2021 Dodge Durango
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2021 Dodge Durango Review
- Large touchscreen tech interface is one of the best in class
- Strong V8s provide exceptional towing ability
- Real off-road capabilities with 4WD and low-range gearing
- Fuel economy is below average, especially with the V8s
- Many of the latest advanced driver safety features don't come standard
- Bigger and bulkier to drive than rival crossover SUVs
- SRT Hellcat with supercharged 6.2-liter V8 added to lineup
- Refreshed, more aggressive exterior design
- Refreshed interior with larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Part of the third Durango generation introduced for 2011
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.
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.
Our verdict | |
The Durango might not appeal to a broad audience, but its performance and practicality are certainly impressive. After all, not many SUVs can hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds and tow up to 8,700 pounds. But what you get in capability you lack in refinement. As well equipped as the Durango might be, you are constantly reminded this is one of the older platforms on the market. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
How economical is the Durango? | |
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. | |
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 | |
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 Edmunds 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.
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.
Save as much as $5,428 with Edmunds
2021 Dodge Durango pricing
in Ashburn, VASXT
3.6L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$32,377
1 for sale in 20147
SXT Plus
3.6L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$40,790
5 for sale in 20147
GT
3.6L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$42,335
10 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Dodge Durango.
Trending topics in reviews
- handling & steering
- appearance
- wheels & tires
- steering wheel
- road noise
- acceleration
- transmission
- technology
- driving experience
- interior
- seats
- engine
- comfort
- climate control
- value
- sound system
- visibility
- fuel efficiency
- doors
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- cup holders
- dashboard
- infotainment system
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, Totally awesome. Never expect this from dodge
Brian's GT,
GT Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
Quiet, smooth, powerful even with the v6 and head turner with gloss black 20s and reactor blue pearl coat. Sport mode will have you in the fast lane passing others in seconds. More options on the touchscreen than you can image. Totally impressed as I'm not historically a dodge guy. Bought this for all the above ... not as big as full size suv but darn close. Right, she'll suck some fuel if you get into the 295 horses. Amazing get up for only 295 hp. Pleasure to drive all the way around.
5/5 stars, Great vehicle
Judy,
R/T 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 8A)
R/T with Tow & Go is basically SRT with 5.7 Hemi. Great interior, acceleration, audio, towing.
4/5 stars, Test drive impressions
G M Kerry ,
R/T 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 8A)
We are looking to replace a 2015 cx-9 sometime this year. Being turbo and CVT shy, we have limited options. ☹️
I took a test drive in the 2021 Durango today. My previous experience with a 2013 dakota 5.7 was not impressive. But today's drive train is a totally different beast.
The Dakota had significant lag and really didn't feel like a V8 in 2013, though it sucked gas like a V8.
Driving this 2021 R/T was a distinct pleasure. The V8 was ultra responsive and the shifts seemed to be where they should under casual acceleration as well as spirited.
You do have to really bury the accelerator if you want to experience that V8 growl, but it is definitely sleeping under there.
I wasn't able to test it on any curves, just some S turns thru a deserted church parking lot.But it seemed to be responsive, though you do feel it's size and weight a bit.
The acceleration of the V6 CX-9 has always been responsive but lacking. With the V8 DURANGO, I finally felt satisfaction!
I disliked test driving after dark but the Durango controls were surprisingly ergonomic and intuitive. I wasn't sure if that's because they were somewhat similar to the Dakota, or if they are just well designed.
I did find the side mirror adjustment to be a puzzle. You must hold down 2 buttons simultaneously to make adjustments. That just seems overly complicated.
One of the first things you notice is the massive 10" stereo display. But also take note, it is nicely integrated with the dashboard instead of looking like some kid glued their iPad to the top of the dash. For some reason, that was impressive, isn't that sad?
I am not a fan of seating and climate controls being integrated with the stereo. Alhough, they are in the Durango, they also had the foresight to design a full set of individual buttons, including for the heated steering wheel... My new favorite thing!!
The steering wheel heated up fast and was very welcome on this chilly January evening.
However, the heated driver seat on Hi, seemed barely warm.
The leather seating was very comfortable, although I'm not a fan of sweaty leather. I will probably opt for a trim level that does not include ventilated seats. I want the V8 but I'm not made if money! So, I can see some cloth seat covers in the near future.
One of the most shocking discoveries...Compared to the 2015 CX-9 is a mere 87 cu ft of cargo space! The cx-9 somehow manages 100 cu ft of cargo space despite having almost the exact same exterior dimensions!
Could the side curtain air bags be sapping 6 inches of interior space? Could the driver seats be that much further back that they absorb that much cargo space? The hood seems smaller than in the CX-9, so I don't think they lost interior space there. It's a mind bender 🤔.
Since I often travel with a 65" TV, this could be a deal breaker. I'll just have to see how it fits.
Speaking of the hood. I absolutely LOVE the mean LOOKS of all of those hood scoops, but that just leads to dissapointment. In actual day to day, I think you're better of without them.
The 2 venting scoops are just a cut-out in the hood with a cheesy plastic grill insert. That means, when you're following a truck on a rainy or snowy surface all of that gunk flying around is being deposited directly ONTO your engine! I
can foresee that requiring a weekly engine cleaning in the winter months.
The center scoop, although it has a barrier, does not seem connected to anything! I thought I'd open the hood and see some type of duct system leading to the air intake... Nope. Just another visual cue with no functionality.
I think that's one place where Dodge really disappointed.
There should have been a cloth barrier or channel on the vents to prevent at least some debris from entering the engine compartment. As well, the hood scoop should be functional.
I was expecting the rear seats to fold flat as I always do, but have yet to find any vehicle where that actually works as advertised.
This tester had the rear captain chairs without a console. Just a couple of cup holders molded into the floor between the seats. So your 3rd row passenger can stumble over your soda. Hmmm. Another puzzle. I suppose, I'm just a 2nd row bench kind of person. It's nice for the kids to stretch out there sometimes. But having spent most of my time as a driver, maybe I'm missing something.
This seems like a very nice overall package. Since dodge doesn't have anything to rival the Yukon or Expedition this is it!
(Alhough an Expedition with a V6 is just stupid. I would never buy that for more money).
We'll most likely be making our purchase as soon as the novelty wears off and they start offering a discount. Hopefully, that will happen before they outlaw the combustion engine later this year 😜
1/5 stars, Bad experience
Edgar,
GT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
Bought a 2021 gt durango for our family 2 weeks ago and is already having problems the motor shut off in the middle of the street 2 times In a day took it to de dealer and they didn't find anything
2021 Dodge Durango video
2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Review | Refreshed Exterior | Performance, Price, Features & More
Elana Scherr gets behind the wheel of Dodge's mega-powerful SUV, the Durango SRT Hellcat. With 710 horsepower from a supercharged V8, you'd certainly expect this Durango to be quick in a straight line. But what you might not expect is a strong combination of civility and utility — not to mention a best-in-class tow rating as well.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Durango safety features:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Illuminates a light on either of the Durango's side mirrors when a vehicle enters its blind spot.
- Forward Collision Warning
- Helps prevent an impact by sounding an alert when the Durango detects an imminent collision.
- Lane Departure Warning Plus
- Sounds a warning if the Durango begins to drift from its lane without a turn signal being activated.
Dodge Durango vs. the competition
2021 Dodge Durango
2021 Ford Explorer
Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer was one of the earliest vehicles to truly capitalize on the growing popularity of SUVs. The sixth-generation Explorer debuted in 2020 with an all-new design inside and out, a lineup of new engines (including a hybrid), and the latest tech and driver aids Ford has to offer. We like the Explorer's tow rating and sizable cargo area but found the interior to feel a bit cheap for what you pay.
Dodge Durango vs. Chevrolet Traverse
If passenger and cargo space is your No. 1 priority, the Chevy Traverse is a compelling crossover SUV. The interior is massive, offering significantly more cargo and passenger space than the Durango. But that's really the extent of our praise. The Traverse lacks any real personality especially compared to the muscle car-like Durango.
Dodge Durango vs. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is Edmunds' top-rated SUV. Its V6 engine can't match the Durango's power, especially when it's equipped with a V8. But it excels at just about everything we look for in a three-row SUV. It's comfortable and spacious and features a decent amount of standard tech. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Kia Telluride.
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FAQ
Is the Dodge Durango a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Durango both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. You probably care about Dodge Durango fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Durango gets an EPA-estimated 13 mpg to 21 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Durango ranges from 17.2 to 43.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Dodge Durango. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Dodge Durango?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Dodge Durango:
- SRT Hellcat with supercharged 6.2-liter V8 added to lineup
- Refreshed, more aggressive exterior design
- Refreshed interior with larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Part of the third Durango generation introduced for 2011
Is the Dodge Durango reliable?
To determine whether the Dodge Durango is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Durango. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Durango's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Dodge Durango is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Durango and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Durango is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Dodge Durango?
The least-expensive 2021 Dodge Durango is the 2021 Dodge Durango SXT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $32,570.
Other versions include:
- GT Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $43,270
- SXT Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $38,070
- GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $39,270
- SXT Plus 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $35,470
- SXT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $32,570
- GT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $36,670
- R/T 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $45,920
- SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $35,170
- R/T 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $48,520
- Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $51,020
- GT Plus 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $40,670
- Citadel 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $48,420
- SRT 392 4dr SUV AWD (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $64,570
- SRT Hellcat 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) which starts at $80,995
What are the different models of Dodge Durango?
If you're interested in the Dodge Durango, the next question is, which Durango model is right for you? Durango variants include GT Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A), SXT Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A), GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A), and SXT Plus 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of Durango models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more