2021 Dodge Durango Review: Bold But Behind The Times
There may be an ongoing electric vehicle revolution right now in the USA, and while the intentions behind the EV uprising may be righteous and for the greater good of mankind, there are still some of us steadfast internal combustion engine objectophiles, gearheads, and petrol addicts that won't be leaving our passions behind any time soon. This is why we still have over-the-top cars like the 2021 Dodge Durango - a Herculean midsized three-row SUV that can be had with either a 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a fierce 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Though it may be quite outmoded and inefficient, it's the Durango SUV's brawny bearing, vocal powertrain, and classical platform that have it stand out from its core competitors like the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Acura MDX. Along with strapping performance, the Durango also offers a refined ride quality and comes standard with oodles of features. Though there are many of us that can appreciate the Durango for what it is as one of the oldest vehicles in the market, it is starting to feel quite behind the times in many regards.
2021 Durango Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200.8 in | 119.8 in | 70.1 in | 75.8 in | 63.9 in | 64.1 in | 4,689.0 lbs |
2021 Durango Performance
2021 Durango Interior
2021 Durango Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Dodge Durango A Good SUV?
Apart from being a cool-looking, powerful, and commodious seven-seater 5-door SUV, the Durango is also one of the very few that are still proffered with a V8 gas engine, as V6 or small-capacity turbocharged units become the norm. That said, even the majority of the lineup, which feature a 6-cylinder motor as standard, still offer strong acceleration and mighty towing capabilities. Unfortunately, both the V6 and V8 units are outmoded. Competitors tend to deliver the same level of power but with superior efficiency. Nevertheless, the Dodge SUV is a king-sized cruiser boasting badass looks, a modern and commodious cabin, and plenty of practicality. The 2021 Dodge Durango also underwent review by both the NHTSA and the IIHS and earned itself a decent safety rating to match its good reliability standards. The 2021 MY Durango still forms part of the third-generation Durango that was introduced for the 2011 model year and its age has certainly caught up with it. While the idea of a V8-powered SUV is cool, we'd suggest holding off to see if Dodge will release an all-new generation soon.
What Dodge Durango Model Should I Buy?
With the price range of the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV line spanning between $32,570 and $45,920, there's a lot of value to be found throughout the selection. We'd go for the R/T model with its V8 engine, performance-tuned steering, and sportier suspension for a more proficient and engaging driving experience that matches the Durango's looks. This model also comes outfitted with Dodge's new 10.1-inch infotainment system touchscreen that's installed with Dodge's top-tier Uconnect 5 user interface and tethered with a nine-speaker Alpine audio system. As standard, this model can tow up to 7,400 pounds, but we'd recommend throwing in the Tow N Go package for the 8,700-pound towing capacity and the addition of the heavy-duty engine cooling system, high-performance suspension, adaptive damping, and Brembo brakes.