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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  Cant believe I bought a Dodge. - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Sean - September 16 - 3:11 pm

  My research for a used Mercedes GL 350 led me to the Dodge Durango since they use the same chassis underpinning. The Durango was developed when Daimler owner Chrysler and the result is one amazing vehicle. Unless your still in high school and cant get by with a prestige brand the Durango is an amazing value that would likely sell for 15 to $20k more with the Jeep badge on it. The new 8 speed transmission is smooth as silk not surprising though as it is also the transmission in Bentley sedans as well. I looked at Pilots, Explorers, GL350s, MDXs , CX-9s and QX60s and thought I found what I wanted until I drove the Durango Limited and knew what I wanted. I was really surprised but it truly is a fantastic vehicle. Do yourself a favor and test drive one.

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  Refined SUV that is better than its name - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By MikefromWisconsin - September 15 - 1:17 pm

  So far after about 6 months, the only complaints I have are no dual zone climate control for front passengers and its called a Durango, thats it. Other vehicles we own/have owned include Lexus, Toyota, and Audi. Honestly, we went into this SUV search thinking we wanted a Highlander, Lexus GX, or GMC Acadia Denali. What came out of over a year of research and test drives? There is a reason why Fiat was considering making this a Jeep and removing the Dodge badge, because, in the higher trims, this is a high-class vehicle. In the end, with the Citadel trim, and everything, black/tan interior, I just love it, love the curves, love the high-end but simple interior, the easiest to use Nav/Ent system on the market, plenty of cargo room, drives smooth, just love it. I had a guy yesterday walking in the sailing yacht club parking lot who saw me driving by slowly from the front/side ask me if that was the new Mercedes, not kidding. It really reminds me of a smooth Lexus to be honest. Our second choice was probably the Acadia Denali, with the two-tone interior which was our favorite, it seems several people we know with the Lamba line vehicles have had major repairs, didnt have the power/pull the Durango did, had less room (Im 63" 250lbs, so this is important), and the nav/ent system was complicated, at best. The only drawback? Well, it says Dodge on the car. Honestly, that is what held us back. Had it been a Jeep, Toyota, Lexus....it would have been easier. Durango just doesnt align with how refined this vehicle is, especially in the upper trims. Originally, we thought we wanted the hemi, but I found the V6 to be just as fast at acceleration, but probably less torque, so if you pull trailers a lot, go with the hemi, but if you are like me, and only do it 3 times a year ,the V6 is more than adequate.

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  Beyond disappointed - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Beth Gordon - September 13 - 7:50 pm

  In 28 years of marriage, this was our first new vehicle purchase. We have 11,000 miles on it and have had it for 6 months. Weve had to have it in the shop six times and still our issues are not resolved. The back shocks had to be replaced, a sensor went out in the fuel system causing our check engine light to go on, which disables your remote start capabilities. We had the sensor replaced and was assured the check engine light would stay off and it came the next day. I have not been able to use my remote start for two months. With temps over 90 degrees, this was very disappointing. We then had a terrible grinding noise under our pedal and brake. It was put on the hoist in the shop and the audible grinding has quit, but the technician never stated that there was a problem. There is still a slight grinding feel in the brake. We are now going to a new Dodge dealer to have it looked at and hopefully get the check engine light off. The DVD player in the entertainment system is very touchy and at times doesnt work. I understand getting the kinks out, but this is ridiculous. Unless Dodge provides some kind of intervention (and we are contacting them) I would never buy another Dodge again. Its really a shame because the potential for this to be the greatest midsize SUV on the road is definitely there.

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  worse suv i have ever owned cars included - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By justthiz0 - September 4 - 11:33 pm

  Had trouble from day one engine light came on the next day after purchase. The dealer said it was a relay switch which they tried to fix six times has never passed inspection six I had it over three years. Put it in the shop first shop said transmission second opinion was in the shop for a month trying to figure it out slot of broken wires and even he sent the truck out do other repairs he said he never seen anything like this before and he does transmissions. 950. 00 later Im praying thats it oh and dont let it rain runs like crap never go to family dodge down essington by the airport.

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  Will drive it until death ... me, not the Dodge ) - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By the Reeces - August 25 - 7:27 pm

  Fuel mileage is what youd expect out of an SUV - but still better than our conversion van and pickup. The drivers seat is electronically adjustable and IMO the most comfortable seat in it. We have 8 children, and are daily lifting, folding, readjusting the seats - and it still performs like a beast. West Virginia treacherous mountains, muddy rut filled roads and deep snows - never a problem...except sometimes my driving LOL LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Durango. Its body will never go out of style. Like any vehicle, there will be maintenance. Old things wear out, and have to be tended to or occasionally replaced. I plant to drive this thing until death - mine, not hers. Im convinced she will live forever.

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  High Maintenance spouse - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By Brian Smith - August 18 - 7:35 am

  Beautiful vehicle but I am not sure a high end Dodge is a great choice. It seems Dodge is still figuring out how to implement gadgets properly. - Gas mileage is shockingly good if you manually shift. - Acceleration on the six cylinder is not as good as I had hoped (Wife purchased the car when i was out of town). However, it is not horrible. - Tow rating is too low, now I have to buy a truck to tow the camper I want - A/C went out on summer road trip from Texas. Dealership support was unsympathetic and very poor. After multiple trips to dealerships on the trip, it was finally fixed - Equalizer settings are quirky. Turn down the base and the midrange turns up. Dodge cannot figure it out - Plastic trim on the dash near the windshield sticks up. It isnt flush. it looks ugly. Dodge replaced and the new piece is the same. Overall, i love the vehicle, but Dodge has some things to figure out. Particularly on a 48k list vehicle.

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  Lots of Power! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By CMH - August 12 - 5:36 pm

  We purchased the 5.7 Hemi. I would pass my friends uphill while pulling a horse trailer as they pulled nothing. At the same time I cant expect much in the way of Fuel Economy. Not the greatest on comfort or technology but it got the job done. Loved the 3rd row. The quality of materials was not great. Also experienced the loss of a few seat belt covers.

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  Great Choice! - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By Philip Tseng - August 11 - 8:18 pm

  The high initial depreciation makes this SUV an compelling buy if youre looking for a relatively-new SUV. I appreciate the narrow body and tight turning radius which makes parking easier in parking lots and garage. The ride is smooth and quiet. I am getting 19/24 mpg.

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  Best All-Round 3-Row SUV in the world! - 2015 Dodge Durango
  By Glenn Harper - August 10 - 3:08 pm

  Firstly, Im a car guy. Before I buy a car, I do three things: research, research, and research! This past spring I had a need to reduce our fleet from 3 to 2 vehicles (getting rid of an old SUV and my "toy" hot rod for a NEW SUV) so I began researching in earnest. I wanted a 3-row, mid-size SUV with a V8 & 4WD that could give me decent mileage, carry cargo with ease and up to 6 people in comfort. Also, since I was getting rid of my hot rod, I wanted at least SOME semblance or sportiness and power as well as a nice looking vehicle that would always make me turn back for a last look as Im walking in from a parking lot. My old SUV and hot rod were both Dodges so I specifically ignored the Durango at first, fearing my pro-MOPAR bias would color my judgement. I made my list of requirements and started looking. To make a long story short, I researched Ford, Chevy, Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Land Rover, Audi, BMW and, yes, even Mercedes. The Japanese dont offer V8s (except for the Nissan Armada which was otherwise terrible), the Europeans had contenders...but only if I wanted to spend $15-$50k more than Id planned, and the other American makers only had vehicles that met my requirements if I went up to FULL size SUVs and even then their mass make them very slow and unsporty. So I finally came back to look at the Durango. It checked off EVERY item on my list except for price - it was about $5,000 more than I was wanting to spend, but after going for a test drive, I see where that $5k went. The Durango is darn near in the luxury SUV class with all the amazing bells & whistles as well as top notch safety features. The interior is AMAZING and not something I would ever have thought Dodge could produce. Bottom line: I went out and ordered my Durango R/T immediately. I took delivery back in May and, after 3000+ miles, it has been nothing short of a dream of a vehicle and pure joy to drive.

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  Goodbye Dodge - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Mariah W - August 8 - 12:18 pm

  I grew up riding in Dodge vehicles and they were always great. Its clear now that Dodge is more concerned with the bottom line than with producing a safe, dependable vehicle. Every Dodge vehicle that my family has owned in this millennium has had chronic problems and ultimately died because of cheap, shoddy workmanship. Ive owned 3 and this is absolutely my last one. A shame, too, because Id love a Charger but I dont trust these cars as far as I can throw them. I bought mine used with ~148K miles. The engine only had ~40. That tells you something right there, but I figured hey, new engine. A/C never worked, no matter how much money I poured into it (about a grand this year alone). No big deal though. I just live in north Texas. (Note: Sarcasm. Its 106 today w/ 67% humidity). The brakes are HORRIBLE! Youd better hope you never really need to slam on your brakes because you WILL find yourself in the trunk of the car ahead of you. ABS kicks in WAY earlier than is necessary. I dont ride my brakes and I dont brake hard, but the ABS would constantly kick in. I constantly took mine in to have the brakes checked, convinced that something was horribly wrong because theres no way they could be that bad and be "normal." They tested fine every single time. Not near enough power for how much gas they guzzle. If you want me to pay $80 every time to fill you up, youd better get up and go when I ask you to. Chronic overheating problems that cost me over 3K. Replaced the radiator twice, water pump twice, fans, all of it. Ultimately, after meticulous maintenance and thousands of dollars, mine wound up with a cracked engine block and brown gaskets, destroyed engine despite being well maintained and full of fluids, and towed back from whence it came with a "sayonara" and a finger from me. Never another Dodge. Never, ever again.