2019 Dodge Durango

The SXT starts at $30,445, with the SXT Plus a little more at $34,440. From there, a GT will cost you $34,895, a GT Plus $39,245, while moving to the upper echelons of the range sees the Citadel priced at $43,245 and the range-topping Anodized Platinum selling for $46,520. The addition of AWD is a further $2,600 while fitting the V8 to the Citadel models adds $3,995. Those prices exclude tax, registration, and licensing fees, as well as Dodge's destination charge of $1,495.

The Durango offers a surprisingly comfortable ride for a large three-row SUV, suited more to long-distance family holidays than heavy-duty off-road work. Things are kept reasonably soft over most road imperfections and fluctuations without losing composure. The standard suspension reads road deformities well and remains stable around bends and sharp turns. Because of its rear-wheel biased configuration, it also feels a bit sportier than FWD based rivals, particularly with a soulful V8 under the hood of the Citadel. The Durango's size and weight can certainly be felt when it comes to corners, though, feeling boat-like due to the slow steering rack that requires more input than necessary.

The steering weight is good and responses are precise, though it does require a lot of effort and doesn't promptly self-center. There is no brake-pedal delay, and stopping-power is adequate for the heavy SUV, but panic braking yields some fade.

Off-road capability is good as a result of the Durango's 8.1-inch ground clearance and available dual-range transfer case on V8-equipped models. But it's not quite on par with smaller, more focused offroaders like the Jeep Grand Cherokee with its shorter wheelbase.

While the third-generation Durango arrived almost a decade ago, its class-leading towing capacity and highly versatile seating and storage arrangements give it a leg up on many newer rivals. The infotainment system and connectivity options are contemporary, and the standard comfort and convenience features are relatively extensive. While power is adequate for utility, the economy is only average at best. A spacious cabin caters for up to seven adults, and while the materials hardly feel premium, the build quality feels decent and the layout is intuitive and functional. Where the Durango falls short, though, is in its poor predicted reliability ratings and the lack of advanced driver assistance features standard on even the highest trims. Its sheer heft also makes it difficult to drive in confined spaces. For long-distance road trips, though, the Durango is a lounge on wheels, and its comfort combined with muscle-car attitude make it an unforgettable entrant in the three-row arena.

We would suggest opting for the Dodge Durango GT Plus as along with its exclusive sporty exterior aesthetic and appealing range of standard-fit features, it also has access to the greatest range of optional packages and equipment groups. As standard, it boasts a favorable selection of comfort and convenience features such as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats and has access to a Safety/Security and Convenience Group which adds driver-assist and safety elements that we highly recommend including. Another advantage of the GT Plus is that it can be optioned with either a three-seater second-row bench or second-row captains chairs.

The Durango isn't the only decade-old competitor in the segment. The Ford Explorer is the most efficient of the two aging SUVs with EPA estimates of 19/27/23 mpg, but is less powerful than the Durango and lacks the same towing abilities with only a 5,000 lbs maximum rating. The Explorer is based on a front-wheel-drive platform whereas the Dodge's RWD nature gives it more robust performance when towing or hauling heavy loads. The Explorer does offer slightly more trunk room than the Durango, though, but once the second and third-row seats are folded down, the available room becomes somewhat equal. In terms of safety, both models receive similar ratings. The NHTSA did, however, give the Explorer a five out of five overall rating. Technology, comfort, and convenience features are also better in the Durango which, along with its superior utility as an SUV, makes it the better option of the two.

Do you really need seven seats in a Durango when a Jeep Grand Cherokee with comparable pricing and capabilities will do? Because the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are corporate cousins hailing from the FCA brand umbrella, their engines are shared. As such, both models offer similar output potential and gas mileage estimates. The Grand Cherokee is, however, only a five-seater SUV and occupies a smaller segment within the market. Nevertheless, the Jeep is easier to drive, feels more premium than the Durango, and features a greater selection of safety and advanced driver-assists. Along with that, the Jeep also offers far greater off-road capability, too, with smaller dimensions aiding nimbleness on poor terrain. The technology in the Jeep is also superior to that of the Durango, with similar capability but better functionality and quality. It may have a slightly inferior maximum tow capacity of 7,200 lbs, but with only marginal differences between the two, unless you need the extra seats, it's not really worth buying the Durango.