The Dodge Durango Could Be Discontinued For New Jeep Models
There are good rumors and bad rumors. For example, rumors about the new three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee are exciting, but rumors about the Dodge Durango being discontinued are sad. But the Dodge Durango could be on its way out to make room for upcoming Jeep models.
Is the Dodge Durango being discontinued?
Maybe. It’s just a rumor for now. According to Auto Blog, the Dodge Durango isn’t expected to survive the end of this cycle model. That’s almost a direct quote! But unfortunately, they didn’t provide any information to back their information up. They did mention that the 2021 three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee could replace it, though.
So, we had to find more sources to answer this question. According to Good Car Bad Car, Dodge Durango sales are down for 2020. In 2019, 67,598 Dodge Durango units sold in the United States, but only 45,456 units have sold so far in 2020.
But sales increased in 2019. Also, they didn’t mention a reason for declining sales. No one can say the Dodge Durango isn’t selling because nobody wants it. You have to consider what the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) is doing to automotive industries.
You’ll notice that some truck and SUV models have significantly higher MSRP markups right now because of a truck shortage. Automotive manufacturers closed to protect their employees.
Some also switched to manufacturer personal protective equipment. This may have caused a production delay. Also, the Ford F-150 is currently facing production delays due to supply shortages.
What about the 2022 Dodge Durango?
According to FCA Jeep, there are rumors that suggest the 2022 Dodge Durango will receive a redesign, but it probably won’t happen now. This is because the 2021 Dodge Durango just received a slight refresh.
The 2021 model got a wider face, LED headlights, running lights, a new grille, and a rear spoiler. It also got an updated interior with new tech features, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen and an updated infotainment center.
Plus, the 2022 Durango isn’t expected to get new engine options. There is a new inline-six engine in the works that could replace the 3.6-liter Pentastar engine. However, the patent suggests that the engine is for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
The Durango is expected to return to a body-on-frame platform to improve comfort. However, it struggles to compete against the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse. Also, it comes as a vehicle with only five seats, with the option to add the third row while competitors already include it.
Which three-row Jeep is coming?
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is already on the way. While we’ve only seen a prototype so far, it’s expected to be released in the summer of 2021. It will compete against larger SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee hasn’t been confirmed, but spy shots captured a longer Cherokee prototype in the wild. You can’t see much due to camouflage, but it resembles the familiar Cherokee shape.
It would be easy to drop the Durango for a three-row Jeep Cherokee because they already share a majority of their parts. Plus, the new Cherokee is expected to ride on the Durango platform.
With the Grand Wagoneer and Cherokee, Jeep would have two three-row SUVs to offer. Plus, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is already more popular than the Durango, so it could easily replace it.
