When you are buying a vehicle, safety is often one of the first things on your mind. However, when it comes to the 2021 Dodge Durango, one of the chief complaints is how many of these safety features come at a price. 

The 2021 Dodge Durango has a lot going for it

Consumer Reports describes the 2021 Dodge Durango as a “luxurious, functional” midsized SUV. Built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 2021 Durango is impressively powerful and surprisingly comfortable.

With an eight-speed automatic transmission and a powerful 295-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Durango was both fast and responsive in Consumer Reports road test. Additionally, when it comes to fuel economy, the standard 2021 Durango comes with an estimated overall fuel economy of 18mpg (City:12mpg/Hwy 25mpg). 

The 2021 Durango also comes with an option for a V8 engine which costs a few thousand dollars more. However, this engine offers a powerful, sporty driving experience. Furthermore, according to Kelly Blue Book, the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat is more powerful than any other SUV- including the Lamborghini Urus.

Compared to previous Durango models, Kelly Blue Book reports many new features that come with the 2021 Durango. Some of these features include updated infotainment systems, wireless smartphone charging and integration, and updated designs and features both in and out.

Also, 2021 marks the debut of the Durango SRT Hellcat and an upgraded towing package.

Where the 2021 Dodge Durango outshines competitors 

According to Kelly Blue Book, the 2021 Durango’s powerful engine, comes with impressive towing capacity. The V6 version can tow up to 6,200 pounds and the V8 can tow up to 8,700 pounds — a lot higher than other midsized SUVs in its class.

Additionally, Kelley Blue Book also notes how the spacious 2021 Durango can fit up to 7 people comfortably. Larger than most other midsized SUVs, the 2021 Durango has an exceptionally roomy third-row.

So whether you’re transporting friends, family, or just large groups of people-the 2021 Durango gets the job done better than most vehicles in its class.

Where the 2021 Durango falls short

According to Kelly Blue Book and Consumer Reports, the 2021 Durango falls behind its competitors when it comes to reliability and resale value. Consumer Reports gives the 2021 a 1/5 rating for predicted reliability.

Kelly Blue Book reports that the 2021 Durango’s reliability is similar to the Ford Explorer and GMC Arcadia, but falls behind the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

Furthermore, Kelly Blue Book, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds criticize the 2021 Durango for its fuel economy compared to competitors in its class. This is especially true for the V8 version which gets 16 mpg overall and the V8 supercharged version which only gets 14 mpg overall. 

Many safety features don’t come standard

One of the biggest criticisms from Kelly Blue Book’s review is the fact that many safety features don’t come standard with the 2021 Durango. For example, automatic high beams only come in the GT, R/T, and higher trims of the 2021 Durango.

Furthermore, adaptive cruise control is available in all 2021 Durango trims except for the base SXT trim. This is also true for the forward-collision warning feature, lane-departure assistance, and lane-keeping assistance which are part of the Technological Group package which is available to all trims, except the base SXT trim.

Evidently, the 2021 Durango base SXT model doesn’t come with many of the great safety features of higher trims of the 2021 Durango. What is more concerning is the fact that the Base SXT model doesn’t even come with the option for most of these safety features.

However, regardless of the extra cost for safety features and the Durango’s other limitations, there is still a lot to love about the 2021 Durango.