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Dodge Durango

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$3,100 - $4,350

RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup truck, the Durango is a big, brawny SUV with a husky V8 and seating for seven. But its seats are uncomfortable, its ride harsh, and its V8 thirsty.

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2002 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Large SUVs Ratings

$3,100 - $4,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,925 - $3,450
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,300 - $5,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,200 - $5,925
economy-icon
EPA MPG 15 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,050 - $4,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
3 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
4WD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 4.7-liter V8 (235 hp)
  • 5.9-liter V8 (245 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2014-
Current Generation

In 2014, a new eight-speed automatic transmission was adopted, which improved fuel economy and performance for both engines. Visibility is limited, but a rear-view camera is available. The midrange Limited trim includes lots of desirable features, including a pair of heated leather seats and steering wheel, in addition to the highly desirable Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system. The optional Safety/Security and Convenience Package and the Navigation and Power Liftgate Package are useful additions. Active cruise control and forward-collision monitoring requires finding either the top-of-the-line Citadel trim, or the R/T with Technology Package. Updates for 2021 include a new top-level Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Plus, there's a new top-performance model, called SRT Hellcat. There's also a refreshed interior with new controls, including dedicated heated and cooled seat buttons and a more intuitive gear selector. For 2022, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard. For 2025, the Durango lineup is simplified to three trims: GT, with its 295-hp V6, R/T, with a 360-hp V8, and SRT Hellcat, with its mighty 710-hp supercharged V8. Several R/T and SRT Hellcat special-edition versions are offered as well.

2011-2013
2011 Redesign Year
The 2011 redesign transformed the Durango into a different animal: a quiet, spacious, comfortable SUV akin to the reborn Jeep Grand Cherokee, but a smidgen larger. It has a roomy third-row seat and strong V6 and V8 engines, both with impressive towing capacity. Handling is surprisingly good for this big SUV and the interior can honestly be characterized as well appointed. Safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control as standard equipment. Forward-collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection are also available for this generation of the Durango.
2004-2009
2004 Redesign Year
A 2004 redesign made the three-row Dodge Durango larger and nicer to drive than its predecessor, which was introduced in 2001. The 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 provided strong acceleration, but fuel economy is exceptionally poor at 12 mpg. Regardless of engine choice, handling is clumsy, though ultimately secure and the ride is compliant. However, interior quality is lacking and overall spaciousness leaves room for improvement. The optional adjustable pedals help improve overall comfort, but ultimately, this version of the Durango is mediocre at best.
1998-2003
1998 Redesign Year

Derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup, the Durango is a midsized SUV. It looks spacious and well equipped on paper, but it's less impressive on the road. The Durango handles like a big truck, with little agility or feedback. The ride is stiff and choppy, especially with a full load. The one we tested also had marginal brakes. Off-road performance is no better; the Durango's weight, long wheelbase, and protruding rear suspension make it scrape bottom easily. Four-wheel-drive models now have a smooth 4.7-liter V8, which makes them quicker and more pleasant. An easy-to-fold third-row seat is a notable option.