 pm

  Good design. Lots of power .Fun to drive. Mileage not so good, but about as expected. More maneuverable than earlier Durango, even though it is larger.

• 

  Hemi More - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By forestgump14 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Best looking vehicle in class. Ride is as good as or better than Toyota Sequoia. Wheelbase increase did wonders for interior room. Hemi gives great power and towing capacity. Ltd offers many conviences. Mileage is very good on highway driving (18-19)and very bad in city driving (12). Great front seat legroom and stereo system. 4 Wheel drive is wonderfull.

• 

  Still in Awe - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By lrgus - January 12 - 10:00 am

  To pull the camper and better handle the WI winters, I switched from Gr Caravan to Durango. Great decision. HEMI power unbelievable and the ride is a dream. Seats are soooo comfortable! Hwy mileage better than I expected - averaged over 20 mpg on long trip (no towing), but get appx 15 in town. Comfortable and easy to maneuver - too easy to speed! Split 3rd row allows room for gear. Not as much storage space as the minivan, but Id trade it all for the feel of the SUV. Havent gotten to winter yet, but am sure the 4WD, traction control, and heated seats will be wonderful. Bring it on!

• 

  GET ALL THE OPTIONS INCLUDING THE HEMI - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By DAYCAREMOM24 - December 24 - 12:16 pm

  Were previous Durango owners but the 05 Limited Hemi is a complete turnaround from the 03 we owned. Its comfortable, its roomy, the DVD is a must have. The Navigation is awesome, the Sirius Satelite is great, and Dodge even pays for the 1st year! The Hemi is AWD. We have all of the options and dont regret it one bit. It rides smooth, handles great, looks sharp and WE LOVE IT! The gas mileage is ok being a previous V-8 owner. THe Hemi definetly adds a little more pizazz to the enitre package. Its fast and responsive on an open highway! We love it!! There are many more options, too many to name but all in all... WE HAVE THEM ALL!!! AND WE LOVE IT!!

• 

  Actually a 1998 - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By R Hewitt - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I actually own a 1998 SLT with a 5.2 engine. I have 46000 and am thinking of trading it in on a new Durango. It has plenty of room, rides nice on and off road and I have had very few problems.

• 

  durango limited with HEMI - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By jv1234567 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, and is a good solid workhorse

• 

  Well Designed - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By mike ped - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Well designed, comfortable with the ability to haul a lot of stuff. Handles well, plenty of power for 99% of your driving needs. Just wish it could get better gas mileage.

• 

  Happy Durango Owners - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Ricardo Escobedo - December 7 - 11:17 pm

  Ours is the 3.6l engine version, and it runs just beautifully. I guess Im old school, and all the interior gadgets were almost overwhelming, from the back up camera to the rear proximity sensors, no more backing into hidden signposts or other cars parked behind. Too much to mention, overall, a very happy camper. It also works very well in our 110 plus degree Arizona desert heat.

• 

  perfect suv - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By cathrine kenyworth - October 29 - 2:00 am

  i really enjoy driving it , espically when it comes to four whell driving in snow , mud , or whatever natue has in store for you. the interior is to die for.

• 

  Dodge Got It Right! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By maddogcain - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Even though we have only owned this vehicle for a month I love it more every time I drive it. Based on my limited time with it I feel the Dodge Engineers really did their homework. The ride is superb and the Hemi power is great. Usually by now I have found something about a new vehicle that I dont like or that bugs me but I can honestly say that so far I like everything about it. ( except the fuel mileage, but hey you dont get this kind of power with great mileage. ) Dodge has hit a homerun with this one in my opinion.