2018
DODGE DURANGO GT
Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats with Suede Inserts
Heated First- and Second-Row Seats
20-Inch Hyper Black Aluminum Wheels
Power Liftgate
Durango Interior
Base SXT models seat five, while higher trims seat up to seven with the available third-row bench. Other seating options include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and second-row captain's chairs. Up front, the seats are comfortable and have plenty of support. The second row is accommodating too, but the third row is only roomy enough for kids, which is typical for a 3-row SUV. It's easy to have a chat in the Durango, as it lets little road and engine noise into the cabin.
Durango and Car Seats
The outboard second-row seats each have a full set of LATCH child-seat connectors. The middle second-row seat and each of the third-row seats have an upper tether but no lower anchors.
Durango
Interior
Quality
For the most part, the Durango has soft-touch surfaces and nicely textured materials. Upper trims like the Citadel feel particularly high end. Still, many rivals have more attractive interior designs and better construction that give them an edge over the Durango.
Durango Cargo Space
Few midsize rivals can match the Durango's cargo-carrying capabilities. This vehicle has 84.5 cubic feet of cargo room when you fold down both rear rows of seats. The front passenger seat folds, too, so you can haul unusually long items. The cargo area is wide and deep, so it can accommodate large objects.
Durango Performance
Durango Engine: Brutish V8 Power
The Durango is available with three different engines: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, and a 6.4-liter HEMI V8. Most drivers will be happy with the base V6's refined power, while those who want quicker acceleration on the highway will appreciate the 5.7-liter V8's extra punch. The larger V8 only comes in the high-performance SRT trim, and it is easily the most powerful engine in the midsize SUV class. SRT models can get up to 60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds. All three engines come with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
Durango Gas Mileage: Average for a Midsize SUV
The base V6-powered Durango get typical gas mileage for the class, at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Stepping up to a V8 will cost you at the pump. With the 5.7-liter V8, fuel economy drops to 14/22 mpg city/highway. The Durango SRT burns even more gas, at 13/19 mpg city/highway.
Durango Ride and Handling: Mixed Reviews
With its smooth, hushed ride over rough roads, the Durango is an OK family hauler. On the handling front, there isn't a consensus. Some critics think this SUV's large size keeps it from feeling poised around turns, and they note it has some body lean when cornering. Others, however, say the Durango exhibits good composure around corners and is pleasant to drive. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.
Durango Towing Capacity
The Durango is well-suited for towing. Models with the base V6 can handle up to 6,200 pounds, while the SRT model – with its potent V8 – can pull up to 8,700 pounds. That's similar to the towing capacities of some truck-on-frame large SUVs.
Durango Safety
Durango Crash Test Results
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2018 Durango four out of five stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests. (All-wheel-drive Durangos scored three stars in the rollover test.) At the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Durango earned the highest score of Good in four crash tests. It received a score of Marginal in the small overlap front test. Many midsize SUV rivals have better crash test results.
Durango Safety Features
A rearview camera is the Durango's only standard safety feature. Higher trims offer significantly more collision avoidance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rain-sensing wipers.