Dodge Durango (2027)

The Durango offers useful family capacity without the bulk of a full-size SUV. It seats up to seven passengers, or six with available second-row captain’s chairs, and reviewers praise its comfortable front row and generous maximum cargo room. The listed 487-liter space behind the seats expands to about 2,410 liters with the rear rows folded, supporting road trips and gear hauling. That practicality is real, although second-row flexibility is limited and the cabin is less space-efficient than newer rivals.

The Durango’s defining advantage is genuinely quick, characterful performance. Its 5.7-liter V8 produces 360 horsepower, while the 6.4-liter V8 reaches 475 hp and the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat delivers 710 hp. Expert testing praises the acceleration, brakes, and entertaining muscle-SUV feel, with the R/T 392 often viewed as the sweet spot. The standard eight-speed automatic and AWD make that output easy to use year-round, though the Hellcat’s 695 lb-ft of torque comes with exceptionally high fuel consumption.

The Durango feels substantial, but it is more capable than its age suggests. Owners describe smooth handling, while testing highlights a comfortable ride, strong brakes, and surprisingly composed cornering for a three-row SUV. Higher trims benefit from adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes, helping the R/T 392 feel controlled rather than merely powerful. Still, Edmunds characterizes the vehicle as slow, heavy, and truck-like beside newer rivals, so the 8-speed automatic and AWD deliver confidence more than nimble urban agility.

The Durango is unusually convincing when family duty includes serious trailer work. Properly equipped Tow ’n Go versions can tow up to 8,700 pounds, enough for substantial boats, campers, or utility trailers. Reviewers report confident towing behavior, and the V8’s low-end torque helps maintain momentum with a loaded trailer. The Tow ’n Go package is therefore more than a marketing detail, adding relevant performance hardware and equipment. Buyers should verify exact configuration, because the maximum applies only to properly equipped models.

The third row is usable, but it is not the Durango’s strongest family feature. Reviewers and owners describe it as reasonably accommodating, including for adults on shorter journeys, while the three-row layout supports up to seven occupants for carpools and road trips. The compromise is awkward access, limited flexibility, and a cramped feel compared with newer competitors. Families should test the available captain’s-chair configuration in person, since it can improve second-row passage but reduces maximum seating to six.

Fuel economy is the Durango’s clearest everyday penalty. The V8 lineup is reported at roughly 16 mpg combined for the 5.7-liter model, while Hellcat estimates fall to 12 mpg city, 17 highway, and 13 combined. That thirst is the unavoidable cost of standard AWD and large-displacement engines, not a minor efficiency compromise. Expert and owner commentary consistently treats fuel use as a serious drawback, so the Durango makes more financial sense for buyers who will actually use its V8 performance or towing capacity.

The Durango’s case is straightforward: it trades modern efficiency for V8 power, giving families confident acceleration and up to 8,700-pound towing in the right configuration. Reviewers and owners also value its useful cargo area, up-to-seven-passenger seating, comfortable front row, and composed ride, though its heavy feel is more capable than nimble. The compromises are equally clear: about 16 mpg combined, dated electronics, awkward third-row access, and limited flexibility make it less convincing as a purely practical daily SUV. It suits buyers who will genuinely use its towing strength or want an entertaining, characterful family vehicle—not shoppers prioritizing refinement, economy, or cutting-edge safety technology. With its distinctive strengths and substantial costs, the Durango earns a positive but qualified recommendation: a specialized, rewarding choice rather than the smartest fit for everyone.