Critics Consensus
V8 enthusiasts willing to tolerate terrible fuel economy, aging platform fundamentals, and documented quality issues for the rare combination of genuine three-row livability, supercharged performance, and character that mainstream luxury SUVs deliberately avoid.
5 Reviews
SavageGeese gives the 2026 Dodge Durango RT a positive 71/100 score, praising it as an exceptional value proposition that delivers genuine character where competitors fall short. The RT 392's nearly 500 horsepower and engaging V8 character combined with a $50,000 starting price that undercuts German competitors by roughly half makes it a standout, while the three-row layout, leather interior, and adaptive dampers provide solid livability and driving dynamics at this price point. However, fuel economy is a significant weakness—the V8 simply won't appeal to efficiency-focused buyers, especially with premium gas prices elevated, and quality/attention-to-detail issues need addressing. This Durango is built for buyers who prioritize V8 fun, usable space, and value over fuel economy and refinement.
▶ Watch Review ↗TheStraightPipes gave the 2026 Durango GT a mixed 46/100 rating, finding it a pleasant, quiet three-row SUV with standout cabin tech and livability—particularly praising the physical climate controls and stress-free driving experience, plus noting the new V8 engine option as "the coolest thing Dodge has done." However, significant drawbacks include terrible fuel economy (14.4 L/100km), poor reverse camera quality with pixelation issues, and a 16-year-old platform with reliability concerns like water potentially pouring into the engine bay. The $62,595–$73,075 price range drew criticism as too expensive for what you're getting. This vehicle suits buyers who prioritize comfort and quiet three-row practicality over fuel efficiency, performance, and modern tech, but should be aware they're paying premium pricing for aging fundamentals.
▶ Watch Review ↗Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2026 Durango a decisively positive rating of 70.6/100, praising its tech features (perfect 100/100 score), practical design, and strong performance across engine options—from the base 295-hp V6 at $40,990 to the 710-hp Hellcat—while highlighting its unique truck-like drivetrain combined with unibody comfort. The vehicle excels in its third-row space and handling (A to A+ rating), though it's hampered by poor fuel economy, unreliable mechanical components like the power rear hatch that "grates, cracks, and groans," and limited thigh support in the back seats. Potential buyers should know the Durango prioritizes performance and practicality over efficiency and long-term dependability. This vehicle is best suited for drivers who want a capable, feature-rich three-row SUV and don't mind sacrificing fuel economy or betting on improved reliability compared to the current generation's documented issues.
▶ Watch Review ↗Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2025 Dodge Durango Hellcat a moderately positive review (60/100), praising its exceptional performance with 710 horsepower and 0-60 times in the low 3-second range, along with strong livability features like nearly 9,000 pounds of towing capacity and comfortable seating across all three rows. The cabin tech impresses with premium leather, suede accents, and a refreshed infotainment system, while the driving tech excels with customizable SRT modes and an integrated trailer brake controller. However, significant drawbacks include dismal fuel economy averaging around 10 MPG city and 15-16 MPG highway, a loose and wobbly center console that feels like it could detach, and an interior that blends quality materials with cheap plastics despite the $97,000 starting price. The Durango Hellcat is best suited for buyers who prioritize raw power and capability over practicality and are willing to accept one of the market's oldest vehicle platforms as a final sendoff for this iconic engine.
▶ Watch Review ↗Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2024 Dodge Durango a mixed review (44/100), finding it competent but not particularly well-rounded compared to its competitors. The vehicle excels in livability with a spacious 43 cubic feet of cargo space plus 10 cubic feet of underfloor storage, strong value starting around $39,000 with available discounts, and rare rear-wheel-drive driving dynamics for the segment. However, the Durango struggles with poor fuel economy—especially with the V8 engine—and lackluster driving technology, including an unreliable lane centering system that "ping pongs" across the lane and a lack of adaptive cruise control on base trims. This is a vehicle for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize cargo space and don't mind compromising on efficiency or advanced safety features.
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