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:

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  Great Buy - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By SpraggLags - August 10 - 1:23 am

  We test drove several Trail Blazers and Ford Explorers and of course Dodge Durangos before we chose the Durango. What we noticed is the Durango and the Explorer were much more solid and had more power then the Trailblazer. Since weve owned our Durango we have averaged almost 19 MPG fuel efficiency, not bad for a V8. We have had the opportunity to take it on long and medium trips and we have found it to be very comfortable. We had 5 Adults on a trip of about 1500 miles and it was quite comfortable. We put down one side of the Third Row Seat to Store more luggage. We moved from an Ext. Minivan and the lack of storage space behind the 3rd row seat is the one negative for the Durango.

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  05 Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By G H - August 6 - 6:55 pm

  We own a 2000 Durango and really like it. The 2005 is totally redesigned and so much improved. The ride, handling and performance is excellent. I would like to see a voltmeter on the instrument panel. The exterior takes some getting used to, but does grow on you. The best part is the looks do separate it from the rest. The fuel mileage is not great, but about what I expected.

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  Good truck for me - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Joe - August 3 - 1:29 pm

  This is my first SUV and I am very pleased with the performance, handling, and looks of the vehicle. Although I am skeptical from reading other reviews, I have had no problems with the vehicle. I purchased a 24 foot enclosed race car trailer (with stabalizing bars and sway bar control) and have had no problem with towing power, weight of 7300lbs. My only complaint is the narrowness of the vehicle. Even with adding extended mirrors it is difficult to see around the trailer. Due other reviews in Edmunds, I opted to buy the full extended service warranty. Looked at an 05 Expedition and my Durango had more interior cargo length (not width) and was easier to load.

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  drives like a dream - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By jdjljd - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have only had it a month but I love it. It drives like a dream for an SUV. It has a good turning radius and lots of power. It is easy to put up and down the seats for hauling. I had my Dodge van for 9 years I expect to drive a Durango for a long time.

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  Push my Dodge before I drive a Ford - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By fehlnorfva - August 1 - 3:52 pm

  Any truck that can drag an Ford Expedition with a 26 ft. Boat out of the water and up the boat ramp has to be tuff. I did this on Memorial Day weekend when the Fords transmision blew up on the ramp. I hooked up to the disabled Ford with my Durango and brought truck and boat up on land without slipping an inch.

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  Dodge Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By MR - August 1 - 1:40 am

  Very good running SUV. Strongly recomend the Hemi engine. Extra power makes the poor fuel economy worth it. A great value for the money.

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  My Durango is the greatest! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Tina D. - July 31 - 12:44 pm

  I love my Durango Adventurer! It is stylish with its 2 tone bumpers and trim and it rides great. I am a mom who came from driving minivans and this was the greatest switch. I love it! No complaints, except maybe the gas mileage!

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  Converted Chevy Owner - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Riggs1 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive got the Hemi - even though Edmunds does NOT have this as an option...the 2004 Tahoe would have been $8000 more with less power, convenience and OLD sluggish styling...The Durango does need more storage ability (pockets, etc.) and the third seat should come split with the ability to remove...all that said - I really (!!) like this SUV...

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  I love this truck - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Cindi Whitfield - July 26 - 11:35 am

  I love my new Durango. it handles well. I owned a 1998 Durango and it drove like a truck, very rough. My new Durango drive smoother than my husbands car. I have four children and two dogs and make trips to MA and DE and I feel were very safe in this new Durango. If I could change one thing the SUV does have a lot of blind spots, not just at the side mirrors.

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  Great New Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By T. Bias - July 23 - 3:47 pm

  I have enjoyed this Durango on our trips and it feels like you are driving on air. This is very smooth riding with great get up and go power in the engine. I have been buying Dodges for many years, and this by far has been the best.