2023 Dodge Durango

Overview

From the moment it first hit the streets for the 1998 model year, the Dodge Durango was always something of a muscle car in SUV form. The first gen’s muscular looks and throaty V8 rumble drew plenty of attention from buyers and critics alike. The 2023 Durango stays the course with its all-American styling and a welcome selection of burly powerplants, along with ample space and convenience features for the entire family. This model year only sees a few minor changes, including standard heated seats throughout the entire lineup and the addition of forward collision warning on the base SXT model.

The Perfect Ride For…

The go-getter with a big family. Not only does the Durango sport a kid-friendly third row, bumping the max seating capacity to a generous seven, but all three rows benefit from automatic climate control. The 2023 Durango boasts over 50 seating configurations, so you can mix and match your seating options. The second-row seats also fold and tumble for better third-row access. Fold the 60/40-split third-row seats and you’ll have a flat cargo area with up to 85.1 cubic feet of space for life’s toys and treasures. Opting for the available second-row center console cuts seating capacity to six, but you’ll get a pair of USB ports and a 115-volt power outlet in return. The rest of the interior matches the Durango’s muscle-car flair with a 7-inch digital cluster display placed front and center. An available 10.1-inch touchscreen rounds out the infotainment features, including available navigation, wireless smartphone connectivity, and more.

Drive and Handling

While other competitors sport the latest flavor of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the 2023 Durango gives you several naturally-aspirated engines to choose from, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Expect 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway on RWD models. If you want some more steak with your potatoes, then the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 answers that call. Available in the R/T and Citadel trims, this motor churns out a healthy 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.

If you have a craving for even more power, then you can step up to the SRT 392 and enjoy its 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. Equipped with standard all-wheel drive, this tire-shredding powerplant boasts 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. And guess what? There’s an SRT Hellcat version of the Durango, too. As you’d expect, it’s got the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 with a breathtaking 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. All engines come equipped with just one transmission option – an 8-speed automatic with available paddle shifters for finer control under spirited driving conditions.

Key Features

Towing Capacity

If you’re looking for a tow rig to haul your favorite power sports toys around, then the 2023 Durango is definitely the one to choose. V6-powered versions can tow up to 6,200 pounds. Meanwhile, the Hemi-powered R/T and Citadel trims can easily pull up to 7,400 pounds without breaking a sweat. Add the available Tow N’ Go Package and you’re looking at a substantial 8,400-pound max tow rating.

Safety

The 2023 Durango comes with more safety and driver assist features than you can shake a stick at, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path Detection. You’ll also find several braking assist features, from a Rain Brake Support feature that keeps the brake pads drier to preserve stopping power to a Ready Alert Braking system that preps the brakes for panic stops.

Alternative Options

Drivers who love Dodge but want a lavish sedan will love the Charger. For those who want a true sports car experience, the Challenger may be more your speed. Not sure? The MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup team is here to guide you, from test drive to service and beyond. Contact us today or take a look at our inventory to get started. 

Image Credit: Dodge