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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  Spring for the "hemi" - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Lisa Cuda - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Just replaced my 99 Durango which I loved very much. I thought the new 4.7 would be more powerful. Very disappointed in pick up & performance. Should have kept my old 360 durango. They should have left the old style alone. This is not a Durango....It is your grandmas car. FIND ANOTHER NAME FOR IT !

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  Durango, Go, Go... - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Tony Diaz - May 22 - 7:04 am

  I just changed my 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG (349 HP) for a 2006 Durango Limited with the HEMI Magnum engine. To be honest, I feel better now than before. Performance or comfort are just as good, except when cornering. The Alpine sound system in then Durango sounds better, to me than the BOSE system in the MB. The controls on the steering wheel are better than in the MB. The seats are just as nice, but the Hemi, WOW! I could not imagine its power until now. Jumping on the gas pedal, although fatal to your budget, is beneficial to the heart--feeling those 325 horse exploding out through them rear tires, just makes your heart pump all that fat out of your arteries.

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  Our New Dodge - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By pbssheltie - May 19 - 6:23 pm

  We owned a 2001 durango and just traded up. We love the new 2005 model. It has a smoother ride and much more luxury feel. We have the limited edition and I would recommend it highly.

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  2006 Dodge Durango - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Michael Fonte - May 11 - 1:10 pm

  Has power when needed. Very comfortable inside and the design of the interior looks great.

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  The Durango with bad gas mileage - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By What is it? - May 9 - 4:32 pm

  The Durango has a good interior. But there are some things that you think about changing. First you cant see the front if you are small. That could be a problem in driving the car. Second I didnt even get a hemi and its a living gas pig. Third where is the side skirts?

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  Wish I could afford to drive - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By brokefromgasprices - May 8 - 3:33 pm

  I love my Durango it has every feature including the sickest aftermarket sunroof Ive ever seen. This SUV is the most beautiful on the market in my opinion. But I just cant afford to drive it ever. I havent been out of town since owning it! This SUV is so plush and comfortable, with a tight turning radius and a ride like a Cadillac, like youre driving around sitting on your couch. Infinity speakers stink though. I blew out the side ones within a week. My Durango reminds me of something seen in a classic car collection. It should be looked at and admired for its beauty and quality but never ever driven. Ill miss it when its gone but I love to drive too much to keep it.

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  Hate the blind spots - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By E Miller - May 2 - 9:05 pm

  I bought an 04 new w/ Hemi and for the most part love it. Engine is great, options are great, but be warned... the blind spots are large. What is really bad are the ones created by the front pillars. Use caution when turning corners, you will not be able to see. Nothing worse than having to lean forward when you make a left hand turn just so you can see. Like it but wont buy another.

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  Surprisingly Pleased! - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Michael Kuppe - April 19 - 11:31 pm

  The 2016 Durango Citadel is a well-made, well designed full size SUV. The interior and exterior are well appointed and well designed, with great comfort and convenience items that are pleasing (vented driver and passenger seats) and start-stop technology. Two issue Ive had so far: 1) is the fact that the 8 speed VVT transmission shifts roughly and even over revs when fast accelerating; 2) The cooling aspect in the HVAC seems to be having problems cooling effectively during some very hot days here in the Midwest. Hopefully a quick trip to the dealer can fix this. Other than these issues, the vehicle is great, so far.

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  Best Full Size SUV Ever - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Durango - April 17 - 2:21 pm

  I purchased my Durango as a utility purchase. It has the best towing capacity of any full size SUV on the market. It pulls my boat wonderfully! After having it a short while I have fallen in love with it. It is the most comfortable and easy to drive vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned several. I love the deep throaty growl the Hemi lets out when she is opened up. It is not overbearing keep in mind. Just enough to let you know that I am a bad machine. The Durango is very easy to manuever and park in those tight places. If you are in the market for a full size SUV that can pull and that is comfortable this is the one for you.

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Hemi II - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the upgrades to the new GENII Durango. Awesome ride and power. Get the Limited with the Hemi!