2022 Dodge Durango Road Test and Review

2022 Dodge Durango ・ Photo by Dodge

In a sea of crossover utilities, the 2022 Dodge Durango goes its own way with a performance-oriented rear-drive platform and optional V8 power. The vast majority of mid-size SUVs are based on front-drive platforms that have a lot of similarities to sedans and minivans. But the Durango won’t let itself be confused with a minivan. It has a rear-drive-biased platform that enables it to deliver muscle car-like performance and exceptional towing ability. Slightly longer than the Ford Explorer and a bit shorter than the Chevrolet Traverse, the Durango can be equipped with rear-drive or all-wheel drive. It is one of a handful of vehicles in its class to offer V-8 power. Durango buyers have their choice of two different V8s plus a venerable V6. In contrast, most mid-size SUVs these days have 4-cylinder power. Depending upon trim and configuration, the Durango can seat six or seven. The sleek SUV got an exterior refresh for 2021, so the exterior changes are minimal for 2022. Here is the road test and review of the 2022 Dodge Durango.

Exterior Style

You get a hint that the Durango is a different animal just by looking at it. In all of its trims, it is sleek and gets positively sinister in R/T and SRT versions. As the only remaining Dodge “truck” and one of the three Dodge models currently available, the Durango wears clean, understated bodywork that only hints at its brand. The Dodge signature “crosshairs” grille is long gone, replaced by a blacked-out grille opening in most Durango models. Dodge stylists haven’t bowed to the currently popular inclination to give the SUV a fastback rear end. Instead the rear tailgate is quite upright, giving the SUV more interior room and utility. The Durango Citadel model is the most chrome-decorated, while the R/T and SRT have performance-oriented looks that are almost bling-free. For profilers out there, the SRT performance look is available with all powertrains. It includes a distinctive front fascia and functional SRT hood with a center air inlet duct. Despite the age of the platform, the Durango remains handsome.

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Interior Design

The various Dodge Durango models offer significant versatility and people-hauling ability. Looking at interior size, the Durango fits right in the middle of the midsize class. The Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse, whose front-drive platforms resemble minivans, offer more interior and cargo space. Available in six- and seven-passenger interior configurations, the Durango will easily transport a family of five or even six (if the children are young) with more than ample rear head- and legroom. The available second-row captain’s chairs offer a pass-through to the two-person third row and each can accommodate a child safety seat. Those seeking more people-carrying ability can opt for the 60/40 split folding second-row seat that conveniently folds and tumbles out of the way. The interior is well-designed and well-finished. The SRT 392 has the interior of a luxury import crossover with leather-covered bucket seats. The Citadel trim’s perforated Nappa leather seats and the leather-and-suede combination in the R/T are good-looking, too. The instruments are legible, and the controls gathered in the center stack area of the dash are easy to understand and operate.

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Infotainment &Technology

The 2020 Durango offers a selection of the latest Uconnect infotainment systems, among the top choices available anywhere. The Uconnect 4C infotainment system standard in the Durango STX and GT trims offers an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a SiriusXM trial subscription. The even newer and more full-featured Uconnect 5 NAV has a 10.1-inch display. Standard on R/T, Citadel, and SRT 392 trims, it includes wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, HD radio, real-time traffic, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and integrated navigation. Audiophiles will have good choices in the Durango. Both Alpine and Harmon Kardon premium audio systems are available, and they offer door-rattling power. The Alpine system has nine speakers, a subwoofer, and 506-watt amplifier. The Harman Kardon system has 19 speakers, a subwoofer, and 825-watt amplifier. The Uconnect 5 system includes dual-phone connectivity.

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Powertrains

If you want V8 power in your mid-size SUV, the Dodge Durango is one of the only options these days. The other choice is the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is pricier than the Durango. The more powerful of the Durango’s two V8s is the 6.4-liter (392-cubic-inch) HEMI V8 standard in the high-performance SRT 392. It delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. So equipped, the SRT 392 will rocket from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds — musclecar-like acceleration. The Durango R/T has a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. That engine is optional the Citadel trim. Both the 392 HEMI V8 and the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engines use cylinder-deactivation technology that imperceptibly shifts between high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode and V8 mode. The Durango’s base engine is the time-tested 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque. All engines in the lineup are backed by eight-speed automatic transmissions specifically calibrated for use in the Durango. Rear-drive is standard on all the Durango models but the SRT 392, which is all-wheel-drive. For added versatility, Durango models equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine, all-wheel-drive, and the Trailer Tow Package have a low-range transfer case with a neutral position.

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Driving Impressions

The Dodger Durango offers a different driving experience than the typical competitive mid-size SUV. That’s because the Durango is, at its heart, a rear-drive-based vehicle, which is furthered by the available V8 engines. In its most extreme form, the Dodge Durango SRT 392 is a musclecar akin to the Dodge Challenger and Charger except with three rows of seats. If you want a combination of driving fun, seven-passenger carrying capacity, and serious towing capabilities, the V8-equipped R/T and Citadel trims are excellent choices. The R/T is more performance-oriented, while the Citadel with the optional V8 is a powerful and luxurious SUV in the classic tradition. If we were picking an SUV for a long family road trip, the Citadel would likely be our choice. That said, there are also good arguments to be made for overall feel and relative economy of the Durango equipped with the Pentastar V6. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offers imperceptible shifts and can be operated in manual mode with available steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Compared to the people-haulers in the segment, the Durango is a breath of fresh air with a little tire smoke added when desired.

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Safety & Driver Aids

For 2022, the Dodge Durango is safer and more driver-friendly than ever. That’s because this model year Dodge has made blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard across the entire Durango lineup. Should you want to add more driver aids, the Durango's optional Technology Group and Plus Group include adaptive cruise control with stop, forward-collision warning with active braking, advanced brake assist, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. The Citadel trim includes a complete suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems. In terms of safety ratings, the 2022 Dodge Durango gets average overall marks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it a four-star safety rating, the organization's second-highest ranking. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Durango three “Good” and one "Marginal" rating in Crashworthiness categories.

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Fuel Economy

As a three-row SUV with excellent towing, hauling, and performance capabilities, the Durango is not designed to offer the fuel economy numbers of the typical vehicle. Its fuel consumption numbers should be considered in that context. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Durango with the base 3.6-liter V6 and rear-drive delivers an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Equipping the SUV with all-wheel-drive drops city and highway mileage by about one mpg. A 5.7-liter V8-equipped all-wheeldrive Durango offers 14 mpg city/22 mpg on the highway. The 475-horsepower SRT 392 delivers 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway, according to the EPA. After a round of testing, we believe drivers can expect a 5.7-liter V8-equipped Durango to get about 16 mpg in all-around driving. In comparison, the competitive Ford Explorer with a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine is rated to achieve 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. 

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Cargo Space & Towing

The Dodge Durango offers a combined 141.4 cubic feet of passenger space in three rows of accommodations. With the third-row seats up for use, it has 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat backs. With the third row of seats folded, the Durango has 43.3 cubic feet of cargo area. And with both rows of rear seats folded, it offers an impressive 85.1 cubic feet of cargo area. The Durango's luggage space behind the rear seat compares well to the Honda Pilot (16.5 cubic feet) and Ford Explorer (18.2 cubic feet). But the Chevrolet Traverse tops it with 23 cubic feet. The fact that the Durango is a traditional SUV has special benefits when it comes to towing. Equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, the Durango offers maximum towing of 6,200 pounds. That’s a serious load, but the V8-equipped Durangos are even stronger. When fitted with the 5.7-liter V8 engine, the rear-drive Durango’s tow rating is 7,400 pounds. The SRT 392 delivers best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds.

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Pricing & Value

The Dodge Durango is not the typical mid-size SUV, yet it does just about everything a typical mid-size SUV will do. Plus, it will do more. It stresses performance, towing, and overall functionality in ways the average midsize crossover can’t match. Thanks to its available V8s and rear-wheel-drive-oriented platform, the Durango is the best pick for buyers who tow. For those who seek driving performance, the Durango R/T and SRT 392 are the top choices in the segment. Beyond those trims, there are a lower-cost versions for those who want the looks and personality of the Durango without the expense of a V8 engine. The base rear-wheel-drive SXT is well-equipped at $38,590 including a $1,595 destination fee. The sporty-looking rear-drive GT is priced at $41,190 with the destination fee. The R/T trim at $51,390 has the 5.7-liter V8 engine. For those looking for convenience and luxury features, the Citadel trim starts at a list price of $52,790. The SRT 392 at $69,790 has the 475-horsepower V8, high-performance suspension with active damping, Brembo performance brakes, all-wheel drive, limited slip differential, rear spoilers, and 20-inch black wheels. 

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