2023 Dodge Durango Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
The Durango SRT Hellcat rises from the grave! Dodge offered its mighty supercharged V-8 engine on this three-row SUV for 2021 before discontinuing it after just one year. Now, Dodge once again includes a Durango with over 700 hp in its SUV lineup . Big news aside, Dodge's largest vehicle otherwise carries over into 2023 mostly unchanged.
What's New
- Dodge revives the SRT Hellcat to top the 2023 Durango lineup
- Heated seats are now standard on every model
- New exterior colors: Frostbite, Night Moves, Red Oxide and Triple Nickel
- Forward Collision Warning is now available as part of a package on the SXT model
What We Think
In a segment full of exceedingly practical vehicles, the Dodge Durango stands out as the muscle car alternative to its three-row peers. Its styling invokes the popular Charger sedan, both in terms of its bulging fenders and its gaping grille. Impressive towing capability and a range of available V-8 engines further sets the Durango apart from its peers that are largely powered by four- or six-cylinder powerplants.
Despite riding on a platform that's well over a decade old, the Durango exhibits enjoyable driving dynamics. It rides on four-corner independent suspension, has nicely weighted steering, and great brake feel. Need some proof? The Ford Explorer ST, its sporty SUV rival, couldn't match the Dodge in a comparison test.
These positive characteristics are enhanced when matched with one of three eight-cylinder offerings, which add more power and a decadent soundtrack to the mix. We did note in our comparison test with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, however, that the Durango's Mopar sibling boasted a quieter cabin.
The big news for the 2023 model year is the reintroduction of the Durango SRT Hellcat, which packs a powerful supercharged V-8 and a permanent all-wheel-drive system. Naturally, fuel economy is a weakness, as is the Hellcat's high starting price, but it's hard to hate a vehicle that's fast, loud, and exceptionally fun to drive.
Performance thrills and good looks aren't all that the Durango has going for it, either. Dodge has kept things fresh by updating its three-row SUV's infotainment technology over the years, but safety ratings aren't very good, which is a big detriment in today's hyper-competitive market. As such, it's best to focus on the Durango's charisma. We thoroughly enjoyed our one-year Durango R/T test SUV for its utility, capability, and swagger. Prospective buyers are likely to feel the same way.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Engines choices for the 2023 Durango are quite similar to previous model years, but choices are newly reinvigorated with the inclusion of the SRT Hellcat model's supercharged V-8. Every Durango uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
Horsepower: 293-295 hp
Torque: 260 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.6 seconds
Fuel Economy (city/highway): 18-19/25-26 mpg
Engine: 5.7-liter V-8
Horsepower: 360 hp
Torque: 390 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.4 seconds
Fuel Economy (city/highway): 14/22 mpg
Engine: 6.4-liter V-8
Horsepower: 475 hp
Torque: 470 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.6 seconds
Fuel Economy (city/highway): 13/19 mpg
Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V-8
Horsepower: 710 hp
Torque: 645 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.4 seconds
Fuel Economy (city/highway): 12/17 mpg
How Fast is the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat?
While we haven't retested the reintroduced Hellcat version of the Durango SRT, Dodge says that its power output remains unchanged despite tweaks to the vehicle's software coding to make it emissions compliant. We expect its performance figures to remain the same as the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat we tested at the track. That means that it should still blitz from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and blast through the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 117.3 mph. Top speed is a screaming 180 mph.
Safety Ratings and Features
As a vehicle riding on a much older platform than its rivals, the Durango's safety ratings lag the segment. The NHTSA rated its crashworthiness at four out of five stars overall and the IIHS gave the Durango a score of Marginal in the small overlap front test, the second poorest score out of four.
Safety technology was improved for the 2022 model year, but the Durango still lacked standard features commonly found equipped on competitors. Blind-spot monitoring was standard, and GT and R/T models received adaptive cruise control. New for 2023, Forward Collision Warning is now optional on the base SXT model.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Durango's interior space is about what we expect from vehicles in its segment. Third row room is a standout metric although cargo volume could be improved.
Technology
Dodge outfits the Durango with the modern tech features you expect in this segment. An 8.4-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard and an even larger 10.1-inch unit with wireless charging, and built-in navigation. Dodge also offers a Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.
