2020 Dodge Durango

The Durango packs muscle car aura among mundane midsize SUVs with available 5.7L HEMI V8 and the classic “coke bottle” styling. It’s fun to drive through corners as well. The interior is classy and roomy with a decent third row and cavernous cargo capacity. All that muscle also give it best-in-class tow capacity – by a wide margin. Also, the fuel economy is not especially bad.

Dodge Durango flaunts some alluring performance as well as interior feats that most of its class rivals don't. Though an option for the V8 engine is also available, it needs to be added at the expense of too-low fuel economy. Nonetheless, there is plenty of room for passengers as well as for the cargo.

There is no scarcity of options with the availability of seven trims for the 2020 Dodge Durango. Furthermore, there are 2 different variants available per trim, FWD and AWD. So, in a way, there are a total of 10 makes to choose among. The GT variant with its styling cues borrowed from the R/T and SRT cousins looks a lot more aggressive than the base SXT. The Citadel takes luxury standards to a whole new level with its 8.4-inch touchscreen as opposed to the formers’ 7-inch touchscreen.

Trim	SXT	SXT Plus	GT	GT Plus	Citadel	Citadel Anodized Platinum
MSRP RWD	$30,495	$34,690	$34,895	$39,245	$42,995	$46,270
MSRP AWD	$33,095	$37,290	$37.495	$41,845	$45,595	$52,865
Key features	Electric Steering wheel	Eco Suspension 3	Rear load levelling suspension	Rain brake support	Sport mode	Rear air conditioning with heater
	Acoustic windshield	Exterior mirror with a heating	GT badge	Auto headlamps	HID headlamps	Auto-dimming rearview mirror
	UConnect	SiriusXM	Apple CarPlay	Android Auto	Nappa leather upholstery	Sunroof
	7-inch touchscreen	18-inch aluminium wheels	Alpine 6-speaker sound system	20-inch satin carbon wheels	Alpine 9-speaker sound system	20-inch chrome aluminium wheels

We Recommend

For those who are satisfied with just muscle-car looks, the SXT plus at $33,490 is our recommendation as to its more efficient than the rest and comes with plenty of standard and optional features. However, if you want a true muscle car experience, get the 5.7 L HEMI V8 equipped Durango R/T (43,695). Along with that V8 roar, it rides in a civilized manner with plenty of creature comfort.

There are three engines on offer – a 3.6L Pentastar V6, a 5.7L HEMI V8, and SRT exclusive 6.4L HEMI SRT V8. The V6 comes in two states of tune – 293 hp in two SXT trims and 295 hp on all higher trims. The V6 engines power output is average among the competition and it can handle everyday driving effortlessly. While cruising, it emits a refined sound and the throttle response is linear.

You get an 8-speed automatic transmission in the Durango, capable of manual shifts (optional in some variants). The base 8-speed auto is fine for everyday use but lacks speed when the need arises. There optional gearbox, another 8-speed auto, but with better response times.

Models	Dodge Durango	Honda Pilot	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Telluride
MSRP	$30,495	$31,550	$31,550	$31,690
Engine	3.6L Regular V6	3.5L Regular V6	3.8L Regular V6	3.8L Regular V6
Drivetrain	RWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Transmission	8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	6-speed automatic w/OD	8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
Power	295hp@6,400rpm	280hp@6,000rpm	291hp@6,000rpm	291hp@6,000rpm
Torque	260lb-ft @ 4,000rpm	262lb-ft @4,700rpm	262lb-ft @5,200rpm	262lb-ft @5,200rpm

All other three-row SUVs in this comparo get fairly competent engines, but none make quite as much power the one the Durango. The Honda Pilot with its 280 hp 3.5-litre V6 seems to be the most runty on charts.

Acceleration

Dodge Durango has a lethargic acceleration, which is certainly not something great about the 5-seater. The ride takes 7.6 seconds for accelerating to 60 MPH. Furthermore, Durango covers a quarter-mile in 15.8 seconds. Both feats are the most unimpressive among its class rivals. 

The Durango also profits considerably from its near-perfect 50/50 mass configuration. So as this huge Dodge hastens, the weight moves to the drive axle to improve downforce and gain traction.

Model	Dodge Durango	Honda Pilot	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Telluride
0-60 MPH	7.6 sec	6.2 sec	N/A	7.2 sec
Quarter Mile	15.8 sec	14.8 sec	N/A	15.4 sec
Top Speed	N/A	N/A	130 MPH	N/A
Engine	3.6L Regular V6	3.5L Regular V6	3.8L Regular V6	3.8L Regular V6

The Honda Pilot is the least powerful SUV in this rivalry, but you will be surprised by its acceleration as 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph is amusing.

Braking 

All Durango except the SRT gets 13.8-inch brakes on all four wheels. These brakes are assigned to slow down over 4700 pounds of SUV and they do their assignment properly.  The Durango SRT gets fancier Brembo six-piston high-performance brakes.

The responsive braking system allows the coupe to come to a complete halt in a distance of 134 feet when decelerated from 60 MPH. This is not the worst offering among its class rivals because of its heft.

Model	Dodge Durango	Honda Pilot	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Telluride
Brake Rotors Front	13.8"	12.6"	NA	13.4"
Brake Rotors Rear	13.0"	13.0"	NA	12.0"
Curb Weight	4,680 lbs	4,036 lbs	4,127 lbs	4,211 lbs
60-0 MPH	134 ft	128 ft	129 ft	126 ft

Likewise, when it comes to braking, the Honda Pilot surpasses the rest. It is the tiniest car in this face-off, and that improves this Pilot with both acceleration and braking. 

Ride and Handling

The Durango is far more entertaining to drive than other more mundane Mid-size SUVs. As far as big SUVs go, the Durango has responsive steering and well-controlled body roll. Also, considering the capability, the ride quality is not bad. Although the Durango has an overall sporty attitude, the SXT and Citadel trim ride with more compliance. However, if you want to see how close a three-row SUV can get to a muscle car, get the Durango R/T. If you are ready to spend, buy Durango SRT with Bilstein Active-Damping High-Performance Suspension for teaching your family how to hug an apex on a track day.

It's obvious that handling available for the Dodge Durango is far from being sporty due to its voluminous size. Nonetheless, that doesn't mean that the ride quality is unenjoyable or poor. The SUV generates a little body lean in turns in addition to flaunting sharp, acute handling. There are a selected few midsize SUVs that offer nimble handling and  The 2020 Dodge Durango is proudly enlisted amongst them.

In order to let the passengers enjoy a shock-free ride, Dodge Durango comes with a powerful suspension. For those looking to enjoy a sporty ride with the Dodge Durango, R/T trim is the one to opt for. It comes with a number of performance enhancements, including a sporty suspension. Probably, the biggest attraction is the engine upgrade from V6 to V8.

Durango is the thirstiest midsize SUV – not a surprise considering its racy attitude and huge towing capacity. However, the V6 is just 1 mpg thirstier than the competition – a genuine surprise. Even the 5.7L V8 is not that thirsty. It delivers 14 mpg in city and 22 on the highway – comparable to a wide variety of powerful engines. When it comes range the Durango can churn most miles.

Model	Dodge Durango	Honda Pilot	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Telluride
MPG (City)	18	19	19	20
MPG (Highway)	25	27	26	26
MPG (Combined)	21	22	22	23
Fuel Capacity	24.6 gallons	19.5 gallons	18.8 gallons	18.8 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	467/640/516 miles	371/527/429 miles	357/489/413 miles	376/489/432 miles
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	8.4	8.0	8.0	7.6

Honda Pilot has the most combined fuel economy of 22 mpg at its disposal. The ride offers a highway fuel economy of 27 mpg and 19 miles per gallon of gas in cities. Even though the Telluride and the Palisade share an identical powertrain, the one on the Kia is somewhat more fuel-efficient than the Hyundai.

The Durango can seat 7 people – 5 of them in a first and second row will be treated to generous space to stretch out. However, even two in the third row will be better accommodated than some of the rivals. The high seating position gives you a commanding view outside but tree-trunk like pillars do create some blind-spot (they also reinforce the feeling of being inside a fortified “Citadel”

The Dodge Durango, keeping with its sporty demeanour, gets sport steering wheel as standard. The driving position offers a commanding view outside and the first and second rows are roomy. However, the third row is cozy. The material quality is impressive in areas where they matter but hidden areas get some cheap pieces.

While base SXT trims are comparatively bare, the Citadel trims get sumptuous Nappa leather, plenty of amenities and even suede headliner. U-connect infotainment is widely regarded as best in business and this does not disappoint either.

Model	Dodge Durango	Honda Pilot	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Telluride
Passenger Capacity	7	8	8	8
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	39.9/57.0/40.3	40.1/62.0/40.9	40.7/61.2/44.1	40.0/61.6/44.1
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	39.8/42.8/38.6	40.2/62.0/38.4	40.1/60.8/42.4	40.2/61.2/42.4
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	37.8/42.8/31.5	38.9/57.6/31.9	38.2/55.0/31.4	38.1/55.3/31.4

All of the rivals can seat more passengers than the Durango SUV, but in terms of space, there is no difference.

Interior Features

The many comfort features of the 2020 Dodge Durango include:

• Heated front seats
• 12-volt auxiliary power outlet
• Three-zone automatic temperature control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Electronic vehicle information centre
• Media hub
• Power door locks
• Power sunroof
• Temperature and compass gauge
• Tilt/telescoping steering column

Infotainment

The Fiat Chrysler group (to which, the Dodge brand belongs) has among the best infotainment system in the automotive business and the Durango is the natural beneficiary. While the base SXT and SXT plus get 7-inch U-connect as standard, the crisp 8.5-inch touchscreen-equipped U-connect infotainment can be had with premium group package ($2,395) in Durango GT. All higher trims get 8.4 U-connect as standard.

Infotainment Features

• Android Auto integration
• Apple CarPlay support,
• Integrated Voice Command
• Bluetooth Streaming Audio
• SiriusXM

Cargo Capacity

The Durango has 17.2 cubic feet of luggage capacity with all seats up – amongst the lowest in the segment. However, folding the third row liberates 47.7 cubic feet of cargo space – second only to the Hyundai Palisade. Additionally, the second row can be folded for 84.5 cubic feet of luggage space useful for carrying longer items. Power lift-gate (available from SXT plus onwards) adds convenience.

Cargo volume to seats 3 isn't available in the  Dodge Durango. Honda Pilot LX offers the most of this space, measuring 16.5 cubic feet of dedicated space. 

Model	Dodge Durango	Honda Pilot	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Telluride
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	17.2	16.5	18.0	21.0

The Kia Telluride successes when it comes to usability. Even though it's wheelbase is shorter than the Durango, it still accomplishes to clear up more space on the inside to stash your belongings.

Dodge has tried to infuse plenty of muscle car characteristics in the Durango. The bulging bonnet, muscularly sculpted curves, and the classic “coke bottle” lines. While the side profile is relatively plain, the rear end is dominated by Dodges distinctive “Race Track” LED tail-lights that span the entire width of the car.

You can further spice up the look by paying more. The blacktop package ($995) gives your Durango SXT Plus that dark mean bat-mobile look while the Anodized Platinum Package ($995) makes your Durango SXT look like a Durango Citadel. The Durango GT can be fitted with a “performance hood” for $995. The R/T gets a “Brass Monkey Appearance” package for $695.

Model	Dodge Durango	Honda Pilot	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Telluride
Curb Weight	4,680 lbs	4,036 lbs	4,127 lbs	4,211 lbs
Length	201.2"	196.5"	196.1"	196.9"
Width	75.8"	78.6"	77.8"	78.3"
Height	70.9"	70.6"	68.9"	68.9"
Ground Clearance	8.1"	7.3"	7.9"	8.0"
Wheelbase	119.8"	111.0"	114.2"	114.2"

The other contestants of the Dodge Durango are not only lighter but also have a shorter wheelbase than it. Still, the Durango handles and accelerates much better.

Exterior Features 

The most eye-catching external features of the 2020 Dodge Durango are:

• 20-inch gloss black aluminium wheels
• Integrated roof rail crossbars
• Chrome headlamp bezels
• Halogen headlamps
• LED taillamps with red accents
• Projector fog lamps
• Roof scoop

This is a criterion where the 2020 Dodge Durango performs inadequately. While the competitors score 5-stars in NHTSA crash test, Durango only scores 4-star. Also, Dodge Durango has scored “Marginal” in IIHS small front overlap crash test.

Active safety features and advanced driver assistance systems start to pour in from GT trim onwards. Getting a Durango GT with Technology group ($2,595) package equips you with:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop
• Advanced Brake Assist
• Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus
• Lane Departure Warning Plus
• Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection
• Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers

Dodge Durango vs. Honda Pilot

Another competitor to the Dodge Durango is the Honda Pilot LX. Supporting a 3.5L V6 engine, the ride makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission mode for gear-shifting. The V6 engine in Pilot LX generates 280 hp of power and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. Pricing options for the SUV start from $30,595. Honda Pilot LX rushes to 60 MPH in just 6.1 seconds. Though it is not remarkable, it is the best that one can get in the class.

The Honda Pilot is one of the most well rounded midsize SUV with well-equipped, spacious seats (even the third row) and high-quality materials. An efficient and powerful engine pulls the pilot briskly along the road. On top of that, the Pilot comes with Honda’s reputation of reliability and has great resale value too. However, the Durango is far more entertaining with its V8 and it can tow more too.

Dodge Durango vs. Hyundai Palisade

In the segment, Hyundai Santa Fe Limited has the least engine capacity of 3.3L. The ride features a 3.3L V6 engine that delivers 290 hp of power and 252 lb.-ft. of torque. Santa Fe Limited relies on a 6-speed automatic transmission mode for gear-shifting. 

The opening bid for the coupe is set at $30,800. The ride takes 6.7 seconds for hitting the 60 MPH mark. It takes 15.2 seconds to cover a quarter-mile. Not impressive but still better than the Dodge Durango.

Dodge Durango flaunts some alluring performance as well as interior feats that most of its class rivals don't. Moreover, the ride flaunts a powerful V6 engine. Though an option for the V8 engine is also available, it needs to be added at the expense of too-low fuel economy. Nonetheless, there is plenty of room for passengers as well as for the cargo.

Dodge Durango competitors outshine the midsize SUV in terms of a lengthy standard feature list and less expensive upper trims. Furthermore, some rivals even offer better fuel economy. Nonetheless, Dodge Durango remains a top performer in the midsize SUV category with lavish interiors and an impressive towing capacity.