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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  Bad Transmission - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By 3murraykids - December 30 - 4:52 pm

  I traded in a 2012 Suburban for my 2014 Durango because of MPG. I bought it in April of 2014. When I hit about 19000 miles my car wouldnt allow me to go into gear. I took it to the dealership and they kept it for 2 days. Got it back and a week later it did the same thing. They kept it 3 days. Got it back and a week later same thing. I was going out of town and needed it so didnt take it back till I got back. It has now been there for an entire month. I had to get a new transmission in a new car. The dealership even told me that after the 2nd time, but Chrysler made them do stuff in order to try to fix it. Im done with Dodge, back to a big SUV for me.

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  2002 Durango R/T - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By ronniechoate34 - December 28 - 12:22 pm

  We bought our Durango with 126,000 miles on her. The transmission needed replacing, the heater hose and the upper and lower radiator hoses all needed replacement. The radiator and the thermostat were both shot. The front brakes, the power booster and master cylinder on the Durango needed replacement and so did a wheel hub. The brake hoses had been replaced by the previous owner in the two years prior to my purchasing the vehicle. There are still problems with the heater as the rear of the truck only blows cool air from the vents. Not too great in the winter time. There were other minor problems with the truck, but after sinking a small fortune into it Im hoping it will hold up for years.

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  Had looked, now own - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By usmc1811 - December 26 - 8:36 am

  Very happy so far with my Durango R/T AWD. The V8 Hemi is a solid engine to have in this size vehicle. Plenty of power when you need it. I have yet to tow anything, but from the feel and performance of the V8 engine so far, towing will never be an issue. The AWD is a solid feature to have in the NW when it does snow. Be sure to buy one fully loaded if you can. Even if you think you may not need the extra goodies, you will find a need or want later.

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  My Favorite Car! - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By mike7894 - December 14 - 7:24 am

  My first car was a 65 Mustang which I bought in 1969. Since then, I have owned a lot of automobiles including Lincoln MKX, Lexus RX 350, Ford Explorer and Nissan Murano SUVs. Ive owned my 2014 Durango Citadel (with 5.7L Hemi) for 14 months now and it is hands down my favorite. It gives a solid yet comfortable ride both highway and city. The seating is comfortable and spacious...even the third row handles 6 footers no problems. Vehicle utility is outstanding. It is very stylish - in and out - without being gaudy and is and well apportioned. All the small appurtenances and design features really add value to the overall experience. It is very simply a pleasure to drive.

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  upsides and downsides - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By jvote - December 12 - 11:47 am

  upsides are comfort,speed, power, as well as control based on wheel base you can park it in the tightest area you ever imagined. handles like a mid range car, with the horsepower of a sportscar and i have driven a 911 turbo. it doesnt have the acceleration tho. of a 911 turbo. but it has alot of power and go. i am 3rd owner with 129k when bought. and was pleasantly suprised at the handling, with p265/75 tires 16" it drives better than most of the cars i have owned. small to large. and handles better than all of them. downside is the thunk of the trany, thats covered in a service bulliten with the ab code. not a problem. easy fix. a absolute pleasure to drive. would like to buy another one.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By chewmt - November 25 - 11:45 am

  I bought this vehicle for my wife solely for the comfortable seats. Out of all the vehicles we tried out the Durango was the most configurable by far. We now have 22k miles on this car and I still cant believe how good it drives. There has only been 1 issue and that was a loose bolt on the steering shaft that caused some play in the steering. Quickly about me, Im a little pickier than most when it comes to vehicle quirks. Ive done all the oil changes myself on this car to this point and do like the unique filters this engine uses. This is easily one of the best vehicles Ive ever driven. Id put it in the realm of an Audi or the new Cadillac though not as nice of an interior obviously

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  Yes, It Will Tow - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By califas - November 23 - 6:04 pm

  First off, like all the other reviews, I was surprised how good this vehicle is. We are a family of 5 and use it for daily driving, winter trips to the Sierras, and towing a 5000 lb boat up to a mountain lake. Dropping around 400 lbs of tongue weight on the hitch, it sags only 1.5 inches at the center of the rear wheel arch. The V-8 has plenty of torque and the 8 speed transmission is just amazing. Elegant power-on downshifts without the usual jerking at the hitch. Utterly planted and stable while cruising, as good as my previous Denali XL. No bouncing and swaying typical of an overstressed tow vehicle. Backup camera is awesome for hitching and it even has a transmission temp gauge.

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  Durango Has Musscle and Cool Factor That Beats the Rest - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By deerob - November 13 - 2:08 pm

  I recently bought a 2014 Dodge Durango R/T. Have only put about 500 miles on it, but I thought I would share some impressions and minor gripes. Overall, I love this car and am very happy with it. I looked at the Highlander, Traverse, and to a lesser extent the Pilot, Pathfinder, Explorer, Acadia, Santa Fe, and Mazda CX9. Things that mattered to me were 3d row seating and towing, since I would like to get (but have not yet gotten) a boat. -) The Durango is far and away the class leader w/ tow capacity.

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  40,000 hard miles later - 2013 Dodge Durango
  By lheckert - October 14 - 6:33 am

  Having owned multiple vehicles (cars & SUVs) I knew what I what on my must have list when I began my search. After extensive research I had decided that the Durango was it. My Durango SXT now has 40,000 miles, hard miles, and has never let me down. I have religiously changed my oil every 10,000 miles with synthetic and just put 4 new tires on it. Generally I would be considering to trade a year in with 40k miles but not with the Durango, I plan to keep her for the duration.

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  Perfect Ride - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By gvtrai58 - August 30 - 11:16 pm

  I was born in the 60s and grew up in the 70s when Chrysler didnt exactly have the best reputation among auto makers. I discovered the 2014 Durango because I use one very frequently for the company I work for. I couldnt believe how quiet and smooth the ride is. I used to joke around about the Durango being as smooth as a Mercedes. Then, I found out it shares the same platform as the Mercedes GL series. So, when my wife needed another vehicle I decided to get her a Durango. She picked out a 2014 Rallye package and loves it. The kids love it. The car is so quiet and smooth. The gas mileage is great. After 8000 miles we average about 22mpg. No maintenance issues.