The 2021 Dodge Durango seems to be on the back burner, so we decided to investigate why. It turns out the Dodge Durango could be getting ignored due to its expensive list of add-on features that may come standard with rivals. 

Is the 2021 Dodge Durango a good SUV? 

Yes, the 2021 Dodge Durango is a great SUV option. It’s spacious, has excellent towing power, is off-road capable, and more. However, the only model that’s getting attention is the SRT Hellcat trim with its supercharged V8 engine. 

For those that don’t need an SUV with 710 hp for $80,995, a lower trim model could suit all their needs just fine. However, the price of the Dodge Durango quickly jumps up when adding necessary features. 

The MSRP for the 2021 Dodge Durango is $31,795. This isn’t bad, but this price is before destination fees, and dealership markups are added. Also, for a little context, the Honda Pilot begins around $32,250. 

But people are drawn to the Durango because it’s a three-row SUV, and it turns out the third-row seats aren’t included. You have to pay about $1,095 to add the third row. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and more include third-row seats with the base model price. 

Also, the Dodge Durango offers all-wheel drive, which is great for towing and off-roading. But according to U.S.News, it costs about $2,600. Usually, it only costs about $1,500 to add AWD or 4×4. 

And last but not least, the Dodge Durango hardly provides any standard safety features. Only the rearview camera comes standard. Otherwise, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more have to be added. 

How does the Dodge Durango drive? 

If all of those expensive add-ons didn’t scare you away, then let’s give the 2021 Dodge Durango a brief review! The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 option with 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Edmunds wasn’t impressed by this engine, but it can tow up to 6,500 lb, which gives the Durango best-in-class towing. 

You can upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8 for 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque or the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 for 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to a V8 option increases the towing capacity to 8,700 lb. 

For a sporty SUV, the Durango isn’t short on power. But muscle isn’t everything. While it has a fast acceleration, the handling is subpar. It feels like a much larger SUV and has noticeable body roll around curves. 

Dodge Durango features 

The interior of the Dodge Durango is described as adequate for the base model. However, you can upgrade to higher trim levels for soft-wrapped leather surfaces, a leather center console, carbon fiber accents, and more. 

There is plenty of space in each row for adults. Even the third-row seat has an abundance of legroom. Also, you’ll find 17.2 cubic feet behind the third tow with up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space total. 

The Durango comes with a standard 8,4-inch touchscreen, but it can be upgraded to a 10.1-inch option. The infotainment system has easy-to-use controls, and you can upgrade it to include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.