The 2023 Dodge Durango is offered in seven different trims, with V6 or V8 engines and a choice between standard rear- and optional 4-wheel-drive throughout the model line. Base Durango SXT, and GT models come with a 293-horsepower or 295-horsepower, 3.6L V6; Citadel models come with the same standard V6 but can be optioned up to a 360-horsepower, 5.7L Hemi V8. R/T models come with the Hemi V8 as standard, while the top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive SRT is powered by a 475-horsepower 6.4L V8. The SRT Hellcat is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 718 horsepower and 645 lbs.-foot of torque.
All Durangos are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine features a system that will shut the engine off when at a stop and start it as soon as the driver releases the brake. Hemi V8-equipped Durangos feature a fuel-saver mode that aids fuel economy when coasting and low-speed cruising.
All models have 4-wheel disc brakes and ride on a short/long-arm front suspension with a rear multi-link arrangement. Both the front and rear of the Durango are isolated on cradles to allow comfort and control on rougher surfaces off the pavement and under load. SRT models benefit from Brembo 6-piston disc brakes and a Bilstein active-damping high-performance suspension.
Two different family-friendly layouts in the Durango permit both 6- or 7-passenger seating--depending on the second row, where a second-row bench is standard on most of the models, dual captain's chairs are available with two different console layouts, including one that permits easy access to the third row. There is a total of 85 cubic feet with both sets of rear seatbacks folded, which is enough to fit a 6-foot couch or a coffee table, according to Dodge. Otherwise, there are a total of 30 storage areas, including plenty of smaller cubbies.
The base SXT level comes with the 290-horsepower V6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, 5-passenger seating, a ParkView backup camera, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, heated mirrors, cruise control and Apple CarPlay\Android Auto connectivity.
The GT brings a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable seats, proximity entry and alarm as well as a Uconnect stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth. ParkView back-up camera and ParkSense park-assist system are also included.
R/T models are a sporty option of the lineup and get the 360-horsepower Hemi V8 as standard, with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, plus HID headlamps, a unique front fascia, special interior trim, remote starter, heated steering wheel, performance data recorder and an auto-leveling sport suspension to help provide the best ride possible considering the added power on the road.
The R/T infotainment system comes with a 506-watt sound system with nine Alpine speakers, 10.1 touchscreen, voice-activated navigation, 4g LTE Wi-fi hotspot capable, Amazon Alexa compatible, four USB ports and wireless charging pad.
The Citadel adds a power liftgate, heated front and rear seats, leather upholstery, a power sunroof, five USB ports, four 12-volt power sockets. Standard safety features include Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Rear Cross Path Detection.
The Durango is the SRT, which rides on 20-inch Goliath wheels. In addition to the powerful 6.4L Hemi, the SRT includes active noise cancellation and SRT Performance Pages, which allows drivers to see a host of real-time performance metrics. Meanwhile, SRT Drive Modes include engine, transmission and suspension settings for street, track, and race modes. Luxury features include soft ventilated and heated leather seats, HID headlamps, a navigation system, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel and Uconnect.
Side-curtain airbags are standard throughout the model line to cover outboard passengers in all three rows and front seats have active head restraints and their own thorax-protecting side bags. Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection help the driver spot potential hazards, while the electronic stability control system includes hill hold control as well as trailer-sway control. Tow ratings range up to 8700 pounds in the SRT with its 6.4L V8.
Family-friendly Layout
Truck Toughness
Brawny Powertrains
Impressive Towing Capability
Comfortable Seating
Upscale Cabin Appointments
Advanced Tech And Safety Features
Performance-oriented SRT And Hellcat Model Available
For 2023, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat returns to the lineup but otherwise carries over with minimal changes.
Its low starting price makes the Dodge Durango one of the best full-size SUV values available. With an 8-speed transmission, standard remote keyless entry and three-zone climate control as well as available 20-inch rims, the Durango is a hard package to beat at this price.
The Durango also remains one of the safest SUV picks for a large family, as it's been a repeat IIHS Top Safety Pick and it's one of the best picks on the market for those who need to carry a large family while also towing a trailer. Tow ratings for the Durango range up to 8,700 pounds with the V8 or 6,200 pounds with the V6.
