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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  Night Runner Durango 2007 5.7l HEMI - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By James smith - October 7 - 6:22 pm

  Ive owned this one for just over 2 years now. But I must admit. This is an awesome suv. Power of the Hemi, comfort in the seats, roomy, rides like a dream, and excellent racing steering and suspension. This by all means, sharing I have done a good deal of parts repairs, but dont regret any of it. This has been an awesome vehicle to own

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  Impressed until recently - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By Amy - November 14 - 8:53 am

  Overall, we like this vehicle. It drives great, is comfortable to ride in and bucket seats for the 2nd row are a great feature. It was recently when we noticed things we did not like. Changing a turn signal bulb is impossible. The whole front bumper needs removed in order to reach the light, it is not an easy fix as other vehicles. Nor is finding the battery. My husband needed to jump his work truck and he could not because the battery is not easily accessible. There is a blind spot for the driver on the right side between the 2nd and 3rd row seats, the head rest is in the way and the area between the 2 windows is very wide.

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  Reliable, Reliable, Reliable - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Rob - November 12 - 6:51 pm

  2003 Durango. only problem was the exhaust manifold leak (spent 300 with 112,00 miles). other than that reliable as can be.

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  Cant afford to keep it on the road!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Jessica - October 22 - 11:58 am

  This vehicle is sleek and the Hemi is awesome but thats as far as the perks go. We have only had this vehicle for 2 years and already had to replace the transmission and head gasket. Now having issue with coolant system. Have already had water pump repaired and the check engine light is on again. Taking it in for service for the 4th time in 2 years. Its so pretty sitting in the driveway but not reliable for any type of driving. Will never buy another Dodge and am currently in the market for a different make of SUV.

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  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.

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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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  My First Dodge. - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By Jennifer Reynolds - March 24 - 12:21 pm

  My Husband and I upgraded to the 2014 Durango R/T in November 2014. There is about 4500 miles on it so far, and we couldnt be happier with it. We were previously in a 2013 Toyota Venza, and were in the market for a 3rd rower with our 2nd child on the way. The Durangos space is definitely an increase from the Venza, and a great help when you have a 3 year old picky with leg room. This SUV gives you more bang for your buck. I was usually the first to criticize Dodge, but this SUV changed me and my Husband during the test drive. No issues with the vehicle so far.

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  Not impressed... - 2014 Dodge Durango
  By zoomzoomn - February 4 - 9:07 am

  We bought our Durango at the end of November. A week later the transmission cooler lines popped off while I was 2 hours from home leaving me stranded in an intersection. It took almost 2 weeks to get the car back at which time we found the underside still covered in ATF! Since then we have had problems with the following: alignment off, trash in paint, sunroof misadjusted, keyless entry memory inop, autoclimate malfunctions, audio system malfunctions and now the left rear window will not raise back up and appears to be off track. This is the worst "new car" that I have ever bought. We had planned to keep it for at least 6 years, but not too sure that will happen. Extremely disappointed!!!