2020 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango's rugged, extremely big proportionate body has always been the stand-out factor. That was because it could accommodate eight people between the front and the rear wheels. Such was its cabin space that large family affairs were a Durango affair. But now in an era of being more compact, the base Durango SXT trim can seat five people. Though five people are less for a car of this size, given luggage needs space too. Further up the trim levels, the Durango accommodates two more additional people, though with all three-row up straight.

The V-8 HEMI's do make this large-SUV exciting at times to drive but then again that comes with a bump in the price. The Durango R/T and SRT not only get the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter performance V-8 engines, respectively but also more features as standard fittings. That doesn't mean that the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine has less power. With 295 horsepower (the Durango GT and GT plus), and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine is efficient too.

Since not much is happening to the 2020 Durango, other than minute cosmetic tweaks and even those are concentrated in the higher trims. This SUV sure has a lot of confidence to stand in a market, where products are judged based on feature lists and technological advancements. The Durango did have all the bells and whistles at one point and it still continues to sell. Is it the looks? Is it the engine? Is it the brand? Or is it its sheer luck? What is it, that is still keeping the Dodge Durango alive?.

For 2020, the trim line remains the same. The base variant, rear-wheel-drive Durango SXT starts at $30,195 and comes with a 3.6-liter-V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission system. Producing two more extra horsepowers and costing nine thousand dollars more, Durango GT plus comes with a longer features list and more engaging drive.

Though, if it's about features then at $46,270, the Durango Citadel Anodized Platinum, offers the best in the market. The seats are the most comfortable of the lot, they are leather-wrapped and ventilated with lumbar support. If it's about traveling then this trim makes more sense, but more on that later. The two V8 powered trims in the Durango lineup, the RT and the SRT are different from the rest in terms of performance-wise. The Durango R/T's 5.7 liter-V8 and the Durango SRT's 6.4 liter-V8 are like two wild horses of different breeds. 

All Durangos come with an optional all-wheel drive, apart from the standard rear-wheel drive.

 

Trim	SXT	SXT Plus	GT	GT Plus	Citadel	Citadel Anodized Platinum
MSRP	$30,495	$34,690	$34,895	$39,245	$42,995	$46,270
Engine	3.6 Liter V6	3.6 Liter V6	3.6 Liter V6	3.6 Liter V6	3.6 Liter V6 (5.7 Liter Hemi V8)	3.6 Liter V6 (5.7 Liter Hemi V8)
Key Features	Air Conditioning with 3-Zone Automatic Temp Control	Adds to SXT -	Adds to SXT Plus -	Adds to GT -	Adds to GT Plus -	Adds to R/T -
	4-way manual front seats	8 -way power driver seat with  power adjustable lumbar support	Leather Seats	Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats with Suede Inserts	Second -Row Fold/Tumble Captain Chairs	Luxury Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
	Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror	Power 8-Way Driver Seat and 4-way manual passenger seat	Power 8-Way Driver Seat with memory and 6-way power passenger seat	Heated Second Row seats	8-way power front seats	Ventilated Front Seats
	Cargo Compartment Carpet	Cloth Trimmed Bucket Seats	Heated Front Row seats	20-inch wheels	Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamp
	Front and rear head airbags	Power Sunroof	Front, rear and third-row head airbags	Turn signal mirrors	9- Speaker Alpine premium audio
	18-inch wheels		Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel	Remote anti-theft alarm system	Front and rear parking sensors
	Overhead Console		Uconnect 4C Navigation w/8.4" Display	Heated steering wheel
	Post-collision safety system			Carbon Fiber Interior Accents
	Cruise control
	Three-zone climate control
	Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror with a rearview camera
	Emergency braking assist

 

We Recommend

We would recommend the Durango GT. The Durango is not a luxury SUV  per se from which you could expect premium fit and finish or elegance, rather this is a rough and tough wild machine that you would ideally take out for those weekend mud splashing. For a vehicle that serves that purpose, the GT at a price of  $34,895, brings along adequate features like leather seats, navigation, powered and heated front seats, to make the mud splashing task more comfortable and convenient. Anything over this price for the Durango doesn't make much sense.

When a car company sells what passes for a family sedan with 707 horsepower, it should come as no surprise that its take on a three-row SUV should be, let's say, a little different from what other manufacturers offer.-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

To break it down, being a Dodge, the Durango need not suffer from power shortage. Furthermore, there are three engine types on offer here. While, the V-8 is reserved for the performance-versions, which are the R/T and the SRT models, they also come as an option in the Citadel and Citadel Anodized Platinum trim models. The V-6 comes in two variants, based on their power output. While the Durango GT, GT plus, Citadel and the Citadel Anodized Platinum trims get the 295-horsepower V-6 engine. The SXT and the SXT plus get the 293-horsepower V-6. 

All except for the SRT comes with an optional all-wheel drive. All Durangos come with 8-speed automatic transmission. capable of manual shifts (optional in some variants).

Models	Dodge Durango SXT	Jeep Grand Cherokee	GMC Acadia	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
MSRP	$29,995	$31,695	$32,800	$31,450	$32,365	$31,995	$31,330
Engine	3.6 Liter V6	3.6 Liter V6	2.5 Liter Inline-4	3.5-liter V6	3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6	2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder	2.7-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-Speed Automatic	6-speed automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	CVT	6-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	293 hp @ 6400 rpm	295 @ 6400	193 @ 6300	280hp @ 6000	288 @ 6500	260 hp @ 5,600	185 hp @ 5800
Torque	293 hp @ 6400 rpm	260 @ 4000	188 @ 4400	262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm	254 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm	277 lb.-ft. @ 2,000 rpm	184 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

 

How fast is the Dodge Durango?

Because SUVs are not performance-oriented vehicles by default, especially the affordable ones, expecting them to deliver good 0-60 numbers will be unjust. Yet, we can still be optimistic. The Durango isn't fast enough, but it holds itself up fine on the freeway. Merging into the fast lane might take a few downshifts, but other than that, it's quite nice. 

When it comes down to its competitors, the V-6 does provide some advantage but not performance advantage as such, when compared to the likes of the Honda Pilot.

Models	Dodge Durango	Jeep Grand Cherokee	GMC Acadia	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
0-60 MPH	7.6 sec	N/A	7 sec*	6.2 sec	8.2 sec	6.9 sec	-
Quarter mile	15.8 sec	N/A	N/A	14.8 sec	16.3 sec	15.5 sec	-
Engine	3.6-Liter V6	3.6 Liter V6	2.5 Liter Inline-4	3.5 Liter V6	3.5 Liter V6	2.4 Liter Boxer-4	2.7 Liter Inline-4
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.4	7.7	8.4	8.0	9.8

The Honda Pilot with its light-build body is the quickest of the lot. Despite the fact, that it can seat eight people when it comes to 0-60 MPH timings, the Pilot simply leaves its competitors behind. The Subaru Ascent finishes behind the Honda by shy of 0.7 seconds. The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, has less weight than the Durango, owing to the lack of third-row seats. Thus, it offers better performance and lesser emissions. 

How does it feel like riding the Dodge Durango?

The riding and handling of the Durango have significantly improved over time. The chassis of the Grand Cherokee has helped overcome those shortcomings and be a better car overall. Though the Durango doesn't corner like a Porsche, it wouldn't throw you onto the side either. Remember to leave the throttle alone when you approach a turn at speed and it'll be fine. If precaution has to be followed then don't carry any speed into a corner.

The size of the Durango sometimes becomes an issue though. In tight spots, the driver might find it difficult to maneuver especially when it comes down to the visibility on the opposite end of the drivers' side. The blind spot is also quite big, which becomes problematic if someone is not accustomed to the sheer size of the car. The steering is responsive and well-weighted and pretty direct for an SUV this size.

As far as the suspensions are concerned, although they are on the firmer side of the settings. The multilink suspension on the rear wheel of the base SXT variant is springy enough and does a good job in soaking up a lot of the unevenness of the road. So, overall, the Durango feels like a pretty comfortable SUV to ride in.

Braking Performances of the Dodge Durango

With disc brakes on all four wheels with ABS does help in making the Durango a safe car. But with additional brake assist and stability control with anti-roll ensures that the Durango's body does not swerve uncontrollably, even under panic braking situations. The weight holds it back though, but the Durango still manages to roll to a stop from 60 MPH in just over 120 feet.

Model	Dodge Durango	Jeep Grand Cherokee	GMC Acadia	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
Brake Front (in.)	13.0	13	12.6	12.6	12.8	13.1	12.9
Brake Rear (in.)	13.0	13	12.4	13	12.8	13	12.2
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4680	4513	3956	4036	4458	4430	4134
60-0 MPH (ft.)	121	N/A	172 (70 to 0)	117 (est.)	108 (With optional tires)	119	126 (est.)

Being one of those heavier cars, the braking figures of the Durango are not that impressive. The Honda Pilot, with its light-build body, outshines everyone in this respect when it comes to the braking power. 

Towing Capacity of the Dodge Durango

The benefit of having a workhorse is that you can tow stuff around, and boy can the Durango Tow! You can lug around nearly 3 tons behind this Dodge SUV, which is honestly, truly impressive. The closest competitor in this regard would be the Honda Pilot, which is still more than half a ton behind.

While the V-6 has a towing capacity of 6200 pounds, the 5.7-liter-V-8 can tow up to 7400 pounds and the 6.4-liter-HEMI-V8 have a towing capacity of 8700 pounds. The Dodge Durango's 50/50 weight distribution helps increase traction and downforce while towing a trailer.

Model	Dodge Durango	Jeep Grand Cherokee	GMC Acadia	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
Towing Capacity	6200	3500	4,000	3500	5000	5000	1500

The sheer size of the Durango does not work in favor of fuel efficiency. For an SUV weighing over 4600 pounds, the power required to set this huge body in motion requires a lot of fuel (remember the Hummer). That's why with a combined efficiency of just 20 MPG (both highway and city) the Durango is definitely not one of the environmentally friendliest of all.

The 3.6-liter-V6 is still more efficient than the performance-oriented 5.7-liter-V8 and the 6.4-liter-HEMI-V8'. Found on the R/T and the SRT, respectively, they have a combined MPG rating of 17 miles per gallon and 15 miles per gallon. Compare that to the other SUV's in the competition, all of them have an average combined fuel rating of 21 miles per gallon. So, fuel consumption wise, the Durango is definitely not at advantage.

Model	Dodge Durango	Jeep Grand Cherokee	GMC Acadia	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
MPG (city)	18	19	21	19	17	21	20
MPG (highway)	25	26	26	27	24	27	24
MPG (combined)	20	21	23	22	20	23	22
Fuel Tank (gallons)	24.6	24.6	19	NA	NA	NA	NA

 

Honda are known for manufacturing the most fuel-efficient engines, so it does not seem like a surprise to find the Japanese in second position with a combined fuel rating of 22 MPG. The Subaru with 21 MPG in the city becomes the most fuel-efficient car in this section. 

With one of the best infotainment systems on the market perched atop its sculpted dashboard, the Durango is better than many of its rivals, but only if buyers choose the optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. -Car and Driver

Seating and Comfort

The 2020 Dodge Durango has a seating capacity for 5, 6 or 7 people, depending on which trim/package you choose. The first and second rows have a decent interior space. The third row feels a bit compromised, as they usually are, but an average-sized adult can easily seat in there for short rides. Ingress/Egress is quite easy, and kudos to Dodge engineers for thinking about making life easier for the last row passengers too. The second row folds easily from the front as well as the back, and there are overhead AC vents for everyone.

The seats are comfortable and are padded enough to offer a luxurious experience. They also come with lumbar support, apart from different electronic adjustment settings, that makes the seats on  the Durango pretty comfortable.

Unless you're not expecting German quality, the interior is just fine. Though there are a lot of cheap bits around, which is quite natural in an SUV at this price range, Dodge has managed to finish it off and the interior certainly does not lack a premium touch and compared to the previous models, the 2020 Dodge Durango has better interiors.

Model	Dodge Durango	Jeep Grand Cherokee	GMC Acadia	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
Passenger Capacity	7	5	7	8	7	8	8
Front Row (cu. ft) (Head/Shoulder/Leg Room)	39.9/57/40.3	39.9/58.7/40.3	40.3/59.4/41	40.1/62/40.9	41.4/61.5/42.9	41.3/61.1/42.2	40.7/59.3/44.2
Second Row (cu. ft) (Head/Shoulder/Leg Room)	39.8/42.8/38.6	39.2/58/38.6	39.6/58.7/39.7	40.2/62/38.4	40.6/61/39.5	40/60.3/38.6	40/60.3/38.6
Third Row (cu. ft) (Head/Shoulder/Leg Room)	37.8/42.8/31.5	-	37.5/54.3/31.1	38.9/57.6/31.9	37.8/50.8/32	36.3/57.2/31.7	36.3/57.2/31.7

In comparison, the Dodge Durango does offer the least space of all but that doesn't mean it is less on comfort. But then again, after reading the above stats the Durango does feel a bit constricted compared to its competitors.

Is the Dodge Durango tech-savvy?

A seven-inch touch screen display comes standard on the base Durangos. Higher up the trim, an 8.4-inch touchscreen dons the dashboard.  The Uconnect 4 infotainment system is standard across the range. There is an optional Uconnect 4C NAV system available as well. Other features include:

• Android Auto integration
• Apple CarPlay support,
• Integrated Voice Command
• Bluetooth Streaming Audio
• SiriusXM

If you opt for Uconnect 4C NAV, the car comes fitted with the 8.4-inch touchscreen and gets more SiriusXM features (Guardian, Navigation, Traffic Plus, and Travel Link) as well.

What about Cargo volume?

Overall, the Durango is not that high on cargo space compared to its competitors in the segment. If all the seats are upright, including the third row, then there's just 17.2 cubic.feet of space. 

However, Dodge has clever seat split ratios and that really helps in creating a lot of luggage space. For instance, the second-row seats have a 60/40 split ration while the third-row seats have a 50/50 split ratio. So, if you fold all the rows down then you end up with a massive 84.5 cubic.feet of space.

Model	Dodge Durango	Jeep Grand Cherokee	GMC Acadia	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
Cargo Volume in trunk (ft.3)	17.2	36.3	12.8	16.5	21	17.8	13.8
Cargo Volume 3rd Row folded (ft.3)	47.7	-	41.7	46.8	43.8	47.5	TBD
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)	84.5	68.3	79	83.9	80.7	86.5	83.7

With all seats down, the Durango falls just two cubics.feet of space from snatching the first position for most cargo space. That prize goes to the Subaru Ascent, for with 86.5 cubics.feet of space(all row folded), it has managed to outshine all.

Convenience Features on the Dodge Durango

Comfort has always been the cornerstone of any SUV. The bigger the vehicle, the more comfort is expected from them. The Durango is no exception and this Dodge has also caught up with time to offer some of the niche creature comforts in one of there luxurious SUV's. Though most of the features that are mentioned below are available on higher trims, some of the features are also up for options in the base SXT model. Also, provided that this is a three-row SUV, let's see how well equipped are all the three rows with features - 

• Heated front seats
• 12-volt auxiliary power outlet
• Three-zone automatic temperature control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Electronic vehicle information center
• Media hub
• Power door locks
• Power sunroof
• Temperature and compass gauge
• Tilt/telescoping steering column

In general, the 2020 Durango's styling roams a territory that encompasses a certain toughness, a fair amount of chrome in a few trim levels, and a subtly sporty look in others. -Kelly Blue Book

Weight and dimensions

This Dodge SUV is heavy, undeniably so; its heavier than its competitors. Dodge employs the classic Muscle car strategy along with a bigger engine to compensate for the extra bulk. For faster progress, buy the V8s. In fact, the engine makes up the majority of the mass in the car.

The dimensions are large too, largest amongst all cars here, another classic muscle car move. It's over 200 inches in length, which is quite a lot in crowded cities. Negotiating city traffic is a little difficult, but if you don't live in a crowded place, you won't find this to be a problem.

Model	Dodge Durango	Jeep Grand Cherokee	GMC Acadia	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
Curb weight (lbs.)	4680	4513	3956	4036	4458	4430	4134
Length(in)	201.2	189.8	193.6	196.5	198.3	196.8	192.5
Width(in)	75.8	63.9	75.4	78.6	78.9	76	75.8
Height(in)	70.9	69.3	66	70.6	70	71.6	68.1
Ground clearance (in)	8.1	8.6	7.2	7.3	7.8	8.7	8.0
Wheelbase (in)	119.8	114.8	112.5	111	112.8	113.8	109.8
Track width (in) F/R	63.9/64.1	64.1/63.9	64.5/64.5	66.3/66.3	67/67	64.4/ 64.2	64.4/64.2

Design and Styling

The Dodge Durango is extremely simplistic in its approach to styling. The headlamps are large, bulbous and clear, adorned by LEDs. The hood scoop on the bonnet adds more character to the design. The tail section spells the Dodge family name inside the Dodge family-style long, horizontal running taillight strip. The SRT has a clear front grille, as opposed to the large cross on the front grille on the simpler Durangos. There isn't much more to the style, as it has mostly been kept the same and the rest of the car looks just like a typical SUV.

 

Safety-wise the Dodge Durango has pretty acceptable numbers. Though, when it comes to offering standard safety features, Dodge has offered many of them as options with additional cost. Aside from that, the safety features on the 2020 Dodge Durango are plenty. These includes the following:

• 4-Wheel Traction Control
• Electronic Stability Control
• Enhanced Accident Response System
• Hill Start Assist
• LED Daytime Running Headlamps
• Parksense Front / Rear Park-Assist with Stop
• Parkview Rear Back-Up Camera
• Remote-Start System
• Security Alarm
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
• Trailer Sway Damping
• Advanced Multistage Front Airbags
• Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Supplemental Side-Curtain Airbags
• Supplemental Side-Curtain Airbags in All Rows
• Driver Inflatable Knee-Bolster Airbag
• LATCH Ready Child Seat Anchor System

Additional Safety & Security Features

• Dual Note Electric Horns
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center
• Front Passenger Seat Belt Alert
• Performance Shift Indicator
• Temperature and Compass Gauge

IIHS and NHTSA do not rate the Durango SRT separate from the regular Durango.

Dodge Durango vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

Platform sharing helps shed development costs and that (usually) causes in the development of better cars for both the manufacturers involved. Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee share the same engines and transmissions and the chassis, and consequently the same performance as well. Yet these two are quite different cars.

The Durango is a proper workhorse, with seating options available for more than 5 people. The Jeep, on the other hand, is more of a 'lifestyle vehicle', better suited for leisure than work.

Dodge Durango vs Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot is a great car if you're looking for a vehicle that can carry a lot of people. With eight people on board, the Honda Pilot has clearly proved that it has a bigger cabin of the lot. The only advantage that the Durango gets is in the form of the engine. With a V-6 engine and a cargo space of more than 80 cubics. meter, the Durango is much more practical. But when it comes to fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot is a logical choice, also, despite having a bigger engine, the Honda Pilot still has quicker 0-60 figures. All thanks to its, light build body.

Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer is a lovely car with more space all around than the Durango. You'd also save money on fuel bills in the Ford, especially with the EcoBoost engine. The soundtrack of the Ford is a tad disappointing on the EcoBoost though, which isn't really a problem but deserves a mention. The 5.7 V8 on the Durango sound divine at full clip, and if you want to flaunt your car around, the Dodge is a better pick.

As mentioned at the beginning of this review, the Durango has had a very tumultuous past. It did become America's favourite car but then that was shortlived. Over a period of time, the dipping sales figures has not worked that much in favour of the Durango. On top of that, even the engines have developed a reputation for coming up with a lot of problems, especially the HEMI V-8's and that particularly has hit the Durango's market. 

So far the Durango has been raised as a muscle car rather than an SUV. There is plenty of power on offer and towing capabilities is impressive. Even the base engine can pull upwards of 6000 pounds, which is significantly more than its competitors. The affordability is this vehicle's biggest weapon, which is another brownie point. The butch proportions and macho looks are too! But with seldom any upgrades, like other vehicles in this range are going through, the Durango has barely gone through any major change, This is its biggest drawbacks and this is one of the reasons why the Durango will fall short of appealing.

Buying one now will be a bit tricky but if Dodges appeal to you, and the Durango is a good buy.