more about this model The 2018 Dodge Durango is big, burly and ripped with bold style. You won't mistake its aggressive looks for anything else. But this big seven-seater has more going for it than just 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, and 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. Normally we prefer vehicles that have had more recent updates, but we like the Durango just the way it is. This year, Dodge keeps interest level high with the release of the Durango SRT, an answer to a question that no one asked, but a 475-horsepower answer that we like just the same. Not content to simply have an outstanding family shuttle that's roomy and ideally suited for long-distance travel, Dodge wants to make sure the short-distance hops can be done at maximum enjoyment as well. With a savage 6.4-liter V8 underhood, the Durango SRT moves from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Most mortal Durangos are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 tuned for 293 hp (295 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. The new SRT with its 6.4-liter V8 can tow up to 8,600 pounds.
Unfortunately, the trade-off for the Durango's muscle is fuel economy. The EPA rates the rear-drive V6 Durango at 21 mpg combined. The V8 engine drops that figure to 17 mpg combined or 15 combined for the new SRT version. Clearly, you're not buying a Durango for its fuel economy.
But the Durango has no shortage of interior space, and even the third row is suitable for adults. We like the roomy back seat, 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 five models. The base SXT has plenty of equipment for families on the go, while the 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. The bonkers SRT model is simply committed to taking families wherever they need to go as quickly as possible. Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2018 Dodge Durango for you.
2018 Dodge Durango Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Dodge Durango and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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.
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
Available Dodge Durango 2018 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, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Octane Red Pearl Coat, Billet Metallic Clear Coat, Maximum Steel 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, Black Clearcoat, Mineral Gray Metallic Clearcoat, Patriot Blue Pearlcoat, True Blue Pearl Coat, Bright White Clearcoat, Stone White Clearcoat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat, Atlantic Blue Pearlcoat, 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, Dark Graystone/Medium Graystone cloth, Black premium cloth, Black/Light Frost Beige cloth, Black/Tan premium leather, Medium Slate Gray Two-Tone 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, Heated seats, Alarm, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Remote Start, Leather Seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Electronic Folding Mirrors, 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.
