2023 Dodge Durango: V8 Madness
The 2023 Dodge Durango pairs powerful engines with impressive cabin space. We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more.
What’s New for the 2023 Dodge Durango?
On sale since 1998, a history we cover here, this 2023 Dodge Durango review is highlighted by the Hellcat’s return. Dating to 2011, the third-gen Durango first offered the ludicrous supercharged 6.2L V8 – making 710 horsepower – in 2021. After sitting out last year’s model, it returns to fill out a trim roster now totaling 16 models.
Sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge’s Durango is all about American muscle. That blown V8 is just one of three old-school pushrod 8-cylinder brutes on tap. Getting long in the tooth, it will be interesting to see how much longer the Durango can keep up this gas-guzzling game in the face of an impending electrified future.
2023 Dodge Durango – dodge.com | Shop 2023 Dodge Durango on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Hellcat is back
Big towing numbers
Athletic RWD handling
Few standard driver aids
Dated cabin design
$100K and no massaging seats?
Get ’em while you can
2023 Durango Specs
- 295 horsepower from base engine
- 260 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 16 available trims
- 17.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 85.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 8,700-lb max towing capacity
- 10.1-inch infotainment screen
- Safety highlight: nine standard airbags
- Five years of roadside assistance
2023 Dodge Durango Powertrain
Though it shares a base V6 and 5.7L V8 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, that we review here, the 2023 Durango eschews Jeep’s attempt at hybrid efficiency in favor of thunderous power. As it dominates the conversation, we’ll start at the top with the SRT Hellcat model. It boasts a supercharged 6.2L V8 rated for 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. Amongst other things, it can hit 60 mph in under four seconds.
The next step down is the SRT 392 powered by a 6.4L (392 cubic inches) V8 making a healthy 475 hp and 470 torques. R/T models come with a 360-horse 5.7L V8, while the SXT, GT, and Citadel Durangos are powered by a 3.6L V6 producing 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. All four motors pair with an 8-speed automatic to spin the rear wheels with the option for AWD.
The 2023 Durango rides on a fully independent suspension with a multi-link rear and double wishbones up front. SRT models feature a tuned suspension system that includes adaptive dampers and a 7.8-inch ground clearance that is about a half-inch lower than standard models.
Hellcats go further with 15.7-inch slotted front rotors – versus 13.8 inches on regular Durangos – clamped by 6-piston Brembo binders. From daily commuting in an SXT or GT to serious alacrity in an R/T or SRT 392, to downright madness Hellcat form, the Durango does it all.
Towing & Payload
The base 2023 Dodge Durango can tow 6,200 pounds and trailer sway control is standard. With the 5.7L V8, it can pull 7,400 pounds or 8,700 when equipped with the Tow ‘n Go package that adds adaptive dampers and a trailer brake controller. Both the SRT 392 and Hellcat models offer the top towing figure of 8,700 pounds. These ratings all require the Trailer Tow Group that brings a beefed-up alternator, rear load-leveling suspension, and more.
2023 Dodge Durango Fuel Economy & MPG
Base V6-powered Durangos are rated for 19 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway with both figures dropping by one mpg when fitted with AWD. R/T models, with the 5.7L V8, can expect to see 14/22 mpg in city/highway driving. Those numbers drop to 13/10 respectively in the AWD-only SRT 392 and the Hellcat’s boosted V8 comes in last with EPA estimates of 12 mpg around town and 17 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Every 2023 Dodge Durango has three rows of seating that offer space for seven on lower-priced models or six when second-row captain’s chairs are fitted. Buyers of the SRT models can opt for a Lightweight Performance package that deletes the rear seat leaving room for only five. Though the cabin feels dated, perhaps unsurprisingly for a 12-year-old vehicle, it can be upgraded from basic cloth upholstery to Nappa leather or “Demonic Red” Laguna leather on SRT models.
A heated steering wheel and front buckets are lineup standard with heat added to the second row of seats on GT Plus models. That middle bench, or dual captain’s thrones depending on trim, can be folded over and tumbled forward to make room for up to 85 cubic feet with both back rows folded. 43 cubic feet of space are on hand behind the middle row with 17 cubes behind the third row.
Though the 2023 Durango does not offer a long-wheelbase version, like its Grand Cherokee cousin, legroom is respectable. It measures 39 inches for middle-seat occupants and 33 inches in the wayback. Other notable niceties include available ventilated front seats and a hand-wrapped leather dashboard on the Citadel and Premium variants.
Entertainment & Technology
All new Durangos come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a popular technology we explain here. However, only GT Plus models and above with the 10-inch touchscreen feature a wireless connection. Below that, you’ll find an 8.4-inch display with a wired connection.
Along with the larger interface comes navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless phone charging pad. Every 2023 Durango has a 7-inch digital gauge cluster screen and six stereo speakers. But audiophiles will want the 19-speaker system from Harman Kardon that comes with top versions of the R/T and SRT Durangos.
Safety Features
Dodge skimps on advanced safety tech for the 2023 Durango by fitting only a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert as standard fare. Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning come with the SXT Plus, but automated emergency braking requires a GT Premium. That model also features a lane-keeping system and automatic high beams.
Modern tech like semi-autonomous driving – which is standard on a Kia Telluride – is unavailable here. Dodge does fit the Durango with nine standard airbags but it does not manage to earn top safety marks from NHTSA or IIHS.
2023 Dodge Durango Trims & Pricing
SXT – $40,485
The base Durango SXT sits on 18-inch alloys, has triple-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple and Android smartphone mirroring.
SXT Plus – $42,080
SXT Plus adds a sunroof, ACC, and FCW to go with keyless entry, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
GT – $42,590
Durango GT is dressed up with 20-inch rims, LED headlights, and dual exhaust outlets along with heated exterior mirrors.
GT Plus – $46,985
From here on up, the 2023 Durango comes with a 10-inch infotainment screen and wireless smartphone mirroring. The GT Plus also sports Nappa leather upholstery.
GT Premium – $50,985
Rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and the added safety nets of AEB, LKS, and AHB round out GT Premium trim.
R/T – $53,190
The R/T model’s claim to fame is the burly 5.7L V8 mounted up front sitting on a sport-tuned suspension and steering system.
Citadel – $54,485
Durango Citadel adds such niceties as a power-adjustable steering column, climatized front seats, and heated second-row seats.
R/T HEMI Orange – $55,490
Drawing on its Hemi heritage, these variants sport an orange hood stripe to go with orange cabin stitching and “Apex Hydrographic” accents.
R/T Plus – $56,585
Along with the big motor, R/T Plus models come with a sunroof, leather upholstery, and ACC.
R/T Premium – $60,085
Cracking 60 grand brings a top-line R/T Premium with FCM, LKS, and a Harman Kardon stereo with 19 speakers.
SRT 392 – $72,285
The jump in price to an SRT 392 is mostly for the 6.4L V8 under hood, AWD running gear, and Bilstein adaptive dampers.
SRT 392 Plus – $78,285
The Plus designation here means “Demonic Red” Laguna leather seats and a matching full-width dashboard accent.
SRT 392 Premium – $83,185
Along with a vented hood, the SRT 392 Premium model features carbon-fiber interior bits and red seatbelts.
SRT Hellcat – $92,780
Justifying another step-up in pricing is the monster Hellcat motor with its 710 ponies awaiting your leaden right foot.
SRT Hellcat Plus – $98,780
Better than a regular Hellcat, the Plus model has a sunroof – the better to hear that supercharger wailing away.
SRT Hellcat Premium – $104,075
Shooting past six figures, Hellcat Premium features carbon fiber trim, a leather dashboard, and a 19-speaker stereo.
Warranties
Dodge’s warranty is very average with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic vehicle term and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. There is no complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2023 Dodge Durango – dodge.com | Shop 2023 Dodge Durango on Carsforsale.com
The upshot of this 2023 Dodge Durango review is that Dodge still knows how to make a muscle car, er, SUV. Even though most buyers will likely make do with the base V6, it is the trio of mighty V8s that steal the spotlight. And rightfully so – they’re all fantastic in their own way.
And yet, from a practical perspective, the 2023 Durango seems out of touch. It falls short of the competition on the advanced safety front and for $100,000, features like massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, 22-inch wheels, and a larger infotainment screen should at least be available. Given these shortcomings, I would have no choice but to find myself in a Hellcat simply for the motor. But it would be worth consulting this rundown of the latest new car incentives first.
