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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  Grand Cherokee + Suburban = Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By tsf - March 3 - 7:39 pm

  We wanted a V-8 SUV. Grand Cherokee was top on our list, but it wasnt any bigger inside than the Acura we were replacing. Suburban/Tahoe was too big for my wife, and too expensive for me! Then we found the Durango--fully loaded SLT 4.7L!!! It is the perfect blend of size--big enough for our small family, small enough that my wife is comfortable in it plenty of power to tow the toys, and didnt break the bank (thanks in part to low resale value and bad press!). Drives pretty well (not as smooth or sturdy-feeling as a Sub/Tahoe, but not bad), great power (feels as fast as our 01 Acura TL), interior is as nice as Chevys LT packages, and we even get near 20 freeway mpg (speed limit)

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  I cant believe I bought a Durango... - 2018 Dodge Durango
  By Mike - February 21 - 3:42 pm

  Our family needed a three row SUV. We tried to downsize to a wagon, but it didnt work. I was charged with all of the research and test driving, and I drove them all. Honda, Mazda, VW, Toyota, etc. Some were too small (Toyota), some offered horrible value (VW), some were too much like a mini-van (Honda). I was getting frustrated with my search. I tried a Ford Explorer and didnt like it at all. I was flummoxed. I had read good things about the 2018 Durango, but I have NEVER been an FCA fan, and swore I would never buy one. Then...I test drove the Durango GT. Just wow. Solid, big, handled well, and quiet as a mouse inside. I did some more research. It rides on a relative of the GL/ML platform from when Daimler Benz owned part of Chrysler (so does the Grand Cherokee). The 8-speed automatic is sourced from ASIN, the same place that BMW and other high-end manufacturers get their trannys. The handling is excellent, primarily due to the perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and the rear-wheel bias (its a RWD car when it doesnt need the traction). The Durango is so air-tight that you really need to give the door a good slam, otherwise the air pressure prevents the door from closing. I thought the Beats audio system was terrible, but like many good speakers (I am an audiophile) the system needed to break in, and stretch the speakers a bit. I think it sounds very good now (not Levinson good, but certainly better than any Bose system). If you have been skeptical of the FCA brand in the past (lets face it theres plenty of reason to be) , but you need a good sized SUV, you HAVE to drive the Durango. It wont disappoint.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By mrcsbrow - February 11 - 10:46 pm

  I used to own a 2002 Ford Explorer. What a useless vehicle. Not only would it not pull my boat I couldnt put anything in the back at all. The new Durango can fit anything from a sheet of plywood to 2 weeks worth of vacation luggage. Not only that but it pulls my boat like nothing is behind it. The fuel mileage is as good as it was on my Explorer and I have more torque and horsepower. Great Job Dodge. Youve earned my business for years to come. Keep up the good work.

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  Finally a quality Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Sg - February 8 - 4:45 pm

  I have had a several different SUVs over the years and 2 older model Durangos. They always rode rough and felt and looked low quality. Now this Durango rides awesome, noise level is great, and feels sturdy and tight in the corners. I love it.

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  Great truck - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Warren Johnson - February 8 - 3:26 pm

  One paint flaw and a transmission electric doo- hickey have been the only problems. This is my fifth Dodge. I really am a Dodge guy and this is one of their best. I am not too fond of the new body style though and will probably get a truck next. The gas mileage smokes the Ford and Chevy SUVs and it doesnt look like a big box. I tow a hybrid trailer on camping trips and am close to the GCWR and am very pleased with my performance. Get 9-13 mpg depending on terrain.

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  Dodge Durango SXT 4WD - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Craig Mayberry - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Perfect SUV not huge but plenty of ground clearance. Very quick and stable even my 115lb wife likes to drive it. Very roomy inside. Actually a tough four wheel drive truck with a large back end. This is not a just a tall car that you really wouldnt drive over boulders with. My grandkids always want to take the "shorcut" through the desert its like an amusement park ride.

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  Amazing! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Traci - January 20 - 11:20 am

  I absolutely love my Durango! My husband had a MINI for about 4 months, and every time I drove that then got into my Durango I fell in love all over again! Reliable, and oh so comfortable. I wouldnt trade it in on anything. The only snafu was my steering wheel started to peel after about a year, but a new one was ordered without a problem. I love the sunroof. There is plenty of room for all 6 of us, yet its cozy enough when Im driving alone. A friend has a Suburban, and I dont find that nearly as roomy or comfortable...and the Durango is much more attractive!

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  New Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Joanie - January 6 - 8:06 pm

  We just got our Durango in May but have already taken it on a vacation and it was great. We had a van before but this is much roomier and drives great. You feel like youre on your living room sofa.

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  Love my Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By L Parker - January 6 - 7:45 am

  Handles very well, 22 mpg hwy Hemi with 3:55 Rear Axle, 16mpg in town. Tows my 6000 Boat with no effort, the Tow Mode is great. Just towed back from VA a 6X12 Uhaul about 3500 lbs 16 MPG and no effort. Just a great vehicle, too bad most Dodge Dealers are so in the 80s. I think they pass out 5 star ratings to anyone.

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  BEST OF THE BUNCH - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JOHNT - December 31 - 5:32 pm

  I HAVE OWNED A TAHOE, 2 EXPEDITIONS AND A JEEP. THIS HEMI DURANGO IS THE BEST SUV I HAVE OWNED BY FAR. LOT OF POWER GREAT HANDLING QUIET RIDE.. VERY NICE