2018 Dodge Durango SUV

An automobile is full of compromises. If a car can accommodate your whole family and their luggage, it will be slow. If a car is small and fast, it will be cramped. And when you try to make a large, tall, and heavy car fast, it will be expensive. Fear not, the 2018 Dodge Durango is not bothered by these rules.

Fiat Chrysler group has one of the most intuitive infotainment around and Durango does not disappoint here either. However, the Durango falls behind rivals in terms of safety. Also, a couple of years after ownership, efficiency may matter more than performance and rivals like Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are more efficient. On top of that, it depreciates faster than rivals.

There are 7 trims – from the base and bare-bone Durango SXT ($29,995) to the psychopathic Durango SRT ($62,995). While the SRT gets AWD as standard, all other trims are RWD by default. AWD is a $2,600 option across the lineup. A 3.6 L Pentastar V6 powers all but the RT models.

Durango SXT is sans of any luxuries and even third row is optional ($995). The Durango SXT plus ($33,490) packs more luxury and gets optional features like a power sunroof ($1,195). The Durango GT ($37,795) goes aesthetically racy with dark 20-inch wheels and dual exhaust. However, it does get a minute increase in power (295 hp instead of 293 hp in SXT and SXT Plus).

Trims	SXT	SXT PLUS	GT	CITADEL	R/T	CITADEL ANODIZED PLATINUM	SRT
MSRP(FWD)	$29,995	$33,490	$37,795	$42,145	$43,695	$44,985	(N/A)
MSRP(AWD)	$32,595	$36,090	$40,395	$44,745	$46,295	$48,740	$64,090
Features	Perforated Leather-Wrapped Sport Steering Wheel. Electronic T-Shifter.	Eight-Way Power Driver Seat Sirius Satellite Radio ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera with ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.	20-Inch Aluminum Wheels Dual Exhaust with Bright Tips. LED Daytime Running Lamps. Heated First- and Second-Row Seating.	High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps and Automatic High-Beam Headlamps with Automatic Leveling. Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seating.	5.7L HEMI V8 Engine Performance Steering and Suspension. Performance Front Fascia with LED Fog Lamps.	Soft-Touch Hand-Wrapped Instrument Panel with Live Stitch. Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seating Heated Second-Row Captains Chairs.	6.4L HEMI SRT V8 Engine Performance-Turned All-Wheel Drive. Brembo Six-Piston High-Performance Brakes.

There are two luxury themed trims – Citadel ($42,145) and Citadel Anodized Platinum ($48,740). The Durango R/T (43,695) gives a true muscle car flavor packing standard 5.7 L HEMI V8 along with performance steering and suspension. Then there is the bonkers Durango SRT with 475 hp 6.4 L V8, performance tuned suspension and dark mean looks.

We Recommend

For those who are satisfied with just muscle car looks, the SXT plus at $33,490 is our recommendation as its more efficient than the rest and comes with plenty of standard and optional features. However, if you want a true muscle car experience, get the 5.7 L HEMI V8 equipped Durango R/T (43,695). Along with that V8 roar, it rides in a civilized manner with plenty of creature comfort.

“With either the standard 293-hp 3.6-liter V-6 or the optional 360-hp 5.7-liter V-8, the Durango is a gutsy rig with plenty of dynamism for towing and merging into traffic.” – Car and Driver

There are three engines on offer – a 3.6L Pentastar V6, a 5.7L HEMI V8, and SRT exclusive 6.4L HEMI SRT V8. The V6 comes in two states of tune – 293 hp in two SXT trims and 295 hp on all higher trims. The V6 engines power output is average among the competition and it can handle everyday driving effortlessly. While cruising, it emits a refined sound and the throttle response is linear.

Models	Dodge Durango SXT	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot
MSRP	$29,995	$30,925	$31,990	$30,900
Engine	3.6L Pentastar V6 Gas engine	3.6L V6 Gas engine	3.5L V6 Gas engine	3.5L V6 Gas engine
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	6-speed Automatic	6-speed Automatic
Power	293 hp @ 6400 rpm	310 hp @ 6800 rpm	290 hp @ 6500 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	266 lb-ft of torque @ 2800 rpm	255 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm	262 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm

Next up is the throaty 5.7L V8 with 360 hp and 390 pounds-feet of torque. It pulls this big, hefty, three-row rig forcefully and reaches 60 mph from rest in 6.2 seconds. While it’s slower than the Explorer 3.5L Ecoboost, the V8 sound makes it feel far more exciting. If you can spend over $62k, the new 2018 Durango SRT with 475 hp 6.4L HEMI V8 is now in the dealership. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic. Critiques have praised the automatic for its fast and predictable gear shifts. For all-weather performance, AWD is on offer for $2600.

Acceleration

The Durango equipped with base 3.6L Pentastar V6 can do 0-60 in 7.6 seconds – average among the competition. However, the 5.7 HEMI V8 equipped Durango R/T can pull all 7 passengers and their luggage from 0 to 60 mph 6.6 seconds.

Models	Dodge Durango SXT	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot
0-60 MPH	7.6 sec	6.5 sec	7.7 sec	6.1 sec
Quarter mile	15.8 sec @ 89 mph	15.6 sec @ 97mph	16.0 sec @ 90.0 mph	15.1 sec @ 91.2 mph
Engine	3.6L Pentastar V6	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT Gas	3.5L V6	3.5L V6
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.4	8.4	9.8	8.0

Still waiting to see the insanity Dodge has unleashed in the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT? Here are the stats:

• 0-60 in 4.4 seconds
• Quarter mile in 13.3 seconds at 104 mph
• Top speed – 155 mph

Ride and Handling

The Durango is far more entertaining to drive than other more mundane Mid-size SUVs. As far as big SUVs go, the Durango has responsive steering and well-controlled body roll. Also, considering the capability, the ride quality is not bad.

Although the Durango has an overall sporty attitude, the SXT and Citadel trim ride with more compliance. However, if you want to see how close a three-row SUV can get to a muscle car, get the Durango R/T. If you are ready to spend, buy Durango SRT with Bilstein Active-Damping High-Performance Suspension for teaching your family how to hug an apex on a track day.

Braking

All Durango except the SRT gets 13-inch brakes on all four wheels. These brakes are assigned to slow down over 4700 pounds of SUV and they do their assignment properly. Stopping from 60 mph takes 12 feet – marginally slower than the best performer Ford Explorer (Explorer takes 120 feet). The Durango SRT gets fancier Brembo six-piston high-performance brakes.

Model	Dodge Durango SXT	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot
Brake pads-front(in)	13.0	12.8	12.6	12.6
Brake pads Rear(in)	13.0	13.0	12.8	13
Curb weight(lbs)	4680	4713	4901	4288
60-0 MPH (ft.)	121	126	120	128

Towing Capacity

The Durango is right there with the full-size trucks when it comes to towing capability. Even the standard 3.6 Pentastar V6 equipped Durango has a tow rating of 6200 pounds – over 1000 pounds more than the nearest competition – Chevy Traverse.

Model	Dodge Durango SXT	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot
Capacity (lbs)	6200	5200	5000	5000
Drive Train	RWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Power Train	3.6L	3.6L	3.5L	3.5L

For pulling even larger items, get that charismatic 5.7L V8. Now you have a screaming and muscular looking 7 seaters that can tow 7400 pounds – who says life has compromises. Obviously, the more expensive SRT can tow more – 8700 pounds.

“Crossovers with a four-cylinder under the hood are more efficient, but the Durango’s V-6 is still competitive with other V-6–powered rivals.” – Car and Driver

Durango is the thirstiest midsize SUV – not a surprise considering its racy attitude and huge towing capacity. However, the V6 is just 1 mpg thirstier than the competition – a genuine surprise. Even the 5.7L V8 is not that thirsty. It delivers 14 mpg in city and 22 on the highway – comparable to a 3.5 Ecoboost V6 equipped in Explorer.

Model	Dodge Durango SXT	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot
mpg city	18	18	17	18
mpg highway	25	27	24	26
mpg combine	20	21	18	21

Note: In the above table, the Explorer may look thirstier than Durango but we compare the base trim for which manufacturers specify the starting MSRP. The base Explorer has an outdated standard 3.5 V6 and optioning the 2.3 Ecoboost I4 ($895) is a must. This engine delivers 19 mpg in city and 27 mpg on the highway.

“Every manufacturer uses a combination of materials that range from cheap to high quality, but some designs such as the Durango’s are better executed than others.” – Car and Driver

The Dodge Durango, keeping with its sporty demeanor, gets sport steering wheel as standard. The driving position offers a commanding view outside and the first and second rows are roomy. However, the third row is cozy. The material quality is impressive in areas where they matter but hidden areas get some cheap pieces.

While base SXT trims are comparatively bare, the Citadel trims get sumptuous Nappa leather, plenty of amenities and even suede headliner. U-connect infotainment is widely regarded as best in business and this does not disappoint either.

Seating and Comfort

The Durango can seat 7 people – 5 of them in a first and second row will be treated to generous space to stretch out. However, even two in the third row will be better accommodated than some of the rivals. The high seating position gives you a commanding view outside but tree-trunk like pillars do create some blind-spot (they also reinforce the feeling of being inside a fortified “Citadel”

Model	Dodge Durango SXT	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot
Passenger capacity	6	8	7	8
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	133.9	150.8	151.7	151.7
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.9/57/58.5/40.3	41.3/58.1/62.1/41	41.4/57.3/61.5/42.9	39.5/59.1/62/40.9
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.8/42.8/50.4/38.6	40/56.9/62.2/38.4	40.6/56.8/61/39.5	39.9/57.3/62/38.4
Third (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.8/42.8/50.4/31.5	38.2/48.5/57.5/33.5	37.8/40.7/50.8/32	38.9/44.9/57.6/31.9

Comfort and feel-good features can be had from SXT Plus trim onwards with its optional Popular Equipment Group ($1,645) Package having:

• Heated front seats
• heated steering wheel
• Power Lift-gate
• Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror

The Durango GT and higher trims add features like Power Sunroof, rear seat entertainment and more.

Cargo Capacity

The Durango has 17.2 cubic feet of luggage capacity with all seats up – amongst the lowest in the segment. However, folding the third row liberates 47.7 cubic feet of cargo space – second only to the Chevy Traverse. Additionally, the second row can be folded for 84.5 cubic feet of luggage space useful for carrying longer items. Power lift-gate (available from SXT plus onwards) adds convenience.

Model	Dodge Durango SXT	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot
Behind 3rd Row(ft.cube)	17.2	23.0	21.0	16.5
With 3rd row folded (ft.cube)	47.7	58.1	43.9	46.8
With All Seats folded (ft.cube)	84.5	98	81.7	83.9

Infotainment System

The Fiat Chrysler group (to which, the Dodge brand belongs) has among the best infotainment system in the automotive business and the Durango is the natural beneficiary. While the base SXT and SXT plus get 7-inch U-connect as standard, the crisp 8.5-inch touchscreen-equipped U-connect infotainment can be had with premium group package ($2,395) in Durango GT. All higher trims get 8.4 U-connect as standard.

“The Durango's exterior styling is exactly aggressive enough without going overboard, even in base models.” – Kelley Blue Book

Dodge has tried to infuse plenty of muscle car characteristics in the Durango. The bulging bonnet, muscularly sculpted curves, and the classic “coke bottle” lines. While the side profile is relatively plain, the rear end is dominated by Dodges distinctive “Race Track” LED tail-lights that span the entire width of the car.

You can further spice up the look by paying more. The blacktop package ($995) gives your Durango SXT Plus that dark mean bat-mobile look while the Anodized Platinum Package ($995) makes your Durango SXT look like a Durango Citadel. The Durango GT can be fitted with a “performance hood” for $995. The R/T gets a “Brass Monkey Appearance” package for $695.

Dimension and Weight

The Durango is a large rig spanning 201 inches in length. It’s tallest among competitors here at 70.9 inches. However, at 75.8 inches, it’s considerably narrower than others. Also, the Dodge has slightly lower ground clearance than the Explorer. Except for the Honda Pilot, all the SUVs here weigh over 4500 pounds.

Model	Dodge Durango SXT	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot
Curb weight(lbs)	4680	4713	4901	4288
Length(in)	201.2	204.3	198.3	194.5
Width(in)	75.8	78.6	78.9	66.3
Height(in)	70.9	70.7	70	69.8
Ground clearance(in)	8.1	7.2	8.3	7.3
Wheelbase(in)	119.8	120.9	112.8	111
Track width(in) F/R	63.9/64.1	67.3/67.0	67/67	66.3/66.3

Exterior Features

It is equipped with the following exterior features:

• Steel Spare Wheel
• Compact Spare Tire Stored Underbody with Crackdown
• Clearcoat Paint
• Body-Colored Front Bumper with Colored Rub Strip/Fascia Accent
• Body-Colored Rear Step Bumper with Colored Rub Strip/Fascia Accent
• Chrome Bodyside Insert and Colored Wheel Well Trim
• Black Side Windows Trim
• Body-Colored Door Handles
• Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding
• Fixed Rear Window with Fixed Interval Wiper and Defroster
• Deep Tinted Glass
• Speed Sensitive Variable Intermittent Wipers
• Galvanized Steel/Aluminum Panels
• Lip Spoiler
• Colored Grille with Chrome Surround
• Front License Plate Bracket
• Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
• Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included with Power Door Locks
• Fully Automatic Aero-Composite Halogen Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• Front Fog Lamps
• Perimeter/Approach Lights
• LED Brakelights
• Laminated Glass

“The Durango’s crash-test results are acceptable, but they’re far from class leading. Optional automated emergency braking adds an extra layer of protection, and its standard backup camera helps with safely reversing the big beast.” – Car and Driver

This is a criterion where the 2018 Dodge Durango performs inadequately. While the competitors score 5-stars in NHTSA crash test, Durango only scores 4-star. Also, the 2018 Dodge Durango has scored “Marginal” in IIHS small front overlap crash test.

Active safety features and advanced driver assistance systems start to pour in from GT trim onwards. Getting a Durango GT with Technology group ($2,595) package equips you with:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop
• Advanced Brake Assist
• Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus
• Lane Departure Warning Plus
• Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection
• Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Marginal
Small overlap front passenger side	Not rated
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Prevention and Migration
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Marginal
Child seats anchors (LATCH)	Acceptable

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	4 star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	4 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	4 star
Overall side crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating	5 star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 star
Combined side rating rear seat	5 star
Rollover rating	3 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	4 star
Combined side rating front seat	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 star

Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is as American as the Durango with a large, brutish design. However, it’s more efficient than the Durango and its Ecoboost V6 is faster too. The Explorer has a far more cushioned ride and its cabin noise is well controlled. Also, the Explorer is more practical with its large cargo capacity. However, Durango can tow more and the Explorer lacks the Charisma of the Durango with its V8.

Dodge Durango vs. Chevy Traverse

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse blends charismatic styling with plenty of passenger space and cargo capacity. The seats are supportive and higher trims cover them in soft materials. This is accompanied by a plush ride and composed highway manners. While Traverse has efficient I4 engine option, the Durango is definitely more entertaining with its V8. Durango can also tow more than the Traverse.

Dodge Durango vs. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is one of the most well rounded midsize SUV with well-equipped, spacious seats (even the third row) and high-quality materials. An efficient and powerful engine pulls the pilot briskly along the road. On top of that, the Pilot comes with Honda’s reputation of reliability and has great resale value too. However, the Durango is far more entertaining with its V8 and it can tow more too.

The 2018 Dodge Durango is definitely a standout among the mid-size SUVs. It will not look out of place in a parking lot full of Challengers and Mustangs. While others get efficient I4 with V6 as a go-faster alternative, the Durango has an already fast V6 as standard with a true hot-rod worthy V8 as an option.

When others are happy squealing tires in their FWD SUVs, you can pull out adrift in Durango with its standard RWD. While others prioritize being a comfortable family hauler, the Durango aims at entertaining that family. However, that novel goal is not without compromises. The Durango is less efficient and less comfortable than rivals.

While lack of cargo capacity with third row up can be overlooked, poor safety ratings cannot be overlooked in a family wagon. So if you want a safe, comfortable and efficient family wagon, the Durango can feel a bit too wild and the competitors like Explorer, Traverse, and Pilot are a better pick. However, if you want a hot-rod 7-seater, there are few (if any) alternatives.