The 2022 Dodge Durango. Its optional V-8 engine gives it the muscle to back up its image. A V-6 is standard but it, too, offers decent power, and the Durango boasts a towing capacity higher than most rivals. Three rows of seats mean there's room for the whole family, although kids will be the only ones who find the rearmost accommodating. Dodge packs the Durango with enough modern infotainment tech to win the hearts of the Geek Squad but those seeking driver-assistance features will find they have to pay extra for those features, unlike in rivals such as the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander where they're standard. Those crossovers don't have the same muscle-car mystique as the Durango though, which makes the Dodge a unique choice in this class.
Fuel
Crossovers with a four-cylinder under the hood are more fuel-efficient, but the Durango's V-6 is still competitive with other V-6–powered rivals. The EPA estimates the V-6 model will earn up to 19 mpg city and 26 highway. The V-8 version tops out at 14 mpg city and 22 highway. In our highway fuel-economy test, the 2020 V-8–powered Durango R/T surprised us by outperforming its EPA rating (and even its own V-6–powered variant) as well as the lighter and more modern GMC Acadia V-6.
Engine Performance
The Durango's optional 360-hp V-8 provides a significant boost in towing capacity (up to 8700 pounds), while the 295-hp V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are a more efficient pairing. The Durango's fuel economy doesn't beat that of its four-cylinder rivals, of course, but the trade-off for the more entertaining V-8 and its burly towing capacity might be worth it for some buyers. We tested both the V-6 and V-8 engines with the standard eight-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive. The Durango with the V-6 managed a 7.4-second zero-to-60-mph run; the V-8 did it in 6.2 seconds. The Dodge's suspension walks the fine line between sport and comfort, but the steering feel and braking performance remind you that you're driving an SUV. Although it's not overtly sporty, the Durango's rear-wheel-drive platform lends an athletic feel to the Durango, and its muscle-car persona shines through in everyday use.
Price
SXT $38,590
GT $41,190
GT Plus $45,290
R/T $51,390
Citadel $52,790
R/T Plus $55,990
0 Comments