2021 Dodge Durango Review

　　

2021 Dodge Durango Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　Dodge describes its Durango as an SUV "for muscle car people with families." This has to be one of the rare instances where we can actually agree with marketing hype. Like the Charger sport sedan and the Challenger muscle car, the Durango has a distinctive square-shouldered design that exudes bravado. It backs up its beefy looks with best-in-class towing, enviable acceleration, and ample room for up to seven passengers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Dodge Durango SXT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for Durango SXT

　　Durango SXT

　　SXT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,570 MSRPSXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,170 MSRPSXT Plus 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,470 MSRPSXT Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,070 MSRPGT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,670 MSRPGT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,270 MSRPGT Plus 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,670 MSRPGT Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $43,270 MSRPR/T 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $45,920 MSRPR/T 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $48,520 MSRPCitadel 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $48,420 MSRPCitadel 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $51,020 MSRPSRT 392 4dr SUV AWD (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $64,570 MSRPSRT Hellcat 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $80,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　For 2021, Dodge is updating the Durango lineup with an even more aggressive exterior design, a revised interior, additional technology features, and a new king of the Durango hill: the high-performance SRT Hellcat. Packing a 6.2-liter V8 borrowed from the Charger and Challenger Hellcats, the Durango SRT Hellcat develops a rather outrageous 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft. Sounds appropriate for a muscle SUV, right? To learn more about the Durango, check out our Expert Rating's in-depth evaluation.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Durango drive? The Durango SRT, which is what we tested, is a testament to Dodge's commitment to performance. The engine is powerful, accelerating this 5,500-pound behemoth effortlessly to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Yet the Durango is also well mannered in everyday driving. Braking performance is strong and smooth.

　　The transmission's shifts are also buttery smooth and don't feel the least bit abrupt in stop-and-go traffic. Steering and handling are decent for a vehicle of this size and weight, but it does have its limits. Performance and everyday usability are rarely so even.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Durango? The seats in the Durango for all positions are roomy and comfortable. The first and second rows offer a good amount of legroom, while the third row can easily hold larger kids. The climate control works well with adequate airflow for all three rows.

　　The Durango SRT's ride, on the other hand, leaves a bit to be desired. While tolerable, it's not going to lull you to sleep on road trips. Road noise is omnipresent and so is the engine but that could be a welcome thing. The exhaust note is intoxicating.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The interior is airy and you can see well out of it, but the front and rear pillars can obstruct some visibility in tighter situations. The cabin is straightforward and user-friendly, and the interface for controls are simple to understand and find. Getting in and out is also fairly simple for all seating positions, even for the third row.

　　Drivers of nearly any size should be able to find a comfortable seating position thanks to the numerous seat and steering wheel adjustments.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Uconnect 4C interface on the 8.4-inch screen, while feeling a bit dated, is user-friendly and syncs up well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you can get the new 10.1-inch screen, which has Chrysler/Dodge's latest infotainment software and features. There are plenty of USB and 12-volt charging options for passengers in all positions.

　　Driver aids such as adaptive cruise and lane keeping assist are useful, but they are part of an optional Technology Group package. The upgraded Harman Kardon audio system sounds great and is worth getting.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Even with performance as the top priority, the Durango SRT manages to be practical and flexible like an SUV should be. There's 84.5 cubic feet of space with all the seats folded, which places it slightly above the middle of this class. Small-item storage is exactly what you want in a three-row SUV with enough cubbies and cupholders for all passengers. But the party trick for this Durango might be its excellent 8,700-pound tow rating when properly equipped.

　　

Fuel Economy

5.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Here's a formula for you: SRT = bad MPG. That's just the way it goes. The Durango SRT is rated to get an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in combined driving (13 city/19 highway). On our 120-mile evaluation route, we were able to get 15.5 mpg, indicating that the EPA's estimates are at least realistic. The best fuel economy you can get is a rear-wheel-drive Durango with the V6, which gets 21 mpg combined. That's a lot better but still a tad below rival V6-equipped SUVs.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Durango a good value? What do you want in your SUV? That's what you'll have to ask yourself to define value. If you want luxury and comfort, look elsewhere because that is not what this SUV is about. The interior looks and feels a bit low-buck. But you certainly get your money's worth in performance. Dodge lines up with the rest of the class in warranty and roadside assistance coverage.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　The Durango SRT is a burly, powerful SUV that looks and sounds the part. It's upfront, in-your-face, and shouts at you like a drill sergeant. It doesn't handle all that well but doesn't feel like it loses a step when it's fully loaded with people. Day to day, it's really more fun than an SUV has a right to be.

　　If you're into making a scene as you arrive and leave, this is the SUV for you. The looks and exhaust note will turn heads. Though it might have more attitude than sense, we can definitely see the appeal.

　　

Which Durango does zzdcar recommend?

The standard V6 engine feels a little underpowered for an SUV this big, so we suggest going with the Hemi V8-powered Durango R/T. Besides the extra oomph and burly exhaust note, the V8 increases the Durango's towing capacity. Make sure you get the optional Technology package since it adds many desirable safety features.

　　

2021 Dodge Durango models

The 2021 Dodge Durango is available in six trim levels: SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat. Dodge offers a choice of a V6 or one of three V8 engines. Rear-wheel drive is standard on most models. All-wheel drive is optional on most and standard on both SRT variants.

　　SXT

　　The base SXT is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 (295 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include:

　　LED headlights and foglights 18-inch wheels Load-leveling suspension (rear-wheel drive only) Three-zone automatic climate control Seating for five passengers USB-A and USB-C ports 8.4-inch touchscreen display Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Six-speaker audio system Keyless entry with push-button startNotable options:

　　Third-row seating with power-folding headrests (allows for up to seven passengers) Trailer Tow Group IV Integrated trailer brake controller (allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from the cab) Heavy-duty oil cooler Class IV hitch receiver Load-leveling rear suspension and low-range gearing for all-wheel drive models Full-size spare tire SXT Plus Opens up options list Roof rails with crossbars Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking) Power-adjustable driver's seat GT

　　The GT adds a few features on top of the standard SXT. Those include:

　　Seating for seven Black grille and window trim 20-inch wheels Power-adjustable driver's seat Rear parking sensorsOptions on the GT include:

　　Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) GT Plus Opens up options list Leather seating Optional second-row captain's chairs Power liftgate Heated, power-folding mirrors Heated front seats Heated steering wheel Remote start Premium Group I Nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer Sunroof 10.1-inch touchscreen Navigation system Premium Group II Automatic high beams LED accent lights Power-adjustable steering wheel Rain-sensing wipers Wireless phone charger Technology Group Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front) Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Rain-sensing wipers R/T

　　The Durango R/T ditches the V6 in favor of a 5.7-liter V8 engine (360 hp, 390 lb-ft), still paired with an eight-speed automatic. It builds off the GT Plus. Other standard features include:

　　Features from Premium Group I and II 20-inch wheels Power-adjustable passenger seatCitadel

　　The Durango Citadel uses the 3.6-liter V6, but it's available with the 5.7-liter V8. Besides all of the features of the GT Plus trim, the Citadel comes with:

　　Technology Group Trailer Tow Group IV Chrome exterior trim Sunroof Second-row captain's chairs (seating for six) Ventilated front seats Upgraded leather upholstery Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)SRT and SRT Hellcat

　　The standard SRT uses a 6.4-liter V8 engine (475 hp, 470 lb-ft). For 2021, it's joined by an even more hopped-up version, the Durango SRT Hellcat and its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (710 hp, 645 lb-ft). Both come standard with all-wheel drive and, aside from some minor visual differences, have the same standard features. In addition to what's standard on the R/T, features include:

　　Brembo brakes Adaptive suspension Sport seats with upgraded leatherOther notable options depending on the trim level include:

　　19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Blacktop package (black painted wheels with blacked-out exterior trim)

　　

2021 Durango Highlights

Type: SRT HellcatSRT 392SUVSUV

　　Trim: SXTSXT PlusGTGT PlusR/TCitadelSRT 392SRT HellcatSXT

　　

Base MSRP	$32,570
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	43.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles