Used 2020 Dodge Durango

#20 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2020

In the 2020 Dodge Durango SUV, you’ll find room for seven passengers, a phalanx of high-tech infotainment and driver assists, and a set of engine options no Subaru, Honda or Toyota can match. As midsize SUVs go, the Durango is the most American of the set, offering aggressive styling and muscle-car-like performance with admirable abilities like an 8,600-pound max tow rating and 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

Unlike the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander, the Durango’s advanced driver assists are optional, not standard, although some buyers might appreciate the ability to decide for themselves if they want these features. And while the Durango’s design is getting up there in years, it still offers all the things families look for in an SUV, like comfort, style and safety. Just don’t look for stellar resale value.

Although the V8 engines in the 2020 Durango are arguably more newsworthy, the entry-level-yet-refined V6 works well, delivering 293 horsepower and is 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.

RELATED: Best Midsize SUVs for 2020

It’s a pleasant place inside the 2020 Durango 7-passenger crossover SUV, 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.

Beginning with the most basic Durango SXT, the look is bold, decisive and certainly not easily mistaken for any other midsize SUV. Move up the line to the GT and the look gets a bit meaner, the Citadel more upscale and the R/T looks like a Charger on steroids, offering an SRT-style hood with a large air scoop. Step into an SRT, and you’ll have an American-made SUV that can run with the likes of BMW, Porsche and Audi, at least on the track.

Dodge never shies away from making bold statements and we appreciate the numerous statements made by the 2020 Durango, from its “racetrack”- shaped taillight, to the massive wheel-and-tire combos, to the bold paint colors and graphic decals. The Durango really is one of a kind.

DURANGO SRT
While not as practical as one of the V6 models, the 6-passenger SRT version is still accommodating of people and cargo, but its crazy fast acceleration times, sharp handling and glorious-sounding exhaust note know no equal from Honda, Nissan or Toyota.

UCONNECT 4
Still one of the most complete and easy-to-use infotainment systems around, the 2020 Dodge Durango’s Uconnect 4 system features a large touch screen, easy-to-figure-out controls and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Controls for the heated seats and steering wheel, as well as optional navigation and climate are also incorporated into the touch screen.

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, heated side mirrors, 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 2020 Durango’s trim levels brings more equipment, such as auto high beams, 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 Durango SXT for 2020, 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.

While many newer midsize SUVs have moved to turbocharged 4-cylinder engines as the base offering, the 2020 Dodge Durango starts off with the powerful Pentastar 3.6-liter V6. This engine provides excellent response, can tow up to 6,400 pounds and returns the best fuel economy of the three choices.

Up next is one of two Hemi V8s. Standard in the R/T and available on Citadel, the 5.7-liter V8 produces a class-leading 360 horsepower and is the ideal choice for those needing power and performance without breaking the bank.

Last up is the massive 6.4-liter Hemi V8 offered only in the all-wheel-drive SRT. With 475 horsepower on hand, this engine makes the Durango one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

All but the SRT Durango are powered by their rear wheels (RWD) with the option of three different all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems. V8 models with AWD also feature a low-range transfer case with a neutral position. An 8-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes for all three engines.

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