The Dodge Durango midsize SUV was introduced for the 1998 model year. It featured a body-on-frame construction based on the Dodge Dakota and Ram pickup trucks. Like many Dodge and Chrysler products of the time, the Durango was, and still is, a mishmash of powertrains and parts shared among Chrysler’s (now Stellantis’) multiple brands, including Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram. For the third generation, the Durango was moved to a crossover SUV platform shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which had better fuel economy but was less capable. Typically, the Durango is capable of seating seven across three rows.
Each generation features a range of V6 and V8 engine options, including high-performance options shared with the Dodge Charger and Challenger muscle cars. Thus the Durango was generally available at a wide range of price points when new, with the performance versions having the potential to become sought-after on the used market.
Each generation offered a wide variety of Durango configurations and trim levels, particularly the third generation, which was introduced for the 2011 model year and was still in production as of 2025. Trims range from basic fleet and rental specs, to Pursuit and Special Service versions intended for police duty, to regular family-oriented versions, to high-performance models that mimic Dodge sports car trims, such as R/T, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat versions. There was also a short-lived hybrid model.
Though the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system is generally well liked, some versions have been known to cause glitches in the Durango. Other Durango problems throughout the years have included electrical issues, transmission problems, cracked exhaust manifold bolts, as well as oil pressure issues and total engine failure in the earliest model years.
Dodge Durango Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Dodge Durango Pros and Cons
- Dodge Durango Generations
- Third Generation (2011-)
- Second Generation (2004-2009)
- First Generation (1998-2003)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dodge Durango years are the best?
Buy the most recent Dodge Durango you can afford in as good a condition as you can find, preferably from the third (current) generation. However, if you want a body-on-frame SUV with a V8 engine, the first generation Durango is good, too—just stick with 2001-2003 models.
What are the worst Dodge Durango years?
Avoid the first model years of all three generations of Durango. From 1998 through 2000, engine problems were common, particularly in Durangos powered by the 5.2-liter Magnum V8 engine. In 2004 through 2006, electrical problems caused cabins to catch fire, which resulted in a recall in 2007. The third generation, which started in 2011 and was shifted to a unibody platform, had more electrical problems, which led to common issues such as power shortages and loss of braking power.
Is a used Dodge Durango a good deal?
It can be. A late model Durango with a clean body and good maintenance records is a reasonable purchase, if you don’t overpay.
Dodge Durango Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong powertrains
- Seven-passenger seating
- Available with body-on-frame or unibody platforms
Cons:
- Lots of problems with all three generations
- Poor mpg
- Third (current) generation is outdated
Dodge Durango Generations
Third Generation (2011-Present)
The new Durango—introduced for the 2011 model year and still on sale as of 2025—was markedly different from the car it replaced, because it moved from the Dodge Dakota truck platform to that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee—a midsize crossover with a unibody construction. However, it’s now been on sale so long that it’s easy to forget the Durango was once a traditional body-on-frame vehicle. That said, the move to a crossover design made the Durango much more comfortable and easy to drive. The Durango was refreshed with updated styling in both 2014 and 2021, and the 2021 overhaul also included updated infotainment technology with improved touchscreen accessibility.
From 2011 through 2024, the Durango’s powertrain lineup consisted of the base Pentastar V6 as well as 5.7-liter, 6.4-liter, and 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8s. Starting in 2025, Dodge dropped the 6.4-liter V8 from the lineup. The V6 engine was pared with a five-speed automatic transmission, while V8 models got a six- or an eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) versions were available, and first responder versions got all-wheel drive (AWD).
Durango trims include base Express and Crew versions with minimal features and updates, primarily for fleets, as well as Pursuit and Special Service Package versions for police, which were available with AWD. Consumer-focused trims include Dodge Durango SXT, SXT Plus, Limited, Dodge Durango GT, GT Plus, GT Premium, Dodge Durango R/T, R/T Premium, R/T PLus, Dodge Durango Citadel, the limited-edition Mopar ‘22 Durango, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat. The latter two featured special sporty styling, inspired by Dodge’s Charger and Challenger sports cars, and upgraded features such as Brembo brakes to help stop with the additional horsepower, stylish aluminum wheels with a black finish, and sports front seats with faux suede trim. These models also may feature exterior and interior design touches, such as exclusive grilles, badging near the shifters, and sporty red trim. Some models were available with second-row captain’s chairs, but the standard full-size seating arrangement with space for seven passengers (captain’s chairs reduce seating capacity to seven) is more common.
Pause for thought if you’re thinking of buying the earliest model years from this generation, because there were many recalls to address reliability issues such as brake failure, problematic fuel pumps, and electrical and wiring issues. They should have been taken care of by the manufacturer, but it’s still work paying attention to these areas during an inspection and on a test drive.
According to recent CarGurus data, third-generation Dodge Durango models have consistently lost value both in recent transactions and year-over-year. Special editions, such as the limited Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, can approach six-figure prices, close to their original MSRP when new at the dealership, but they aren’t necessarily worth that. The earliest, V6-powered examples are often listed for $5,000 or so, though later examples can cost $30,000 or more, and anything less than three years old with no more than 36,000 miles on the clock will still be covered by the factory warranty. Depending on the trim you’re after, you can find features such as leather seats or even nappa leather and a premium audio system by Harman Kardon. Safety features include lane departure warning, a backup camera, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Second Generation (2004-2009)
The second generation of the Dodge Durango looked similar to the first, and was again based on the Dodge Dakota pickup truck. However, it was longer, wider, taller, and could be configured with up to eight seats thanks to an available second-row bench. Again, many parts were shared between the Durango and Dakota, as well as the Dodge Ram. The Durango was refreshed in 2007 with an updated front end and new features, such as electronic stability control, as well as park assist.
Notably, this generation marked the first appearance of Dodge’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. The 2004-2009 Durango again offered a Magnum V6 engine, along with the Magnum V8 and Corsair V8. A short-lived hybrid Durango, featuring the Hemi V8 and electric motors, was introduced for 2009 but discontinued after just two months. Transmission options across the generation were four- and five-speed automatics, as well as a CVT.
The ST/SE trim level came standard with cloth upholstery, a CD player, air conditioning, keyless entry, and 17-inch steel wheels. The rest of the lineup consisted of SXT, SLT, Adventurer, and Limited trims, the latter of which featured leather upholstery, a six-disc CD changer with MP3 integration, driver’s seat memory functions, power-adjustable pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls.
The second generation was known for electrical problems that could cause, among other issues, spontaneous fires inside. It took Dodge three years to issue a recall to replace the faulty electrical component that was prone to overheating. In the final year of this generation, the Durango’s reputation for reliability was so poor that only about 4,000 examples of the 2009 model year were sold.
Though second-generation Durango models should be largely avoided, if you’re considering buying one, it’s worth noting that the early years—that is, the worst ones— tend to hold or increase modularly in value, while CarGurus data shows the later models of this generation have generally decreased in price. Across this generation, prices range from about $2,000 to $12,000.
First Generation (1998-2003)
The Dodge Durango was introduced as a traditional, truck-based SUV with room for seven and a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. It shared the Dakota pickup’s chassis and some of its parts; other components were culled from Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth minivans.
The Durango was available at launch with a variety of V8 engines, including the problematic 5.2-liter Magnum that was later replaced with a 5.9-liter version. There was also a supercharged Magnum V8 available until the 2000 model year, as well as a 3.9-liter Magnum V6 that was available only in 1999. Depending on the engine, the Durango got a four- or five-speed automatic transmission. Most versions got rear- or four-wheel drive, though the R/T model was all-wheel drive.
Trim levels during the Durango’s first generation included the SLT, SLT Plus, Sort, SXT, R/T, and a limited edition Shelby S.P.360. Standard features included cloth upholstery, power windows and locks, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a cassette player—still an automotive industry staple at the time. Higher trims and packaged options brought the likes of leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a CD player.
Skip the earliest Durango models equipped with the 5.2-liter Magnum V8 engine, which had numerous problems including oil pressure irregularity and sudden premature failure. Instead, go for the later 5.9-liter Magnum V8. Keep in mind, too, that the first-generation Durango was built on a truck platform and therefore, most used models were probably driven hard, so be cautious when examining the body’s condition.
The first generation of Durango is inconsistent with regards to pricing trends. On average, examples of this vintage sell for about $3,500 to $6,700 according to the most recent CarGurus data. Prices are generally down recently and year-over-year for the earliest model years, though later examples of this generation have tended to hold or increase in value. Used models are plentiful in CarGurus’ used car listings, and most have one of the available V8 engines.
