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 Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Beauchamp - January 24 - 11:07 am

  Excellent for long days on the road. Very comfortable. My next vehicle will be the same

• 

  Loving my new Durango more everyday!! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By BOX in IL - January 5 - 10:24 pm

  I recently purchased an 06 Durango SLT 4x4. I was driving a 04 Infiniti G35 coupe. Needless to say it was a huge change. After getting used to stepping up instead of stepping down, I have found that I am loving my new Durango more and more everyday. I test drove many SUVs ranging from small ones like the Mitsubishi Outlander, and the large ones. The Durango has all the fun and appeal of of a larger SUV with the handling of the small ones. I was sold on the test drive. Gas mileage is so so, but what do you respect this the size of this car. The interior is very nice and the exterior is styling. My only complaint would be to add a couple of little features.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By BRB - December 30 - 1:48 am

  This is my first SUV. Love the power of the Hemi and the room for my 3 kids. Got a great deal with my employee discount, plus another $8000 off of that.

• 

  Duraaaango! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Badlands - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is THE SUV folks. Sure, some people will swear by the newer design of the Ford Explorer, but lets face it - at the end of the day the Dodge Durango is an SUV - a truck with style and functionality. The Explorer has just turned one step closer to being a car lifted up a bit to look like a truck. Not that the Explorer is bad but its sort of dainty compared to the Durango. The Durango handles great off-road and in 4 wd for snow and mud. Its interior is clean and crisp and it has a solid feel all about. The leather seats are comfortable. Its just a solid sporty rig!

• 

  Most fun and comfortable SUV - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By JACKIE - December 22 - 3:22 pm

  This is the best vehicle for your money. Reliable, fun, and exciting. Great for trips and I get about 20 miles to the gallon in my Hemi limited. Awesome to sum it up. Has all the options I will ever need.

• 

  Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Clark Andrew - December 19 - 6:48 pm

  The Durango is one on the best SUVs I ever owned. I have never had a problem with this vehicle. I would have no problem buying another Dodge Durango in the future.

• 

  2nd New Generation Durango - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By MNicley - December 7 - 10:15 pm

  This is the second new style Durango I have owned. I had a 2004 SLT with the hemi which I loved. Traded it in on this 2006 Limited Hemi. The MPS gets me about 2 more mpg city (15) and 4 more mpg on the highway (22). The Alpine sound system is geat as is all the other creature comforts! Cant beat the options, power, and performance compared to other SUVs of similar and higher price.

• 

  Happy? - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Frank - December 6 - 2:06 pm

  I traded in my 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500 to get a truck. I have to say that Im not 100% happy but Im also not disappointed. I have to say the Durango is fun to drive and the interior quality is better than good. The six in dash CD player and steering wheel control are easy to use and the ride is like a car. I give this one a 9 out of 10 in the truck category. The third row seat is also well suited, and the quality of the leather is also well above average.

• 

  The Longest Test Drive! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By DodgeLover - November 29 - 4:50 pm

  We live in Charlotte, NC and purchased a 2006 SLT 4x4 only 12 days ago. This, after 8 months of shopping for that "Perfect Safety Vehicle". The Durango is a "safety tank" 5-star everything. Essentially, we have taken it on the "Worlds Longest Test Drive" by driving to upstate NY (900 miles each way). What a great ride! The seats are great, dash design is sharp, the gauges at night are a very cool aqua green, and it has a very good stock sound system. As for gas, its an SUV, it will not have Honda Accord gas mileage. But, we tracked 5 tanks at an average of 20.2 mpg. Great for the size of the vehicle! Why people buy expensive luxury SUVs is beyond me after driving our Durango.

• 

  Hillspot - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By hillspot - November 29 - 11:43 am

  The comfort for a family of six is great. The kids have a lot of room to maneuver around and not be crowded.