Used 2019 Dodge Durango

The 2019 Dodge Durango has its own special place in the automotive world. It’s a midsize SUV offering V8 muscle and a remarkable towing capacity of 8,600 pounds. It can also seat up to seven with adult-friendly space in the third row. There’s nothing else around that can match this combination of talents, especially at the Durango’s price level. Granted, this generation has been on sale since 2011, which is a long time in vehicle years (they’re a bit like dog years), but it still has plenty to offer. Such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration as standard, a user-friendly infotainment system, and respectable off-road credentials, thanks to 8.1 inches of ground clearance and (optional) all-wheel drive with low-range gearing.

Although the V8 engines in the 2019 Durango are arguably more newsworthy, the entry-level-yet-refined V6 works well, delivering 293 horsepower and capable of towing 6,400 pounds. It’s complemented by an 8-speed automatic transmission that only occasionally “hunts” for the right gear. On the other hand, these V8 engines do distinguish the Durango. The 5.7-liter unit generates 360 horsepower, for superb acceleration with a resonant rumble and a tow rating of 7,400 pounds. The 6.4-liter in the SRT trim develops 475 horsepower, good enough to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 4.4 seconds or tow 8,600 pounds. Ease off the throttle, though, and every version of the Durango can be quiet and comfortable.

It’s a pleasant place inside the 2019 Durango, with an air about it that seems higher in quality than most rivals, the deluxe Citadel trim in particular. This is the version with heated/ventilated front seats and heated 2nd-row seats. Most trim levels offer captain’s chairs to replace the bench in the second row, which also make it easier to access the third row and use booster seats. Cargo space when all three rows are in place is useful at 17 cubic feet, expanding to 43.3 and then 85.1. The front-passenger seat also folds down, so the Durango can take quite long items. Citadel and SRT versions may also be specified with headliners of simulated suede.

The revamped GT’s front end now offers the option of an SRT-style hood with a center air inlet. In general, the 2019 Durango’s styling roams a territory that encompasses a certain toughness, a fair amount of chrome in a few trim levels, and a subtly sporty look in others. The “racetrack taillight” design that spans the entire rear end is certainly distinctive, but can also come across as obnoxiously bright to anyone driving behind the Durango at night.

DURANGO SRT
Our favorite iteration, because it brings out our enthusiast side. It seats only six, but it’s seriously quick, yet also comfortable and capable. And sounds glorious while carrying out its duties.

UCONNECT 8.4
The Uconnect system in Dodge (and Chrysler and Jeep vehicles) is one of the best touch-screen-based infotainment setups. The latest version has a clean appearance with a user-friendly interface and comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

The SXT entry-level trim has seating for five, tri-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, V6 engine (with a Sport mode to spice up the driving experience), load-leveling rear shock absorbers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry/ignition, and an infotainment system that includes AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, auxiliary audio input, six speakers and a 7-inch touch screen. Moving up the 2019 Durango’s trim levels brings more equipment, such as a power tailgate, sunroof, navigation, Nappa leather seats, and more. Versions with V8 engines receive beefier brakes, while the SRT also has a sport-tuned adaptive suspension.

Some options are available in the base 2019 Durango SXT, such as a sunroof, all-wheel drive with low-range gearing, roof rails, cosmetic additions, 20-inch alloy wheels, satellite radio, trailer-prep package, and rear parking sensors. But the higher trims are eligible for more extras, including an 825-watt/19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 8.4-inch infotainment system with navigation, Blu-ray/DVD rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional throughout the range. For towing, choose the 220-amp alternator, heavy-duty engine oil cooler and Class IV hitch receiver.

The 3.6-liter V6 that’s standard in the lower 2019 Durango trims is capable of respectable acceleration and confident overtaking. It’s also less thirsty than its V8 counterparts. The 5.7-liter V8 is standard in the R/T and optional in the Citadel version; the 6.4-liter V8 is exclusive to the all-wheel-drive-only (and dauntingly quick) SRT. The rest of the range has rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) on their options lists. All engines are linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the V8s can deactivate four cylinders under light loads to help save some gasoline.

3.6-liter V6
293 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm (single exhaust)
295 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm (dual exhaust)
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (RWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)

5.7-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 mpg

6.4-liter V8
475 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
470 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 mpg