more about this model You won't mistake the aggressive-looking 2017 Dodge Durango for anything else, but this big seven-seater has more going for it than looks. It's a spacious and capable SUV with available V8 power, giving it the muscle for heavy towing jobs that would otherwise require a full-size truck-based SUV. We like it — not just for its abilities, but for the way it stands out from the crowd.
The Durango has been around for awhile; the current version was launched in 2011 and saw its last makeover in 2014. This year, Dodge has replaced the old midrange Limited model with the sporty-themed GT, and the base model can now be had with five seats as well as the standard seven. Normally we prefer vehicles that have had more recent updates, but we like the Durango just the way it is.
Most Durangos are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 tuned for 290 horsepower (295 in the Citadel model or with the Blacktop package) and 260 pound-feet of torque. But the V6 Durango can be equipped to tow up to 6,200 pounds, significantly more than its rivals. In Edmunds testing, a rear-drive V6-powered Durango made the run to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, while all-wheel drive increased that to 8.1 seconds — slow times compared to the segment's best and a consequence of the Durango's heavy weight.
Standard on R/T models and optional on Citadel is a big 5.7-liter V8 that produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. Like the V6 it gets an eight-speed automatic, but unlike the V6 its optional four-wheel-drive system includes a low-range transfer case for better off-road ability. The V8 can tow up to 7,400 pounds, and you'll need a full-size body-on-frame SUV if you want to match that number.
Unfortunately, the trade-off for the Durango's muscle is fuel economy. The EPA rates the rear-drive V6 Durango at 21 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway), with all-wheel drive cutting 1 mpg from the city and highway figures. The V8 engine drops that figure to 17 mpg combined (14 city/22 highway) with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
But the Durango has no shortage of interior space, and even the third row is suitable for adults, a rarity in this class. We like the roomy backseat, which is easy to access thanks to big doors that open to nearly 90 degrees. The dash design isn't our favorite, but we love the 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment system. We are also fans of the Durango's comfortable ride, but you can feel its heft in the corners.
Dodge sells the Durango in four models. The base SXT has plenty of equipment for families on the go, while the new GT adds attractive styling cues and a more upscale interior. The Citadel offers most of Dodge's available luxury features, while the R/T concentrates on performance with a V8 engine and a stiffer suspension. Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Dodge Durango for you.
2017 Dodge Durango Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Dodge Durango and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Durango featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Dodge Durango and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Durango 4.1 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Durango.
Vehicle
Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
Review
If this isn't the best SUV on the market, I don't know what is. The Durango Citadel AWD we bought easily beats the Honda Pilot and Volvo XC90, which we considered, researched, and drove. The Durango's ride, comfort, technology (driver assist and ease-of-use), quietness, tow capability, space, and value are all better than the other two vehicles. In particular, we found the Pilot's ergonomics to need a fair amount of improvement. We especially like the rear bucket seats and console, along with the ample number and variety of electronic plugs. The car's controls, both front and rear as well as buttons and electronic, are very straightforward and easy to use. Attention to little details and conveniences, such as the handy built-in flashlight in the rear or the tuck-away roof crossbars, is splendid on the Durango.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Dodge Durango
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Dodge Durango earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Dodge Durango 2017 Submodel Types: SUV, SRT
Available Trims: SXT, Limited, Citadel, R/T, GT, SLT, Crew, SRT, Sport, Express, Anodized Platinum, ST, SLT Plus, Adventurer, Heat
Exterior Colors: Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Granite Metallic Clear Coat, White Knucle Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Octane Red Pearl Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Billet Metallic Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Blu By You Pearl Coat, Redline 2 Pearl Coat, Vice White Tri-Coat Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearlcoat, Bruiser Grey Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Patriot Blue Pearlcoat, Mineral Gray Metallic Clearcoat, Black Clearcoat, Bright White Clearcoat, True Blue Pearl Coat, Atlantic Blue Pearlcoat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat, Stone White Clearcoat, Flame Red Clearcoat, Sandstone Pearl Coat, Dark Charcoal Pearlcoat, Stout Brown Metallic Clear Coat, Deep Molten Red Pearlcoat, Graphite Metallic Clearcoat, Light Khaki Metallic Clearcoat, Black Forest Green Pearl Coat, Bomber Brown Pearl Coat, Ivory 3 Coat, Natural Green Pearlcoat, Blackberry Pearlcoat, Flame Red, Forest Green PC, Red Pearl Coat, Rugged Brown Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clearcoat, True Blue Pearlcoat, Black, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Chili Pepper Red Pearlcoat, Forest Green, Forest Green Pearlcoat, Marine Blue Pearlcoat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clearcoat, Mineral Gray Metallic Clear Coat, Redline 2 Pealcoat, Redline 2 Pearlcoat
Interior Colors: Black leather, Black cloth, Black premium leather, Black leather/sueded microfiber, Black/Light Frost Beige leather, Medium Slate Gray, Medium Slate Gray Two-Tone premium leather, Black/Light Frost Beige cloth, Dark Graystone/Medium Graystone cloth, Black premium cloth, Black/Tan premium leather, Dark Slate Gray/Light Slate Gray leather, Dark Graystone/Medium Graystone leather, Black/Light Frost Beige premium leather, Dark Slate Gray, Black/Red premium leather, Khaki, Khaki Two-Tone leather, Khaki Two-Tone premium leather, Agate
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Third-row seating, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, AWD/4WD, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Auto Climate Control, Trip Computer, Aux Audio Inputs, Power Driver Seat, Automatic Emergency Braking, Post-collision safety system, Bluetooth, 6000lb Towing Capacity, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Parking sensors, Alarm, Heated seats, Remote Start, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Leather Seats, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation, Keyless Entry/Start, Mobile Internet, Upgraded Headlights, Towing Hitch, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Cooled Seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Upgraded Stereo, Rear Entertainment System, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Engine, 8000lb Towing Capacity, Pre-collision safety system, 5000lb Towing Capacity, 3500lb Towing Capacity, 2500lb Towing Capacity
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended), flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, four wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
