The 2024 Dodge Durango Is Showing Its Age, and That Might Not Be a Bad Thing
Since 1998, the Dodge Durango has been a staple in the SUV market. Now, the 2024 Dodge Durango is hitting the streets soon but contains very few upgrades from the 2023 model. This has led to many people considering the SUV to be dated and perhaps on the verge of irrelevancy. However, this lack of change may not be the worst thing for the iconic SUV. The fact that it has remained the same over the last several years inspires confidence in the vehicle from some buyers. This is because many people view consistency as quality.
Notably, people see the Dodge Durango as a muscle car in SUV form because of its powerful nature. Unfortunately, a modernized look may take away from its reputation for not being just another boring SUV.
The 2024 Dodge Durango remains an ultra-powerful SUV
The 2024 Dodge Durango is a top midsize SUV because it is one of the few that still has multiple engine options. Nowadays, most SUVs only feature one powertrain, maybe two, if buyers are lucky. However, the 2024 Dodge Durango has three.
According to Edmunds, the base powertrain for the SUV is a 3.6-liter V6 with a maximum output of 293 horsepower and a torque of 260 lb-ft. The Durango has rear and all-wheel drive configurations and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Those wanting a bit more power can go for the 360-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine. This option has a torque of 390 lb-ft. The most powerful engine for the 2024 Dodge Durango comes with the top four trims of the iconic SUV, most notably the SRT Hellcat.
This engine is a 6.4-liter V8 with a maximum output of 475 horsepower and a torque of 470 lb-ft. Specifically for the Hellcat, the max horsepower is a hefty 710, and the torque is 645 lb-ft.
As anyone can imagine, the Durango is a fast SUV. The fastest version accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. Many will note that the 2023 Dodge Durango offers practically the same performance.
The interior of the 2024 Dodge Durango is largely unchanged
The 2024 Dodge Durango is beloved because it has a comfortable and sensible interior. It may not be the most luxurious cabin on the market, but it’s attractive and has the minimalist design of many classic muscle cars. This is another way the Durango stands out from its competitors because it’s not trying too hard to be super modern. Instead, the automaker has kept the vehicle’s interior relatively the same for several years.
Despite not being the most modern, the 2024 Durango has impressive interior technology with the use of UConnect 5. Lower trim levels have an 8.4-inch infotainment screen, while the others have a 10.1-inch unit.
Additionally, buyers can add a rear entertainment system, which uses two screens and has HDMI and RCA ports. Like with performance, the interior has much in common with the 2023 Durango. Still, this is a top midsize SUV with a third row.
Why this SUV is a legendary vehicle
Of course, most people require change to gauge how great a vehicle is. People like to compare new models to the outgoing models and see what the automaker has added. However, this isn’t always necessary for long-running nameplates like the Durango.
Sure, Dodge could perhaps change it up, but this three-row SUV has brand recognition that draws inspiration from days of yesterday. As a result, the 2024 Durango is modern without trying to be.
The new Durango has much going for itself. It has dynamic and powerful performance without being too extreme on the lower trims, and it has a sporty interior. Notably, this may be one of the final uses of the iconic Hellcat powertrain as Dodge continues to phase out these behemoth engines to make room for more efficient options. Overall, this is a solid SUV that has its fans.
