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 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!!!

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  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!

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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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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  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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  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.