Performance
While some midsize SUVs only offer a V6 engine as an available upgrade, the 2021 Dodge Durango cuts straight to the chase. Dodge equips the model with a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine capable of towing up to 6,200 lbs. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivers 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is the most efficient setup on the Durango and yields a solid fuel economy of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. While this may just be the base engine, it will not leave you disappointed.
Three V8 Options
On the Durango RT, Dodge gives drivers even more power with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that’s capable of towing up to 8,700 pounds. Paired with the same 8-speed automatic transmission, the HEMI produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This comes at the cost of fuel efficiency, with the HEMI averaging 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. For raw muscle at an affordable price, the 5.7-liter HEMI is unsurpassed.
Dodge delivers another level of power with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that’s available on the SRT model. This workhorse delivers 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, but even that pales in comparison to its more powerful older brother, the SRT Hellcat. The SRT Hellcat trim has a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine under the hood and lives up to its name by delivering 710 hp, 645 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 180 mph. This makes it the most powerful SUV ever made, narrowly edging out the Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk, which has a 707 hp version of the same engine.
Packages
Dodge knows that drivers love to have options to further customize their vehicle. That’s why Dodge gives drivers eight different trim options and an impressive powertrain lineup. It’s also why the manufacturer allows drivers to customize the Durango even further with four iconic appearance packages that truly take each Durango to the next level.
SRT Black Package
Designed to dominate, the SRT Black Package transforms the already sporty SRT into stealth mode. The package includes Lights Out wheels and adds black mirror caps. It also exchanges the SRT’s standard badging with gray metallic badges while adding Eclipse Black exhaust tips and a Satin Black Dodge rear tail lamp badge.
Blacktop Package
Drivers looking to combine power and strength on the Durango get exactly that with the Blacktop Package. Available on the SXT, GT, and RT trims, the package offers different upgrades depending on the model. For example, the SXT receives a new gloss black grille surround, dual exhaust, and monochromatic exterior. All compatible models are given upgraded black mirror caps and black exterior badges. The tires also see a few changes with the standard wheels exchanged for either 20-inch Black Noise aluminum wheels or 20-inch Lights Out aluminum wheels when combined with the Tow N Go Package.
R/T Tow N Go Package
Designed to make the Durango an even more capable hauler, the R/T Tow N Go Package is one of the beefiest upgrades in the Durango lineup. It pushes the Durango’s maximum towing capability to 8,700 lbs thanks to black 6-piston Brembo front brakes and black 4-piston Brembo rear brakes, a Bilstein active damping high-performance suspension, and an electronic limited-slip rear axle. The package also includes Hyper Black wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero Run Flat tires, wide body flares, a compact spare tire, and a performance exhaust. Dodge makes hauling even easier with hard button drive modes, a Class IV trailer hitch, an integrated trailer brake controller, and active noise canceling to deliver a quiet ride.
Anodized Platinum Appearance Package
Combining performance with style, the Anodized Platinum Appearance Package is all about aesthetics. This package transforms the Durango into a sleek beauty with a monochromatic exterior and platinum accents, including a platinum grille surround, platinum fog lamp bezels, and a platinum lower sill insert. Dodge didn’t forget the wheels either and added 20-inch Satin Carbon aluminum wheels to complete the look.
Safety
Dodge’s attention to detail extends beyond the Durango’s many customization options to its impressive suite of standard and available safety features and technology. In the Durango lineup, the Citadel proudly carries the title as the safest in the fleet and continues to prove that it’s a fortress on wheels. How? The Citadel comes standard with Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, LaneSense Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Advanced Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path Detection.
Active Driver-Assist Features
Many of these features are available upgrades on the other trim packages, but what exactly do these features offer Durango drivers? Adaptive Cruise Control takes the guesswork out of cruising at highway speeds by using throttle control and braking in response to how the traffic ahead is moving. If traffic slows, Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts the Durango’s speed to maintain a preset distance.
Blind Spot Monitoring gives drivers further peace of mind by monitoring the Durango’s surroundings, which is ideal when changing lanes. This feature works in conjunction with Rear Cross Path Detection, which scans the rear of the vehicle for approaching traffic. When emergencies require a sudden stop, the Durango is more than capable thanks to several braking features like Rain Brake Support, Brake Assist, Ready-Alert Braking, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
Built-In Safety
In addition to intelligent braking, the Durango also gives drivers more control behind the wheel with All-Speed Traction Control and Electronic Roll Mitigation. All-Speed Traction Control allows the Durango to take turns with confidence and prevent rollover accidents with Electronic Roll Mitigation. Electronic Stability Control works behind the scenes to monitor steering and motion to ensure the driver maintains control of the vehicle in any condition.
With the Citadel featuring many of these safety features as part of the standard lineup, it’s easy to see why the model is a fortress on the road. Of course, Dodge makes these features readily available across the Durango lineup. This adds even more loyalty to the Dodge brand as drivers know their safety is a priority when they get behind the wheel of the Durango.
