The Dodge Durango is the performance SUV of the segment if there is such a thing. The SRT version packs a 475 hp V8 for an SUV that is sizewise about the same as a Ford Explorer. And the 2021 Durango Hellcat is way over the top with its 710 hp. But most want an SUV for hauling kids and toys. So is the Durango a good SUV?

We have compiled remarks, conclusions, and owner comments about the 2020 Durango. Why the 2020 model? Many are coming off two- and three-year leases so there are many choices available. See what Consumer Reports, JD Power, and Edmunds concluded about the 2020 Durango. 

What JD Power says about the 2020 Durango

Owner satisfaction with 2020 Dodge Durango after 90-days of ownership.

•  Sound of your vehicle’s engine/motor
•  The quietness of your vehicle’s cabin while driving
•  How your vehicle makes you feel when you start it up

Problems experienced by owners of the 2020 Dodge Durango during the first 90-days of ownership.

•  Overall fuel economy and driving range of your vehicle/driving range and speed of charging your vehicle
•  Effectiveness of your vehicle’s headlights
•  Sound the doors make when you close them

“The Dodge Durango is plenty capable but it’s also lots of fun. Powerful engines, up-to-date technology, and eye-opening style inside and out—it’s exactly the SUV you’d expect from such a legendary source of Detroit muscle. Choose from eight models, from the SXT to America’s fastest most powerful, and most capable three-row SUV—the Durango SRT. Dodge is all about performance, so the Durango comes with a choice of three engines. All have Best-in-Class Towing Capacity, and one gets your Durango from zero to sixty in 4.4 seconds. 

“Fold down the second-and third-row seats and there are almost 85 cubic feet of cargo space. With up to 50 different seating configurations, the Durango is versatile enough to haul just about anything or anyone. And from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to available Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection the Durango is fully modern.”

Consumer Reports rates the 2020 Durango

“Despite being a bit long in the tooth, the three-row Durango SUV is still a capable and pleasant vehicle. The Durango is a luxurious, refined, and functional SUV that rates near the top of its category.

“The Durango, which shares the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, does an impressive job of combining workhorse utility with ample creature comforts. The interior is spacious, quiet, and well-finished, with room for seven. The ride is supple and composed, and handling is responsive for a vehicle this big. Yet the Durango comes ready to haul the load, providing plenty of cargo room and towing capability. It’s larger than most midsized SUVs, however, so it can be a bit of a handful to maneuver and park.”

Highs

Comfortable riding

Quiet cabin 

Relatively nimble handling  

Supportive seats 

Towing capacity is higher than most competitors

Uconnect touch-screen control system is among the best

Lows

Fuel economy with either V6 or V8 engines 

Rear visibility is so-so

Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking only available on top trims

Edmunds has a lot to say

Pros

• The large touchscreen tech interface is one of the best in class
• Strong V8 power provides exceptional towing ability
• Has real off-road capabilities with 4WD and low-range gearing
•  

Cons

• Fuel economy is below-average, especially with the V8
• Bigger and bulkier to drive than rival crossover SUVs

“Dodge mostly grabs headlines these days for its drag-strip-destroying Challenger and Charger muscle cars. So maybe it won’t come as a surprise that the Durango is essentially the muscle car of the three-row crossover-SUV class. Dodge makes a V6 standard and then offers one of two strong V8 engines as optional upgrades.

“The Durango doesn’t skimp on SUV utility in favor of straight-line performance. The V8s offer class-leading towing capacity and, if you opt for four-wheel drive, a low-range gearbox for more capability for off-road work or extra traction on boat ramps. You also get a good amount of space for up to seven passengers thanks to Durango’s large overall dimensions.

“Updates over the years have managed to keep the Durango mostly fresh, with current infotainment and other upgrades coming regularly. But those changes can’t entirely mask the fact that Durango’s platform is both old and heavy. That means real-world maneuverability and fuel economy both take a hit, and the weight hurts acceleration with the V6 engine. The interior packaging also isn’t as clever or efficient as in other three-row competitors.

“We’d go with the R/T trim to unlock both the extra oomph and the extra towing capacity. You do give up fuel economy, but if that’s your top concern you probably shouldn’t be shopping for a Durango anyway.”