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:

• 

  Cant believe I bought a Dodge either - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Vivien Baty - October 20 - 6:06 pm

  I was looking at BMW, Mercades, Lexus!! Saw a used Dodge Durango Citadel and didnt stop until I was driving one!! Best decision I ever made! I love it!!!

• 

  Love my 2015 Durango - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By Mark - October 20 - 5:08 pm

  In my 42 years I have owned more cars than most. I have had many Chrysler/dodge products with a mix of Ford, Volvo, and Honda products. I love my Durango SXT with the sport appearance package! Im so tired of hearing from foreign car owners about how American cars are junk and foreign cars are the greatest. This is what Ive learned. I could have gotten a Toyota or Honda, comparable to my 2015 Durango for a minimum of 10-12k more than what I purchased mine brand spanking new. If you do the maintenance that is absolutely required of you whether its foreign or domestic, cars now are build to last. I also switched to Mobile 1 synthentic oil (silver) My SXT is a "base" car, but base today in 2015 is nothing like a base car of just 5 years ago. It has way more toys that my 2011 Ford 150 XLT Crew Cab, which I also love. I love how it drives, how it looks, and its perfect for a family. We tried a more gas efficient, small car for a year and a half and it was plain miserable with 3 young, but growing boys. I cant say enough about this SUV and I would purchase another. My plan is to keep this one for a very long time. Ive had Chrysler products through 110k miles with NO major issues---Pacifica, Dakota, Plymouth Breeze, and LaBaron GTC. The only one I considered junk was my 2010 Dodge Caravan SXT---Junk!

• 

  14 Years and 177K Miles - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Rob Baber - October 19 - 4:01 pm

  I bought the truck new in 2001 and raised two boys during our tenure with the truck. It has been to countless sporting events and too many road trips to number including weekend camping trips and Boy Scout Summer Camps (Dont ask/Dont tell). Never let me down on the road. My two boys both learned to drive in this truck and both used it as a first vehicle. Note: Dont let your kid deliver pizza in this truck unless you own a gas station. It drinks the gas, but so do all vehicles of this size and age. I have pulled boats, cars, U-Haul trailers, etc. The 4WD works great for those very occasional snow/ice days in Texas. I have had the transmission serviced every 30K miles, as I heard this was a weak link in the truck. I have replaced numerous items such as the front drive shaft, radiator, driver window motor (X3 I think), starter sensor and ECM. I probably should replace the rear leaf springs, but I have not. With 177K miles, it drinks a little oil and the A/C needs charged about once a season, but it has been the best vehicle I have owned. No major problems. I hesitate to get rid of it, but time to pass it to another family... I would not hesitate purchasing another Durango, but going smaller and sportier, 2008 Chevy Trailblazer SS.

• 

  Ooops I did it again. - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Mark - October 18 - 2:31 pm

  Only other vehicle I have had this kind of trouble with in my life was my last Chrysler product, a Jeep Grand Cherokee 20 years ago. I swore then that I would never buy another Chrysler product. The design of this SUV is great. Love the way it drives, ergonomics and gas mileage. Smooth, quiet, solid, predictable ride and handling. The gas mileage exceeds expectation: 18 under hard city driving, 20 normal city driving, 25 around town and have been able to go over 30mpg with a mix of suburb/hwy relaxed driving. Have not read the manual or watched the CD provided but find the controls intuitive. Bluetooth pairs with everyone in the familys phone quickly though sound quality playing music is very poor (not sure why). Best logical/practical operation of controls than any car I have owned. Now the bad: plastics and chrome interior surfaces are scratched easily. This is more wear/scratches appearing than my Kia with 75,000 miles or my VW with 100,000. At 6 weeks old a few thousand miles this is unsustainable. Loud squeak in the drivers seat and what sounds like a phone on vibrate going off in the front passenger dash. This is over certain roads so cannot be reproduced at the dealer (of course) so may never be remedied. Check engine light came on so back to dealer, unfortunately dealer took two weeks to get into due to so many Dodge recalls. Broken fuel line was fixed but oil change was over $62 or twice what I pay for other three vehicles I own. Spent all day at dealer so lost day of pay = $300. Considering I have never needed a repair call for Kia or VW after 75k miles am disappointed. Better brakes requiring less pressure would go a long way. More bite would really shrink this SUV and be more in line with its responsive characteristics. Too much pressure required to stop vehicle and I find the vehicle beginning to creep forward at stop lights requiring more pressure. If GM buys Chrysler they would have a great matchup. Dodge design team deserves A+ and GM could bring a lot of quality control and better materials/brakes to the equation. Reviews about getting into third row of Durango are poor but big reason I bought this is that I have adults using these seats and found the Durango to be the easiest ingress egress over, Ford, Acura and Kia. If Dodge can shed 300lb+ using this engine and new structure they would go a long way to dominating MPG + performance in this segment. As noted in other reviews, transmission clunks in lower gears if you accelerate, lift off, then accelerate again (I dont know if this is going to worsen with age). LOVE the large gas tank and dont know why other non german SUVs dont incorporate them.

• 

  Love/hate relationship - 2013 Dodge Durango
  By Rastara - October 14 - 4:56 am

  Im having a love hate relationship with my 2013 Durango SXT. Currently at 64k miles. This truck does everything I want it to- the ride is great incl. acceleration , braking, comfort etc. gas mileage is great IMO for the size of the vehicle- up to 28mpg with the amply powered V6. It also tows my 5x10 cargo trailer with ease. Having said this, there have been recalls incl. a new alternator, fuel pump relay, brake booster shield. When I had the truck at the dealer they discovered a leaky water pump, (replaced/covered by warranty),a cracked thermostat housing (covered), a blown rear shock(not covered) which took the rear sway bar bushings with it. Also had an AC problem blowing warm air (covered). So I had the shocks replaced at a cost of $320 incl. parts. My main concern is on the first trip to the dealer for recall work it was discovered the main wiring harness was pinched between the body and frame in the engine compartment. They "fixed" it at the dealer but WTF does that mean? To me it is a clear indication of a build quality issue. I luckily purchased the 5yr 100k mile warranty from Chrysler or else I would have to pay a huge repair bill. This truck has the superb Mercedes 5 speed tranny which is rated to 600 hp. The dealer has been good and no complaints there. So there it is, the good and bad. Having owned my share of vehicles, the Japanese are catching my eye simply because of their reliability, that is a fact.

• 

  Should have been a great car - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By david francis - October 8 - 10:43 pm

  Great engine( when it does not smoke at start up) great everything, except for the stuff thats not great! Engine smokes at start up sometimes, dealer told me its break in, well Im at 5000 miles now and it still does it sometimes! Dip stick is useless, if you see oil on it, youve got too much oil in there, how dumb is that? You add 7 quarts only and ignore the dipstick. Oil usage, wow! the PCV system on the engine blows, I mean blows oil into the intake(see the blue smoke comments all over the web!) Rear suspension noise, traded a 12 year old explorer that rode quieter than this thing, harsh and loud. Stereo, has a serious bug that means the bass settings are just random numbers depending on where you have the volume set, dodge cant or wont fix it. Its a super car, thats been built so cheaply its awful, $46k is a lot of money, only 5000 miles in I should be really happy, instead I cant wait to get rid of it, and thats a real shame.

• 

  Why doesnt the engine last long - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JR - October 6 - 6:28 am

  I own a 04 dodge durango 5.7 slt 8 cylinder yes it burns alot of gas but i love my truck problem also they rott very fast ..my main problem I jus got an engine 2 yrs ago cost over $2,500 now i need another very absurd and these warranties dont last more than 6 months to a year..Most people keep telling me just junk my truck its not worth it shakin my head

• 

  Did my research, ended up with a Dodge? Yup. - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Craig - September 30 - 10:03 am

  I wanted decent gas mileage. Big engine, small vehicle "package", that includes trailer towing: the best I could find. Needed to pull a travel trailer (just under 5,000 #), AWD vehicle for snowmobiling / pulling that trailer and being able to fit some kids and even grandkids in. Did opt for the factory trailer tow package, a GOOD thing. Reviewed the imports, chevy, gmc etc. Dodge kept coming up as an option (I kept trying to ignore). The only reason entertainment is not 5 stars is the lack of a CD. player. I guess thats old technology. I bought a battery operated CD player and play it through the aux. jack. The only reason not 5 stars for acceleration is because I decided I did not want to opt for the Hemi $, or poor mileage. Could use a little more storage behind the 3rd row seats but bearable. 63 years old, many cars/pickups in the past, honestly "love" this thing! Not HUGE like Tahoe, Armada, Sequoia. Easier to park, maneuver and get in and out of garage. Pulls the trailer, along with 7 passengers, unlike most other smaller cross-overs/SUVs. Actually gets the mileage indicated. Love the 8 speed tranny with paddle shifters, especially towing. Good looking, great underpinnings, think Jeep / Mercedes. Look in a Jeep and the interior is almost identical. But much less $! Fine looking and riding vehicle, glad to be seen in it too! Ignore the Dodge insignia and just buy it.

• 

  MB to Dodge - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By W Hunt - September 28 - 9:05 pm

  Traded in my ML500 for the citadel and am a happy camper. Its one of the best SUVs that have owned. Blows the MB away.

• 

  After owning 38 cars I LOVE this one. - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Rebecca - September 23 - 6:46 pm

  Ignore the name and drive the car. I have owned a large number of cars over the years. My last was a GMC Envoy. I set out to buy another GMC or possibly a 2016 Pilot but after two weeks of test driving I couldnt find anything I liked better than my old Envoy. A Facebook friend suggested a Dodge Durango. I know they make nice trucks but I had no interest in driving a Dodge. So I sent my husband to drive it while I went wine tasting with my friends. When I got home my husband said I "Had to drive it, I would love it" I reluctantly took it on a test drive and within a mile down the road I knew I wanted it. It turns on a dime, so nice to get it into a parking space, shifts smooth as glass, sets you back against the seat a bit when you accelerate, heated seats first and second row, dual climate control passenger and rear, touch screen controls, dual power seats, third row seat, sleek, just wow, nothing but compliments and "is that a Dodge"? Every time someone sees it. ha ha. The remote start is fabulous, and I love the key fob. I cant forget my purse or the car wont start because I keep the key in there... lol. Starting it remotely with my phone hasnt worked so far but I hear that the program is not compatible with eye phones. Getting 21 mpg even with my lead foot. I am a Realtor and Dodge offered Realtor rebates. Plenty of room for my signs and family with the third row seat. LOVE love Love, this rig. (We went with a Limited) model.