We explore the differences and similarities between new and used Dodge Durango models. Find out which is the better bargain here in our article.
Dueling Durangos
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The Dodge Durango has been found racing around on roads everywhere since it first debuted in 1998. Somehow, Dodge managed to blend the stylistic offerings of a muscle car with the utility and practicality of a full-size crossover SUV. The combination is perfect for speed freaks with families, especially since they come with a Hemi V-8 option.
Regardless of whether you enjoy the additional horsepower, they are spacious SUVs that can easily take the kids and a couple of their friends to soccer practice and still have room for groceries on the way home. There are a lot of SUVs that can do the same thing, but they certainly won’t look as good while doing it.
For 2023, there were only slight upgrades to the Durango. Heated seats are now standard in all trims, and the SXT trim can now be fitted with a forward collision warning system. The platform has otherwise been left alone.
But should you buy a new Dodge Durango or a used one? Which one gives you the best bang for your buck?
We’ve compiled the stats on a new Dodge Durango and a used 2021 Dodge Durango in the GT Plus trim. Let’s check them out!
Specs
For 2023, drivers can pick up a Durango with one of four engine options: the monster 710-horsepower Hellcat V8, the 360-horsepower V8, the 475-horsepower SRT 392 V8, and the more fuel-efficient 3.6L V6. The 3.6L V6 is the standard and most affordable engine.
The used 2021 Dodge Durango is equipped with the 3.6L V6. This engine puts out 295 horsepower and delivers 260 lb-ft of torque. A new Dodge Durango will share the same specs when equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine.
Both vehicles also get an EPA-estimated 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway with the fuel-efficient V6. This makes it a competitive choice against other V6-equipped SUVs on the market.
If you have to have the V8-equipped models, you should be prepared to get fuel mileage of 14 MPG city/22 MPG highway. This number drops to 14 MPG city/17 MPG highway with the Hellcat V8.
Driving and Performance
Both vehicles perform similarly since there have been few changes between 2021 and 2023. The Dodge Durango is a 5,500 lb vehicle that accelerates from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 7.4 seconds with the V6 engine. It handles the rigors of everyday driving with ease, and it is quite maneuverable in traffic. You will still know that you’re driving an SUV, however, especially in the corners.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly that you will hardly notice it. Braking is equally smooth, and it works very efficiently when stopping.
The V6-equipped Durango is capable of towing 6,200 lbs. The V8 option lets you tow up to 8,880 lbs.
Comfort and Interior
Both the new 2023 Dodge Durango and the used 2021 Dodge Durango provide comfortable rides that won’t raise complaints from the passengers. The ride is smooth and quiet, and it is completely road-trip-worthy.
The materials of the used 2021 Dodge Durango are great with leather seats all around. These are standard with the GT Plus package, while a base model SXT comes standard with cloth seats. The used GT Plus also comes standard with heated second-row seats as well.
Both models sport third-row seats. This means that there is room for up to 7 passengers. The third-row seating is not very spacious, and adults could have trouble accessing them and finding a comfortable position.
Both models also have the same cargo space. You’ll find 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 85.1 cubic feet with all seats folded down.
Driver controls are laid out ergonomically and are easy to access. The used 2021 Dodge Durango was equipped with an 8.4-inch infotainment display. This is standard on new Durango models as well, but we recommend getting the new 10.1-inch infotainment system. It is much easier to operate.
Trims and Feature
The Dodge Durango is available in 7 trims: SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, SRT, and SRT Hellcat.
The base model SXT is equipped with 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, roof rails, LED headlights, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.
The GT trim adds 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, black grille and window trim, and remote ignition. The GT Plus package that we reviewed on the used 2021 Dodge Durango adds leather seats, power front seats, heated second-row seats, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a forward collision warning.
The R/T trim adds a sport-tuned suspension, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, automatic high beams, a household power outlet, and navigation.
The Citadel trim opens up the 5.7L V8 engine option and all of the GT Plus trim options plus Chrome exterior trim, ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and upgraded leather upholstery.
The SRT trim comes with a 6.4L V8 engine standard as well as standard AWD. You also get a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, high-performance adaptive suspension, active noise cancellation, and sports seats.
The SRT Hellcat gives you the monstrous 6.2L supercharged V8 engine.
Final Thoughts
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There are a lot of features to compare when it comes to the Dodge Durango, but much of it is the same as long as you are comparing apples to apples. In this case, there is roughly a $7,000 difference between a used one and a new one. When you consider that you’ll be getting pretty much the same thing if you’re comparing the same trim, you want to look at other things – like warranties.
You’ll get a new warranty with a new Dodge Durango, and you’ll likely end up paying for a dealership warranty with a used one. In this sense, you’ll be good to go with a new one.
Otherwise, it is best to buy a used one with low mileage to save a few bucks. Keep in mind, however, that jumping to a higher trim level – especially the top-tiered SRT and SRT Hellcat – the savings may not be there.
