2023 Dodge Durango Review by KBB.com

The Dodge Durango gets a few updates for 2023. It picks up four new paint options; Frostbite, Night Moves, Red Oxide, and Triple Nickel. Heated front seats are now standard, and forward collision warning is now optional on the SXT trim.

2023 also marks the return of the Durango SRT Hellcat, which was originally intended to be a one-year thing when it debuted in 2021.

It’s worth noting that the Durango’s former mechanical cousin, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, was fully redesigned for 2022. It’s possible we might see an all-new Durango debut for 2024.

The standard V6 engine in the Durango provides plenty of power for everyday driving. Some base engines in this segment tend to have weak highway passing ability with a full load of passengers, but we haven’t encountered that problem in our testing with the V6.

However, if you’re shopping for a Durango, there’s a good chance it’s because you’re interested in its V8 engine offerings. The most affordable 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T models adds satisfying muscle to the Durango and a titillating exhaust note to match.

Upgrading to the SRT 392 trim is where you get performance that’s hard to match in a 3-row SUV at this price point. More than just an engine upgrade, it also adds Brembo brakes and a Bilstein active-damping suspension system, significantly improving stopping power and handling.

Finally, the thrilling SRT Hellcat model is one of the most powerful production SUVs on the market. It borrows the supercharged V8 engine from the SRT Hellcat variants of the Dodge Charger and Challenger turning this SUV into a 6-seat rocket (second-row captain’s chairs are standard in the Hellcat).

The interior of the Dodge Durango is spacious and practical. We found the third row a bit cramped for adults, but it accommodates kids, and the first two rows are pretty spacious. The Durango also boasts above-average cargo room for a midsize SUV, adding to its practicality.

Available second-row captain’s chairs make the second row more comfortable and the third row easier to access. The captain’s chairs are standard on the SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models and optional on the lower trims.

The Durango’s interior is starting to feel a bit dated in 2023 compared to more modern rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot. However, it can get pretty refined with options like Nappa leather seating and a Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio system.

The Dodge Durango has muscular styling reminiscent of the Dodge Charger sedan. Many family SUVs tend to blend in with traffic, but the head-turning Durango isn’t one of them.

Like Dodge’s muscle cars, the Durango model range has some nice visual variety. The V8-powered models have a more aggressive hood, while the SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models have unique wheel designs, red brake calipers, and SRT badging.

In terms of size, the Durango is right in-line with the midsize 3-row SUV class with dimensions resembling the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

Powerful engines
The Dodge Durango has a stunning range of engines similar to the ones available in the Dodge Charger and Challenger. This gives the Durango a thrilling performance, especially for a 3-row family SUV.

Muscular styling
The Dodge Durango is no sleeper, with macho styling to match its muscular performance. It gets a meaner look as you upgrade to the more powerful V8 engines and has exterior styling options like over-the-top stripes, head-turning paint options, and the SRT Black package.

Uconnect
The Uconnect infotainment system in the Dodge Durango is feature-rich and user-friendly. The standard system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and you can upgrade it with navigation, Amazon Alexa, wireless smartphone connectivity, and multiple options for premium audio systems.

Tow up to 8,700 pounds
When properly equipped, the Dodge Durango boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. That’s towing muscle similar to more expensive full-size SUVs.

Seating for seven
You wouldn’t be far off if you call the Dodge Durango a 7-seat muscle car. 3-row seating comes standard.

Blacktop Package
The Blacktop Package adds a more menacing look to the Durango with gloss black exterior trim, 20-inch black wheels, black badging, and a black headliner. It’s available on the SXT, GT, and R/T trims.

The 2023 Dodge Durango lineup features four engine options.

Standard V6
The base V6 is the prudent choice in the Dodge Durango. You get this engine in the SXT, GT, and Citadel models. It strikes a nice balance of performance and efficiency, making it suitable if you’re looking for a practical family hauler with distinct styling. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

3.6-liter V6
293 horsepower (295 hp in GT and Citadel) @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (RWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)

R/T V8
The 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T models is the entry-level V8 in the Durango. It improves the performance and towing capacity over the V6, making driving more entertaining. However, you’ll be paying a penalty at the fuel pump. It’s not as efficient as the V6, and Dodge recommends mid-grade gas, adding to the fuel costs.

5.7-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 mpg (RWD & AWD)

SRT 392 V8
The 6.4-liter V8 engine in the SRT 392 trims is sourced from the Dodge Charger and Challenger Scat Pack models. With a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, it significantly boosts performance over the V8 in the R/T models, plus upgrades to the brakes and suspension. You also get standard AWD with this engine.

Fuel costs are higher than the 5.7-liter V8 because of the lower mpg ratings and the cost of premium gas.

6.4-liter V8
475 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
470 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 mpg

SRT Hellcat supercharged V8
The SRT Hellcat models bring peak performance to the Durango with a supercharged V8 generating a whopping 710 horsepower. Fuel economy is rather dismal, but no one said 700+ horsepower was cheap. Like the SRT 392, the Hellcat has standard AWD. Dodge claims this monster can get from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds.

6.2-liter supercharged V8
710 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
645 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/17 mpg

More Durango fuel economy information is available at the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The 2023 Dodge Durango is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.