2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Dodge will be offered in SXT, GT, Citadel, and R/T trims for the standard variant along with additional packages including the GT Plus pack exclusively available for the GT trim. Dodge will also sell the high-performance variants separately under the SRT lineup. The Durango Will be offered in both RWD and AWD systems with a difference of almost $2,300 between them for each trim. The base SXT will only carry basic features and driver assistance and the users will have to move up the ladder in order to avail most of the exciting features. The GT trim sits right in the middle but opting for the GT Plus package will add a list of creature comfort and convenience features. Another interesting package available with the Durango is the Trailer Tow Group IV pack that adds an integrated trailer brake controller, heavy-duty oil cooler, class IV hitch receiver, low-range gearing, and a fullsize spare tire.

Users who intend to not cross the $50,000 mark but would love a few features on the Citadel like the leather upholstery, send-row heated seats, power-adjustable front seats, and second-row captain seats, can pick the GT Plus.

We Recommend

The base Dodge Durango even though is offered at a rather decent price, we would opt for the GT and add the exclusive package, making it the GT Plus. Also, make sure to pick the car in the AWD system to ensure the car performs well even off-road.

Release Date

The release of the 2023 Dodge Durango is likely going to be in the fall of 2022 as per reports but it could delay to the very end of 2022 or even the beginning of 2023.

In terms of the engine, the 2023 Dodge Durango will comprise two engine options and the SUV comes standard fit with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 that produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Users picking the SXT and GT will live with this V6 but expand your budget and you will see a 5.7L Hemi V8 that churns out 360 horsepower on both the R/T as well as Citadel. Both the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the AWD system is optional on all trims. The Durango also happens to be the only SUV in the segment to offer a V8 engine and these engines are very robust as they handle both city speeds and highway dash with ease.

On paper, the Dodge has the highest power output but when it comes to putting your foot down the pedal, the Honda manages to put out the best 0-60 timing. Even though the Durango holds the weakest acceleration here, it picks up speeds very quickly and finishes a standing quarter mile right behind the 2023 Honda Pilot, leaving both the Kia and Hyundai behind.

2023 Dodge Durango Ride and Handling

The Dodge Durango does not behave like a vehicle that weighs 4,750 lbs while on the move as the sturdy chassis keeps the SUV very stable with a very minimal body roll. Dodge has its expertise obtained from making performance vehicles and has applied that in making this SUV as it feels well-planted while cornering, all thanks to the Bilstein adaptive dampers. This sporty nature makes Durango a much more fun car compared to its rivals in terms of drive quality.

2023 Dodge Durango Braking Performance

Braking on the Dodge Durango isn’t the best when compared to the other SUVs but it sure does manage to have some bite and gets the car to a complete stop in 134 feet. The standard brakes come as a 4-wheel ABS setup and considering the vehicle to weigh a lot, the brakes do a wonderful job. The higher performance variants offer a 4 and 6 piston setup by Brembo for better heat management and braking considering the fact that they make over 700 hp.

The Dodge Durango holds the largest set of brakes and for the total weight this SUV holds, it demands big brakes that manage to get the car to a halt within a commendable distance. The best braking performance however is by the Honda Pilot and it takes just 120 feet to completely stop from 60 mph.

The 2023 Dodge Durango is expected to push out similar fuel economy as the previous model, making it cover a total of 542 miles in a single tank of fuel. The numbers aren’t disappointing in any way especially considering that the SUV comes equipped with a high-revving V6. Those opting for the more powerful V8 will have to compromise on the gas mileage as it drastically decreases.

Going just by the numbers, the highest fuel economy per gallon is put out by the Honda, closely followed by the Kia. However, when considering the overall range, the Dodge Durango stays on top of the table, thanks to its massive fuel tank. The 24.4-gallon gas tank allows the Durango to travel almost an additional 100 miles than the Honda.

The Dodge Durango poses as one of the best people hauler out there and offers very comfortable seating space for up to 7 occupants. This will be cut down to 6 when the second row is configured with the optional captain seats. All three rows offer ample space and if you think the regular leather upholstery is too basic, pick the higher trims and treat yourself with Nappa leather-wrapped seats and cabin inserts finished in similar materials along with suede. The cabin layout has been ensured to be as practical as possible and allows multiple in-cabin storage options. The Durango will be able to hold at least 15 suitcases in the cargo area after folding down the rear seats. The SUV also gets tri-zone automatic climate control and an optional seat heating function for both first and second rows.

Even though the Dodge offers goof cabin room, it is clear that the rivals hold larger rooms both in terms of passenger space as well as cargo space. The 2023 Kia Telluride is clearly the largest vehicle in terms of the space it offers but the major difference between the Durango and the other SUVs is the fact that Dodge allows 7-passenger seating while the rivals offer 8.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Dodge Durango include

• Heated front seats.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Fabric/Nappa leather upholstery.
• 10-way power adjustable driver seat.
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Tri-zone front air-conditioning.
• Option second-row captain seats.

How intuitive is the 2023 Dodge Durango infotainment system?

The infotainment system received a good upgrade in the previous year and the 2023 model is expected to carry the same setup that will include an 8.4-inch touchscreen which can be upgraded to a larger 10.1-inch screen. The infotainment will be run by the Uconnect 5 software which is very easy to use and navigate. The Durango comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system that is upgraded to a 9-speaker unit by Alpine audio system on the R/T and Citadel. However, if that doesn’t suffice, there is a 19-speaker audio system by Harman Kardon up for grabs as optional equipment.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Dodge Durango are

• 8.4-inch/10.1-inch touchscreen.
• 9-speaker/19-speaker stereo system.
• Wireless phone charging.
• Uconnect 5
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• USB-A and USB-C ports.

There will be no changes in terms of the exterior design as well but the Dodge Durango still is undoubtedly a good-looking SUV with a muscular stance. The grille comes in either a painted granite crystal look or a wider black honeycomb design depending on the trim you choose. The aggressive bumper and air slits compliment the character of this car very well. The SXT will run on 18-wheels while the GT and above will get larger 20-inch wheels. Heated exterior mirrors come standard along with LED headlamps and fog lamps. Users can also add a sunroof as an option from the Premium Group I package.

In terms of dimensions, the Durango turns out to be the longest and hence carries the largest wheelbase but is not as wide as the other SUVs. Both Dodge and Kia offer similar ground clearance which is ample enough to take the vehicle on a rough patch with no issue. The car that would take less space to park and would be easy to maneuver is the Honda Pilot.

Some of the standout exterior features include

• 18-inch/20-inch alloy wheels.
• LED headlights and taillights.
• Heated mirrors.
• Sunroof.
• Power liftgate.
• Speed-sensitive windshield wipers.

Blind-spot monitor, as well as a rear parking sensor, come standard with the Dodge Durango, and users are given options to pick features like forward collision warning, Adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The 2023 Dodge Durango hasn’t been crash-tested yet but the previous year’s scores can be considered as both the vehicles are the same. NHTSA gave a 4-star rating to Durango while it also scored “Good” in most of the aspects of its test conducted by IIHS.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Dodge Durango are

• Blind-spot monitor.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Hill-start assist.
• Forward collision warming.
• Rear cross-traffic warning.

2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Honda Pilot

Both the Dodge Durango and the Honda Pilot offer great reliability and the only place where the Honda falls behind is in terms of cargo space but to revive itself, the Honda offers an 8-passenger seating over the 7-passenger hold that Dodge offers. Another vote for the Honda is in terms of its drive character as it’s much more engaging than the Dodge Durango.

2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai palisade is equally spacious and practical as the Dodge Durango but the same cannot be said in terms of their performance as the Dodge offers much better drive dynamics and response while the Palisade feels disconnected and way too soft in terms of the steering feel. Pick the Palisade if you just need a spacious SUV and don’t really care about the performance.

2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Kia Telluride

Since the Telluride shares the exact same platform and mechanicals as the Dodge, there isn’t much of a difference between both the South Korean giants. The Telluride does pack in a bit more space than the Palisade and if that is what you aim for, the Kia would make the right choice. However, the Dodge does offer ample space and also drives much better than the Kia.

Dodge has managed to combine the Muscle car styling and the family SUV practicality without having to struggle. The massive proportions of the car allow all the passengers to stay comfortable and the practical cabin with an array of features makes the Durango an ideal family vehicle. With a good trim lineup and a wide options list to choose from, the Dodge Durango offers great value for the money paid. There are other options in the market if you are looking for a more spacious option but the drive and cabin quality of the Durango is unmated, making it one of the most balanced vehicles in the segment. One aspect that the buyer needs to be aware of is the fact that the Dodge Durango is a lengthy vehicle and hence, will take a while to get used to and can be challenging while maneuvering in a tight space.