2019 Dodge Durango

Apr 14, 2024, 5:10pm ET

Now in its third generation, the Dodge Durango is a three-row SUV that shares its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. With space and power, it's a great vehicle for a weekend getaway with the family.

If you have a need for speed, Dodge offers a hot-rodded Durango with the SRT nameplate.

Overview

Up front, the Durango wears Dodge's signature crosshair grille and each trim level features its own mesh texture. The grille is slanted, giving the SUV an aggressive look that it shares with other members of the Dodge lineup and the Ram pickup family.

The SUV's back end is fitted with racetrack-style tail lamps inspired by the ones found on the Charger. They made up of no less than 192 individual LED lamps.

Four-wheel independent suspension, a near 50/50 weight distribution and electro-hydraulic power steering create a sure-footed driving experience around both on and off the road.

The Durango boasts 17.2 cubic feet of trunk space with the third row of seats left up, 47.7 cubic feet with the third row removed and 84.5 cubic feet with the second and third row folded flat.

Life aboard

As mentioned earlier, the Durango offers three rows of seats that can be configured in a wide variety of ways, making it possible to go from carrying seven passengers to hauling a trunk-load of plywood in mere minutes.

All Durangos come standard with a seven-inch TFT screen mounted in the instrument cluster that can be fully customized by using buttons on the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. SXT models come with a five-inch touch screen that lets the passengers control the audio, climate and phone functions.

Some models come standard with Chrysler's UConnect Access infotainment system. Generally considered one of the more user-friendly infotainment setups on the market, UConnect Access integrates most of the Durango's audio, navigation and climate control functions into one unit. An 8.4-inch touch screen mounted on the dashboard is the central component of the system, but buttons and knobs for climate and audio settings are also included.

Under the hood

The SXT, GT, and Citadel trim levels come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission come standard, and all-wheel drive is offered at an extra cost.

Fuel economy checks in at 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg in a combined cycle. Selecting all-wheel drive lowers city and highway mileage by one.

R/T models are able to tow up to 7,400 pounds thanks to a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that makes 360 horsepower at 5,150 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission come standard, while buyers can pay extra for all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy takes a hit, as you'd expect. The EPA rates the Durango V8 at 14, 22, and 17, respectively.

Trim level breakdown

The Durango is offered in four trim levels: SXT, GT, R/T, and Citadel.

SXT models come with a single exhaust tip, a specific grille, automatic halogen headlights, heated side mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, speed-sensitive wipers, a seven-inch screen in the instrument cluster, three-zone automatic A/C, a full-length floor console, an overhead front console, LED map lights, manually-adjustable front seats, split-folding second-row seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt/telescoping steering column, a six-speaker stereo, a seven-inch screen for the infotainment system, key-less entry, and a push-button ignition.

Stepping up to the GT trim adds dual exhaust tips, a specific grille, a power-operated liftgate, LED daytime running lights, turn signals in the door mirrors, a remote start system, 20-inch alloy wheels, a memory system for the seats, mirrors, and radio, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front- and second-row seats, third-row seats, a heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, a universal garage door opener, and an alarm.

The R/T brings the V8 engine, bigger brakes, a performance-tuned steering rack, a load-leveling rear suspension, a specific grille, automatic high beams, LED fog lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, red accent stitching, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, an 8.4-inch screen for the infotainment system, an upgraded Beats sound system, and front parking sensors.

Finally, the Citadel trim switches back to the V6 engine, though buyers can order the V8 at an extra cost. The range-topper also benefits from a specific grille, chrome-look trim on the mirrors, bright roof rails, a sunroof, perforated leather seats, and a 506-watt Alpine sound system.

The main options include second row captain's chairs, a second-row console that includes USB ports, a Blu-Ray rear entertainment system with flip-up nine-inch high-definition screens mounted in the front seat backs and HDMI inputs. Several option bundles ranging from a towing package, a Mopar appearance package, skid plates and a tech group are also available.

Occupant safety

All Durangos include with electronic stability control, trailer-sway control, seven airbags and active head restraints up front.

A forward collision warning system with crash mitigation, an adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitoring (BSM) system and rear cross path (RCP) detection are available as options.

Key competitors

The Durango fights in the same arena as the Chevrolet Traverse, the Ford Explorer, the GMC Acadia, the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander.