2026 Dodge Durango Review: Muscle, Versatility, and Old-School Attitude

The Dodge Durango enters 2026 as one of the longest-running three-row SUVs on the market, still riding on its rear-wheel-drive architecture and offering up to 710 hp with the SRT Hellcat. Dodge has kept it fresh with updated infotainment (including a large 10.1-inch touchscreen), new trim and wheel options, and a focus on traditional strengths like towing and driver engagement. The Durango stands apart from more refined rivals by placing muscle and utility over luxury and efficiency. Buyers can choose from the workhorse 3.6L V6, the robust 5.7L HEMI V8, or the headline-grabbing supercharged Hellcat. It remains a versatile choice for families who want attitude, power, and practicality in their SUV.

What they're saying

Good Comments

• “Powerful engines, a towing champ, boasts an intuitive infotainment system.” — Car and Driver

• “Spacious and comfortable cabin, impressive fuel economy (for a big V8), and extensive list of features.” — Kelley Blue Book

• “The cabin is straightforward and user-friendly, and the interface for controls is simple to understand and find.” — Edmunds

• “Pulling power like no other: With an available best-in-class 8,700 pounds of towing capacity, it’s built to handle whatever your weekend throws at it.” — Progressive Jeep

Bad Comments

• “Subpar fuel economy, getting on in years, base model lacks some ubiquitous features.” — Car and Driver

• “Fuel economy is below average, especially with the V8; Many of the latest advanced driver aids are missing.” — Edmunds

• “Oldest in the segment, dated design. Lacking in modern safety/tech upgrades.” — KBB

• “Outward visibility is good, but the rearview camera is muddy and advanced aids are rare, often pricey options.” — Edmunds

Key Specifications Overview

• Powertrain: 3.6L V6 (295 hp), 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp), or 6.2L supercharged V8 (710 hp, Hellcat)

• Power Output: 295 hp (V6), 360 hp (R/T V8), 710 hp (SRT Hellcat)

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)

• Fuel Economy / Range: V6 up to 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway, V8 as low as 12 mpg city / 22 mpg highway

• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 7.4 sec (V6), 6.2 sec (V8), 3.5 sec (SRT Hellcat)

• Weight: 2,100–2,510 kg (varies by trim)

• Seating Capacity: 7 (6 with captain's chairs)

• Cargo Capacity: 490 L (seats up), up to 2,410 L (seats folded)

• Price Range: £41,500–£80,000 UK; $40,490–$90,000 USA; AU$65,000–AU$120,000 AUS; NZ$71,000–NZ$135,000 NZ; €49,500–€99,000 EU

Key Specifications Table

Price Range Table

(Ordered by biggest market first: £UK, $USA, AUS, NZ, EU)

Performance and Driving Experience Overview

The Durango remains one of the most engaging three-row SUVs to drive, especially with V8 options. The HEMI engines deliver satisfying acceleration and a muscle-car soundtrack, while AWD adds confidence on slick surfaces. The supercharged Hellcat is a performance outlier, blitzing 0–100 km/h in just over 3 seconds and towing up to 8,700 pounds—making it uniquely capable. Ride quality balances comfort and control, though the chassis shows its age against newer SUVs. Steering is steady and braking strong, especially with available Brembo calipers. The Durango prioritizes raw performance, which comes at the expense of fuel economy and refinement.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Durango features spacious seating for up to seven, with standard second-row bench or available captain’s chairs. Material quality is solid, especially on upper trims. The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen runs Uconnect and supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include ventilated seats and premium alpine or Harman/Kardon audio. Storage is generous, and cargo room with seats folded is top-of-class. Most Durangos have advanced safety basics, but high-end driver aids are reserved for pricey trims. The interface is user-friendly, though some tech lags behind rivals.

Battery and Range Considerations

No hybrid or EV options are offered for 2026. All models are petrol-powered, with fuel economy ranging from reasonable (V6) to thirsty (V8, Hellcat). Large tank sizes support decent driving ranges, but frequent fill-ups will be needed for high-power variants.

At a Glance Table

Pros and Cons Overview

The Durango’s best attributes are its power, towing, and overall muscle-car persona in an SUV body. The interior is roomy and tech is intuitive, but up-to-date safety and driver aids are limited, and top trims get expensive. The vehicle’s age shows in fuel economy, tech, and some comfort touches, but its personality and practicality remain strong draws for the right buyer.

Pros and Cons Table

Overall Verdict

The 2026 Dodge Durango is a three-row SUV for those who prioritize V8 muscle, towing strength, and assertive design over maximum efficiency and the latest safety tech. Its variety of performance options, intuitive infotainment, and roomy cabin make it a standout among family haulers, especially for buyers who value classic character and power. Those wanting advanced driver aids or sportier luxury may find better matches elsewhere, but few rivals match the Durango’s blend of attitude, utility, and muscle.

Sources

Car and Driver
Edmunds
Kelley Blue Book
Autoweek
Progressive Jeep