The 2018 Dodge Durango is offered in six different trims, with V6 or V8 engines and a choice between standard rear- and optional 4-wheel-drive throughout the model line. Base Durango SXT, value-oriented SXT Plus, and GT models come with a 290-hp, 3.6L V6; Citadel models come with the same standard V6 but can be optioned up to a 360-hp, 5.7L Hemi V8. R/T models come with the Hemi V8 as standard, while the top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive SRT is powered by a 475-hp 6.4L V8.
All Durangos are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine features a system that will shut the engine off when at a stop and start it as soon as the driver releases the brake. Hemi V8-equipped Durangos feature a fuel-saver mode that aids gas mileage when during coasting or low-speed cruising.
All models have 4-wheel disc brakes, and they ride on a short/long-arm front suspension with rear multi-link arrangement. Both the front and rear of the Durango are isolated on cradles, to allow comfort and control on rougher surfaces off the pavement or under load. SRT models benefit from Brembo 6-piston disc brakes and a Bilstein active-damping high-performance suspension.
Two different family-friendly layouts in the Durango permit both six- or seven-passenger seating--depending on the second row, where a second-row bench is standard on most of the models, but dual captain's chairs are available, with two different console layouts, including one that permits easy access to the third row. There's a total of 85 cubic feet with both sets of rear seatbacks folded, which is enough to fit a 6-foot couch or a coffee table, according to Dodge. Otherwise, there are a total of 30 storage areas, including plenty of smaller cubbies.
The base SXT level comes with the 290-hp V6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, 7-passenger seating, a backup camera, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, heated mirrors, a tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, cruise control and SiriusXM satellite radio.
The GT brings premium leather upholstery, heated first- and second-row seats, a power liftgate, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, power-adjustable seats, proximity entry, remote start and alarm as well as a UConnect stereo with Bluetooth. ParkView back-up camera and ParkSense park-assist system are also included.
Both SXT and GT models can be optioned up with rain-sensing wipers, navigation, HID headlamps, rear-seat DVD entertainment and Blindspot Monitoring and Cross-Path detection.
R/T models are a sporty option of the lineup and get the 360-hp Hemi V8 as standard, with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, plus HID headlamps, a unique front fascia, special interior trim and an auto-leveling sport suspension to help provide the best ride possible considering the added power on the road.
The top-of-the-line Durango is the SRT, which rides on 20-inch Goliath wheels. In addition to the powerful 6.4L Hemi, the SRT includes active noise cancellation and SRT Performance Pages, which allows drivers to see a host of real-time performance metrics. Meanwhile, SRT Drive Modes include engine, transmission and suspension settings for street, track, and race modes. Luxury features include soft ventilated and heated leather seats, a power sunroof, HID headlamps, a navigation system, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel and Uconnect. Adaptive cruise control is on offer as well.
The look of the R/T can be had without its thirsty V8 engine or the R/T's higher sticker price by optioning the SXT up to a Rallye Appearance Package, which adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, plus black-bezel headlamps and body-color moldings, grille and rear fascias.
Side-curtain airbags are standard throughout the model line to cover outboard passengers in all three rows, and front seats have active head restraints and their own thorax-protecting side bags. Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection help the driver spot potential hazards, while the electronic stability control system includes Hill-Start Assist as well as trailer-sway control. Tow ratings range up to 8700 pounds in the SRT with its 6.4L V8.
Family-friendly Layout
Truck Toughness
Brawny Powertrains
Impressive Towing Capability
Comfortable Seating
Upscale Cabin Appointments
Advanced Tech And Safety Features
Performance-oriented SRT Model
For 2018, the Durango lineup gains a high-performance SRT model, which features a 475-hp 6.4L V8. Dodge claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Elsewhere, all Durangos now include a backup camera and 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as a new gearshift lever and sport steering wheel with paddle shifters. GT models include suede bucket seats and a power liftgate; those equipped with either the Brass Monkey or Blacktop appearance packages now have a performance hood.
With a starting price of around $30,000, the Dodge Durango is one of the best full-size SUV values available. With an 8-speed transmission available, standard remote keyless entry, and three-zone climate control as well as available 20-inch rims, the Durango is a hard package to beat at this price.
The Durango also remains one of the safest SUV picks for a large family, as it's been a repeat IIHS Top Safety Pick and it's one of the best picks on the market for those who need to carry a large family while also towing a trailer. Tow ratings for the Durango range up to 8,700 pounds with the V8 or 6,200 pounds with the V6.
