Reviewing The 2021 Dodge Durango SUV
The 2021 Dodge Durango is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that offers superior performance when compared with most of its comparable competition. It is described by Dodge as an “SUV for muscle car people with families.” In other words, it is the perfect balance between optimal seating capacity, comfort, and performance. What separates the 2021 Dodge Durango apart on the SUV market is its powerful engine that is ideal for towing and the daily tasks involved with having a spouse and kids.
Here’s what we know about the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV
The Dodge Durango SUV is rated by U.S. News as the ninth-best midsize SUV. However, there are certain areas where the 2021 Dodge Durango is superior to the rest of the competition. Notably, this newest Durango model features a more powerful engine and exceptional towing capacity. However, there are certain areas, such as fuel economy and noise control, where the Durango does not perform as well.
Performance
The performance of the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV is perhaps its best feature. The standard models have a 295 horsepower V6 engine, whereas most competitor mid-size SUVs have a V4 engine. You can also choose to upgrade to a V8 engine that boasts 360 horsepower. The Dodge Durango also has a 4.9 second 0 to 60 time. Due to its higher-powered engine and extra towing capacity, the Durango is perfect for families that intend to haul trailers, watercraft, and more. Its steering and braking ability is average for SUVs of similar size. Of course, the fuel economy is slightly below average as well due to the higher-powered engine.
Comfort
The 2021 Dodge Durango has plenty of legroom to comfortably fit 6 passengers. The first two rows in particular provide an ample amount of space and excellent airflow. The space on the third row is more limited, but it can fit larger children comfortably. The noise control with the 2021 Durango SUV is not as ideal, however, and it can get rather loud compared to competitor models.
Technology
The 2021 Dodge Durango SUV features an 8.4 touchscreen infotainment display that is easy to set up and use. This SUV is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with featuring voice recognition and Bluetooth connection. Amazon Alexa is an optional addition. The Durango also has adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist technology as well.
Safety
As mentioned, the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV offers adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist that helps ensure your safety while driving. The 2021 Dodge Durango SUV scored well with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) moderate overlap front test results, side-impact test results and roof strength test results. According to U.S. News, the 2021 Durango scored an 8.3 out of 10, suggesting it is one of the safer midsized SUVs available.
Fuel economy
The fuel economy is not as ideal as many may want due to the high-powered engine. The EPA estimated miles per gallon for the Durango is 15 mpg (13 city and 19 highway). The rear-wheel-drive Durango can get as much as 21 miles per gallon on average.
Headlights
The 2021 Dodge Durango adds LED headlights and running lights to the newest model, which also features a wider face than the 2020 Durango SUV. The headlights are reliable and should last for a decade or more with proper care.
Price
The starting price for the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV is $34,065. This is for the Durango SXT model. You can upgrade for more features, a higher-powered V8 engine and more. The pricing of the upgraded models are:
- SXT Plus – $38,060
- GT – $38,165
- GT Plus – $42,165
- R/T – $47,175
- Citadel $49,915
The SXT Plus and the GT provide the best combination of value and performance. The R/T and the Citadel offer the most features and a more powerful V8 engine.
How the 2021 Dodge Durango ranks among the competition
As mentioned, the 2021 Dodge Durango is rated as the ninth-best midsize SUV. Three of the more notable competitors to the 2021 Dodge Durango are the Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9 and the Honda Passport. Let’s take a closer look at how the Durango stacks up with each of these three models.
2021 Kia Telluride
The 2021 Kia Telluride is rated a 10 of 10 by Car and Driver. This three-row crossover has a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing interior and an ample amount of space to comfortably seat five or more passengers, perfect for everyday use of adults with families. Despite its expensive look and elegant interior, the 2021 Kia Telluride is relatively affordable, with a starting price of $33,415. When compared to the 2021 Durango, the Telluride offers an arguably more comfortable experience for families, although it does not have the same level of performance as the Durango.
2021 Mazda CX-9
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is slightly more expensive than the Kia Telluride or Dodge Durango. The starting price for the Mazda CX-9 is $35,335. It offers more limited third-row seating and cargo space, but it can still seat seven comfortably. The CX-9 features an excellent infotainment system and comfortable interior. It also gets better gas mileage than both the Kia Telluride and the Dodge Durango. Although it performs well, it does not have the towing capacity that the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV offers.
2021 Honda Passport
The 2021 Honda Passport offers a fair starting price of $33,965. However, there are complaints about the base model’s interior styling and rough performance, so you might want to consider an upgraded option of the Honda Passport. It does provide plenty of legroom and cargo space, however, so it is an excellent option for families of five or more.
Final thoughts on the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV
If you are searching for a comfortable family vehicle that allows you to effortlessly tow trailers and watercraft with a more powerful engine, then the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV may be the choice for you. When compared with the competition, the Durango has a more powerful engine.
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