Critics try to bring their own unique point of view about vehicles, but in many cases, they actually agree on many factors. This is the case with the 2023 Dodge Durango. Even though there is a lot to love about it, both U.S. News and Edmunds agree the Durango has three major problems.

The 2023 Dodge Durango has poor fuel economy

Given the rise in fuel prices, and the advances in technology which allow many vehicles to get over 30 mpg easily, having poor fuel economy is almost unforgivable in a vehicle. 

U.S. News reports the 2023 Dodge Durango has a fuel economy of 13-19 city and 19-26 hwy depending on the engine type. The news site considers this to be a major con for the Durango.

Unsurprisingly, Edmunds completely agrees with this assessment. The review site stated, “Here’s a formula for you: SRT = bad mpg. That’s just the way it goes. The Durango SRT is rated to get an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in combined driving (13 city/19 highway). On our 120-mile evaluation route, we were able to get 15.5 mpg, indicating that the EPA’s estimates are at least realistic. The best fuel economy you can get is a rear-wheel-drive Durango with the V6, which gets 21 mpg combined. That’s a lot better but still a tad below rival V6-equipped SUVs.”

While many vehicles have no issue with having superior fuel mileage with powerful engines, that’s not the case for the 2023 Durango. Its Hell Cat engines help set it apart from competitors, but it comes at a hefty price drivers will feel when they go to fuel up.

Not many safety features are standard on the 2023 Dodge Durango

This may not be a deal-breaker, but so many auto brands are offering safety features as standard, that it can hurt brands that don’t. That may be the case for the Durango. Both Edmonds and U.S. News were less than pleased that potential owners must pay extra for these much-coveted features.

Dodge was kind enough to offer a few features standard, such as a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For many consumers, this is plenty. 

There are some who will miss other features, however, such as front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. If you fall into this category, you’ll have to pay extra to get it.

Bulky handling also holds the SUV back

For many years, large SUVs weren’t known for their stellar handling. The main appeal to them was the extra space and the fact that the vehicle is large enough that other drivers tend to back off in traffic. That has since changed, and many SUVs now have superior handling to some smaller cars.

That’s not the case for the 2023 Dodge Durango. It comes with an impressive amount of power, but the driving experience is nothing to brag about when you’re trying to maneuver through traffic.

U.S. News warns that the Durango can be difficult to navigate through narrow streets. Things can even become perilous while trying to shift into tiny parking spaces.

Edmunds was not as concerned by the handling given the size of the Durango, but did feel it doesn’t quite hold up to competitors. The major complaint Edmunds had revolved around the fact that the Durango is long overdue for a redesign that is yet forthcoming.

The good news was that it soaks up bumps like a pro, and the extra space means no one is crammed together in the back. You’ll just have to ask yourself what you need in an SUV, and then decide for yourself if the 2023 Dodge Durango is for you.