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2020 Dodge Durango

Starting at $32,290

7/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2020 dodge durango front
Dodge
7/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Bold design, high tow ratings, V-8 is quick off the line.
  • Lows Third row is only optional, aging platform, thirsty engines.
  • Verdict It's not the most practical mid-size SUV, but it might be the coolest.
By Drew Dorian and Annie White

Overview

Here is the Dodge for the driver who has grown out of burnouts and into kindergarten drop-off duty: the Durango. It can seat five or seven, can tow up to 7200 pounds, and shares its bold, muscular design language with the rest of Dodge's performance-oriented lineup. It also shares their penchant for old-school, high-displacement engines: the Durango's base engine is a 293-hp 3.6-liter V-6, but buyers can upgrade to a 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Sure, Hemi engines have about as many costs as benefits and have largely fallen out of favor—but the name sounds cool. And with a Hemi under its hood, so will your Durango.

What's New for 2020?

The Durango is almost entirely unchanged for 2020, but the R/T trim sees some minute equipment updates, including a new Hemi fender badge for models with the Blacktop and Brass Monkey packages, a faux-suede headliner and accent stitching on the instrument panel for cars with the Premium interior package, and a new 20-inch wheel design.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

V-8s are great, but the V-6 Durango offers adequate power without the price bump or fuel-economy penalty of the larger engines. We'd choose an all-wheel-drive GT model with its standard power-adjustable driver's seat and standard third row. We'd also upgrade the second row to captain's chairs.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Durango's optional 360-hp V-8 provides a significant boost in towing capacity, while the 293-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. It still manages to deliver a comfortable ride, making it a family-friendly SUV that's both fun to drive and easy to live with.

2020 Dodge Durango rear
Dodge

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Crossovers with a four-cylinder under the hood are more efficient, but the Durango's V-6 is still competitive with other V-6–powered rivals. In our highway fuel-economy test, the 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. The V-8–powered Durango managed 23 mpg while the V-6 underperformed its EPA rating with a 22-mpg result.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Every manufacturer uses a combination of materials that range from cheap to high quality, but some designs such as the Durango's are better executed than others. Designers prioritized ergonomics, material quality, and overall comfort, but other rivals offer more second- and third-row passenger space. A set of gauges featuring red and white on a black background faces the driver. The font is playful without being illegible, and a standard 7.0-inch reconfigurable digital speedometer is front and center; it provides access to vehicle status, fuel economy, audio information, and navigation. The steering wheel features a thick, leather-wrapped rim and handsome metal-look trim. On our R/T test vehicle, paddle shifters mounted behind the wheel operated with a satisfying click.

We were able to fit 30 carry-on suitcases inside the Durango's cabin with all of its seats folded flat, but we only fit four behind the third row with all seats in place. That's two more than the Acadia managed in both measurements. The Ford Explorer held only 25 overall (the same as the Mazda CX-9), but it offered space for six of our cases behind the third row, making it best for hauling people and cargo at the same time.

Infotainment and Connectivity

With one of the best infotainment systems on the market perched atop its sculpted dashboard, the Durango is better than many of its rivals, but only if buyers choose the optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. A rear-seat entertainment system, also optional, adds dual screens and provides HDMI and RCA ports to connect even more devices. Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on all trims; SXT Plus trims and above offer audio streaming. We noted good audio quality for Bluetooth phone calls, and one caller even commented that she could hear the V-8 engine's sonorous rumble.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The Durango's crash-test results are acceptable, but they're far from class leading. Optional automated emergency braking adds an extra layer of protection and its standard backup camera helps with safely reversing the big beast. Key safety features include:

  • Available automated emergency braking
  • Available adaptive cruise control
  • Available lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Dodge offers a typical warranty with all new Durangos; extended warranties are available for purchase through dealerships. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is the best in the industry. Most other competitors offer roughly the same coverage as the Durango. GMC and Toyota provide two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, but Durango buyers will have to pay separately for such services.

  • Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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