Latest News
Making Light of the Lotus Elite2022 Dodge Durango Review: Fast and Loud
We review the 2022 Dodge Durango with a full breakdown on trims, interior layout and powertrain options, including the crazy fast SRT 392.We review the 2022 Dodge Durango with a full breakdown on trims, interior layout and powertrain options, including the crazy fast SRT 392.
What’s New for the 2022 Dodge Durango?
Eleven years into its third generation, the 2022 Dodge Durango continues to strike a muscle car pose with its SRT 392 model packing a 475-horse and 470 lb-ft of torque V8. It also carries the Dodge SUV torch alone, as the Journey, which we compare here, is no longer in production. Most models are fitted with a potent V6 but the wild Hellcat model from 2021, that we review here, is gone. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) are now standard on base SXT trim. GT and R/T Plus trim now come with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), while the Blacktop package adds a performance hood.
2022 Dodge Durango – dodge.com | Shop 2022 Dodge Durango on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Huge SRT 392 motor and adaptive suspension
8,700-lb towing capacity
19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system
Limited list of driver aids
No hands-free liftgate option
HEMI has abysmal fuel economy
In a sea of 4-cyl SUVs, the Durango stands tall
2022 Durango Specs
- 295 horsepower from base engine
- 260 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 17.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 85.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Up to 8,700-lb towing capacity
- Rear load-leveling suspension
- Standard Apple and Android
- Helpful rear seat reminder
- 5 years of 24/7 roadside assistance
2022 Dodge Durango Powertrain
Making 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, the base 2022 Durango will perform highway-passing maneuvers with ease, while the rear-wheel-drive configuration lends athletic feel. All-wheel-drive is a $2000 option on all models except the top-spec SRT 392 where it is standard. This top trim is the only one you’ll find the 475-horse, 392 CID naturally aspirated V8 that Dodge says will sprint to 60 in 4.4 seconds. Both R/T models come standard with the 5.7L V8 that puts down 360 hp and you can add it to the Citadel for $3995. Regardless of engine choice, an 8-speed automatic handles gear changes.
Fitted with four-corner independent suspension made up of double wishbones up front and a multi-link rear, you can expect poised handling from the 2022 Durango. If your driving habits lean towards sport, the SRT 392 features a performance-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers from Bilstein out back, Brembo brakes and electronic limited slip differential.
Towing & Payload
Even the minimum 6,200-pound tow rating for a 2022 Durango is solid, though you can top out at 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. Lineup standard equipment like trailer sway damping and an engine oil cooler lend a hand here, but you’ll need the $1192 Trailer Tow Group IV to hit the max rating. It includes a more powerful alternator, heavy duty engine cooling, trailer brake controller and Class IV receiver.
2022 Dodge Durango Fuel Economy & MPG
All engine options feature stop/start tech with the V8 mills adding cylinder deactivation. Fuel economy figures of 19 mpg around town and 26 on the highway make V6-powered Durangos the efficiency champs. Those figures drop by 1 mpg each on AWD models. The 5.7L V8 is much thirstier, hitting just 14 mpg in city driving and 22 highway. Predictably, the huge SRT mill comes in even lower at 13/19 mpg for city/highway driving.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Three rows of seating are standard, capable of seating seven passengers when fitted with the second-row bench. Optional captain’s chairs in the middle offer more comfortable accommodations and do a flip-and-tumble trick to allow third row access. With only 33 inches of legroom, however, that back row is suited mostly to kids. Upholstery choices range from cloth to Nappa leather with the option for heated and cooled front seats.
Amenities like acoustic glass for the windshield and front windows plus tri-zone automatic climate controls work to keep everyone cozy. When it’s time to load up, the third row folds in a 50/50 configuration for flexibility or completely flat to open up 43 cubic feet of space. You can fold the middle row down as well to reveal a max cargo volume of 85 cubic feet and if that’s not enough, opt for the Stow ‘N Place roof rack that can handle 150 pounds.
Entertainment & Technology
Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment software is on hand with the 2022 Durango. On base models, you’ll find Uconnect 4 run through an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. R/T models and above get the latest Uconnect 5 version with a 10-inch screen, Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration are included across the board but wireless charging requires a package or at least R/T trim.
Alpine audio components are in use throughout the Durango lineup, keeping music lovers happy. Base models come with a 6-speaker setup with a 9-speaker layout found higher up the trim ladder. There is also a Harman Kardon system boasting 19 speakers that is standard on R/T Plus models.
Safety Features
BSM and RCTA are the only standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on the 2022 Durango, which is somewhat limited, compared to the competition. To access additional systems like ACC and LDW, you’ll need a GT Plus or above. This is in contrast to the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee, a corporate cousin to the Durango, with standard ADAS you can read about here. Rear parking sonar and automatic high beams are also available but the absence of features like a surround view camera is notable.
2022 Dodge Durango Trims & Pricing
SXT – $38,590
Nosing in under $40,000, base SXT trim brings full LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated exterior mirrors. An auto-diming rearview camera and power-adjustable driver’s seat are on hand in the cloth upholstered cabin, which now features a standard third row versus the 2021 Durango that we review here. Mirroring software for Apple and Android smartphones is included as is an 8.4-inch infotainment display, reverse sonar and BSM with RCTA.
GT – $45,185
From the GT on up, 20-inch wheels are included along with a power-operated liftgate and remote start. The steering wheel and front seats are heated with optional leather upholstery running $995. Featuring gloss black trim, a performance hood and black rims, the $1,945 Blacktop package is aptly named.
GT Plus – $45,685
Durango GT Plus adds all the available ADAS including forward collision warning and a lane keeping system. A heated second row and memory settings punch up the amenity list while the $2,845 Premium package piles on with a sunroof, wireless charging pad and 9-speaker audio system.
R/T – $51,390
Fitted with the 5.7L V8, the R/T is fit for the smoky burnout crowd. It also sports the upgraded infotainment system with a 10-inch screen, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot and connected travel and traffic capability. To really show off, check out the optional Radar Red leather look.
Citadel – $52,790
Platinum-colored exterior trim denotes the Citadel as the fanciest V6-powered Durango, a position borne out by the sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery in trim-exclusive Ebony Red and climatized front seats. Leather on the door panels, a suede headliner and heated second row captain’s chairs complete the effect.
R/T Plus – $56,385
The $5,000 premium over a regular R/T for the R/T Plus is justified by a sunroof, premium instrument panel material and the Harman Kardon stereo system with 19 speakers and a subwoofer. You can even upgrade the interior with real carbon fiber trim for a cool thousand bucks.
SRT 392 – $70,185
Though pricey, the Durango SRT 392 has a motor that’ll make you happy every time you put your foot in it. Exclusive to this model, the SRT 392 also features a tuned exhaust, 180-mph speedometer, unique wheels and adaptive dampers. For no extra cost, you can select the Lightweight package to delete the third row and channel your inner drag racer.
Warranties
Dodge offers an industry-average warranty with 3 years or 36,000 miles covering the vehicle. Both the powertrain and 24/7 roadside assistance term run for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
What we think
2022 Dodge Durango – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2022 Dodge Durango on Carsforsale.com
The 2022 Durango is 11 years past its last major overhaul and it shows in a decided lack of tech and amenities compared to the competition. However, I have to applaud Dodge for continuing to offer naturally aspirated V8s as we approach the 25-year mark since the Durango has been for sale, a history we discuss here. If I were in the market, there is a 100% chance of me walking out of the dealership with an SRT 392, if just for that glorious sound.
