Used 2021 Dodge Durango for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2021 Dodge Durango cost?

Prices have softened 9.92% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,761 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

Is the 2021 Dodge Durango a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Dodge Durango earns a 4.7/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise the smooth ride, comfortable seating, and spacious interior. The updated technology and powerful engine options also come through as recurring positives, especially if you want a family SUV that can still handle towing and stronger performance.

The trade-offs are clear: some owners mention fuel-efficiency concerns and missing features they expected in a modern SUV. In practical terms, the Durango fits you best if you want versatility, comfort, and power in one package rather than the most efficient or most fully equipped mainstream SUV.

The market also shows 31.2% good or great deals, which gives you room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Dodge Durango reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience for many drivers, with praise centered on comfort, smooth driving, and confidence in the vehicle’s powertrain choices. The expert review also describes the Durango as a model Dodge keeps updating to stay relevant, which supports the sense that it remains a usable long-term option.

The performance review emphasizes smooth shifts, controlled power delivery, and confidence-inspiring steering, all of which reinforce day-to-day dependability. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that age-related wear and uneven maintenance history can matter more than the badge itself, so condition and service records should carry real weight.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Dodge Durango?

At 74.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage or heavily optioned example. Focus on body condition, interior wear, and evidence of consistent maintenance, since those are the areas most likely to separate a clean used Durango from a risky one.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin ranges from cloth upholstery on lower-level models to leather, suede, Nappa leather, and Laguna leather as you move up, and the Durango becomes increasingly more premium and sophisticated. Base trims also miss some of the richer appearance and equipment upgrades found higher in the lineup.
• Powertrain: You can find a 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter HEMI V8, 392 HEMI V8, and supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, all paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The V6 is the efficiency-minded starting point, while the upper engines are for buyers who want much stronger performance.
• Safety package: The Durango comes standard with a rearview camera, airbags, and electronic stability control, while adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, parking sensors, and forward-collision warning are available depending on trim or package. Those features are not standard across the lineup.
• Infotainment: Lower trims get an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get a 10.1-inch screen with Uconnect 5. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA updates, and connected services are part of the newer system.
• Fuel efficiency: The V6 makes 293 horsepower or 295 horsepower, depending on exhaust setup, and the lineup includes multiple V8 options for buyers prioritizing power over efficiency.

Which 2021 Dodge Durango trim should I buy?

The 2021 Dodge Durango is offered in 4 trim levels: SXT, GT, Citadel, and R/T.

Here's the short version:

• SXT: This is the entry point if you want the Durango’s core V6 setup, standard 8.4-inch touchscreen, and the most accessible way into the lineup. It makes sense if you want the Durango’s space and style without paying for extra performance or luxury features.
• GT: This trim keeps the V6 and adds a more appealing middle-ground setup, including the same 8.4-inch touchscreen and access to more available equipment. It’s the best-value choice if you want a balanced mix of everyday usability and features.
• Citadel: This is the trim to consider if you want a more premium-feeling Durango, with higher-end interior materials and the option to upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8. It suits you best if comfort and refinement matter more than outright performance.
• R/T: This is the performance-focused choice, with the 5.7-liter V8 standard and SRT Performance Pages included. It’s the right pick if you want stronger acceleration and a more athletic personality.

Safety equipment remains limited on lower trims, so if driver-assistance features matter to you, check the package content carefully before you buy.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Dodge Durango?

The market looks moderate and selective, so you can shop with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 31.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,761 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.92% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,373, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Dodge Durango's resale value?

The current average of $26,373 sits slightly below last year's $29,279.

That decline suggests the Durango has become more affordable on the used market, which can help you buy in at a lower entry point. For a future seller, though, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on trim, condition, mileage, and equipment rather than on broad market appreciation.

Because the price range has softened, well-kept examples with desirable features may stand out more than average ones. If you maintain the vehicle carefully and keep records, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Dodge Durango safe?

The 2021 Dodge Durango earns a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The Durango comes standard with a rearview camera, airbags, and electronic stability control, while adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, parking sensors, and forward-collision warning are available depending on trim or package. That means you should not assume advanced driver assistance is included unless you verify the exact vehicle.

A key caveat is that the Durango falls short of rivals in standard safety equipment, and front crash-test ratings were not yet released in the source material. If safety is a top priority, pay close attention to the exact feature list on the listing you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2021 Dodge Durango or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.92% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 update brings the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system and the available SRT Hellcat variant.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,682, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $26,373 average.
• It blends three-row practicality with muscle-car styling.

The bottom line: If you want the newer infotainment setup and the strongest performance story, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path.

How does the 2021 Dodge Durango compare to the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Dodge Durango:

• Pros: Available with racing stripes and more than 700 horsepower, Multiple powertrain options, Comfortable.
• Cons: Cramped third row, Interior materials feel cheap.

2021 Ford Explorer:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Great handling, Spacious third row.
• Cons: Interior materials feel cheap, Advanced safety features are not standard.

Our experts score the 2021 Dodge Durango 8/10 and the 2021 Ford Explorer 7.5/10. The Durango is the better pick if you care more about power and comfort, while the Explorer has the edge if you want a roomier third row and stronger handling. Both have interior-material drawbacks, but the Explorer’s standard safety equipment is also a weaker point.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.