The Dodge Durango, last redesigned in 2011, is selling like crazy
Posted by Sixteen-Cylinders@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 258 comments
Posted by Sixteen-Cylinders@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 258 comments
GATX303@reddit
Because its a fine car by any metric. During my time as a car sealsman, the second and third gen durangos happen to hit a sweet spot for many buyers. (This applies to Durango, or Explorer, or Acadia really)
Decent fuel economy and reliability (fight me, these cars are fine) Not a minivan, but has the seating capacity of one. ( And you avoid minivan) Legitimate tow capacity ( except for the low trim Acadias) And they just looks sharp.
Drzhivago138@reddit
The new Traverse/Acadia/Enclave and the Explorer max tow rating is 5K, which isn't bad, but the Durango can do 8700. That's better than any mid-size pickup and comparable to many half-ton pickups or SUVs.
GATX303@reddit
I don't know about the newer ones, the ones I sold were the first Gen where is needed needed the extra tow package ( difference is an upgraded cooling system) in order to get the 5k rating.
Most of them did not have this. Without the tow package, the low trim Acadia, Outlook, and Traverse were rated for a measly 2k.
dewrew80@reddit
Iirc, didn't the old ones have a lower output engine in the lower trims? The new ones have all the same tooling and the same engine across the line.
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
That's only 400 lbs lower than my F150's capacity. 😬. I have an older Durango R/T and it's still a respectable 7600 lbs.
maybach320@reddit
Having had them as rentals I understand why they sell. They are not a giant iPad, feel pretty good to drive, priced pretty well, not some high strung 4cyl turbo, and three rows with a decent cargo volume. It’s a pretty appealing vehicle. They would sell a lot more if Stelantis had a better reputation for quality.
FourEyesAndThighs@reddit
And yet they want $50k starting for a Turbo V6 sedan. Dodge's pricing is wild.
TheCudder@reddit
The Durango and previous generation Charger's still look great. Dodge coud milk them both and just update the interior.
cpttucker126@reddit
Dodge could legit just of kept milking the Durango, Charger and Challenger for years. If they just took them refreshed them and kept selling them they would keep selling.
kneedoorman@reddit
Whaaa?? People don’t want a tablet on wheels with a turbo hybrid 4 cylinder and ability to serviced by a technician and not a software programmer?
Shmokesshweed@reddit
If you don't buy one of those and choose a Stellantis product instead, you're basically out of the fire, into the frying pan.
kneedoorman@reddit
I’d say this is the exception. After 16 years they’ve worked out the kinks
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Yeah these are really solid, that guy is just having a reddit moment.
kneedoorman@reddit
I get it.. people don’t want to trust a Chrysler, made by Italians and owned by the French.
But this car was born when the germans were in charge of the stuff you want to be German and the engine you want to be American had a murrican V8
JProhaska3@reddit
I would hardly call a ZF-8 speed lazy
Lower_Kick268@reddit
They used to have a Mercedes 5 speed auto until 2014, those definitely were lazy
ctn91@reddit
Which, while maybe not the greatest i think was the model of transmission used in the e-class taxis. So its a stout transmission designed to be beat on and used for over half a million kilometers. Basically like a crown Victoria.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
The downside is in a sporty V8 SUV its a terrible choice, they were never designed to handle Hemi Horsepowers and thus arent very reliable in these. Nor are they very fun to drive, they shift slow af and the gear ratios are long
Geisel_der_Lufte@reddit
The Mercedes 5 speed will handle 1000nm of torque in the V12 AMGs, I'm sure it can handle the 5.7 lmao
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Idk what a NM is in American torque pounds but alright, idk if they're good for handling 450hp out of the older SRT Durangos
Geisel_der_Lufte@reddit
https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=1000+nm+to+ft+lbs
I think 612hp might be a little bit more than the Durango’s pushing
Bassracerx@reddit
not designed to handle hemi horsepower?? its a charger in a fat suite on stilts? yeah maybe don't try and take high G force corners but it basically behaves like a unibody truck
jonrpatrick@reddit
I'm sorry, I had to chuckle. "This transmission is as reliable as a Ford car". Not something I thought I'd read today! 😄
kyonkun_denwa@reddit
I normally hate Fords but I make exceptions for certain models. The Crown Vic is a massive exception, just a super reliable and durable car all around.
AndroidMyAndroid@reddit
Lazy but bulletproof, which is what family haulers should be.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
The ZF8 is more bulletproof, smoother, shifts much faster, has better gear ratios, and much more reliable
lael8u@reddit
The 5G Tronic has been here since the 90's, let's be real. It has already proven its durability.
EloeOmoe@reddit
It was the transmission of choice for Merc's V12 cars because it was the only trans that could hold up to the torque.
browsk@reddit
Was used in the Porsche 911 turbo (996) as the tiptronic before the pdk
Paladinraye@reddit
Did you just call the 545RFE bulletproof? 🤣
mr_bots@reddit
The V6 came with the old, bulletproof MB 5 speed, the V8 came with the 4 speed turned 5 speed turned 6 speed 45/545/65RFE.
su1ac0@reddit
Which is odd, because the MB 5 speed was the far better option. If it's already engineered to accept the MB 5 speed why bother having an entirely different Chrysler transmission on the V8's?
mr_bots@reddit
I always wondered that myself. The MB 5 speed was stout as hell and the RFE was such a weird transmission that was a 4 speed with two 2nd gears and then added a 5th gear as a final gear through programming that was only slightly higher than the 4th gear then just changed the marketing to a 6 speed by allowing you to manually select both 2nd gears through manual shifting but still acted like the 5 speed in drive.
aheartworthbreaking@reddit
2013*, 2014 is when the WK2 platform got the ZF8 alongside half ton Rams. The only cars still using the NAG1 in 2014 were the LX/D platform cars.
specialcommenter@reddit
They weren’t lazy like American 4 speed autos. They gave the feeling of strong just longer ratios.
srs_house@reddit
No it wasn't. Daimler sold it off to Cerberus (notorious PE firm who ruined numerous gun companies by lowering quality) in 2007. Their electrical components have basically been junk ever since.
Swoly_Deadlift@reddit
Reddit has a surface-level understanding of the issues with Stellantis. Many of their cars have acceptable reliability, especially when comparing to other American cars, and they’re just tanked by the reputation of the brand.
su1ac0@reddit
No, you see, in spite of all the data that most of the old models (Durango, Charger, Challenger, 300, etc) indicating they're quite reliable
Fiat bought Chrysler so then everything magically overnight turned into Fiat. Then Stellantis bought Chrysler and magically everything turned into a Fr*nch product overnight, therefore they all suck.
dbcanuck@reddit
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep is typically sold as a single dealership, and they have some truly abysmal cars on their lots. I don't think Jeep has a single car in their inventory that is of average reliability, and they're overpriced. Chrysler has one vehicle for sale now -- the Pacifica.
Dodge launched one of the worst EVs in recent memory. The new Rams had major teething problems. I just looked at their lineup and I didn't even know the Hornet existed.
But the Durango is exactly what people want when they buy an SUV. Affordable, decent power, GREAT towing, reliable. I know someone whose 350,000km Toyota 4Runner had to be replaced, and opted for the Durango versus the newer turbo v4 hybrid options Toyota is pumping out. I wouldn't be surprised if at least SOME of the increase in demand are people looking for alternatives to the latest generation of products from Japan.
izwald88@reddit
I hate Stellatis as much as the next guy, but it seems like a lot of their old school stuff is solid. Chargers, Challengers, Rams, Durangos, and certain Jeeps seem like simple, reliable machines. Will something electrical still bug out in them? Probably.
The_Bucket_Of_Truth@reddit
How old? My brother's truck was a 2016 and blew its 5.7.
dcwldct@reddit
Yeah, it’s not the mechanical reliability that worries me, it’s the interior falling apart, random squeaks and rattles, and glitchy infotainment. That’s been my experience with a 2021 company RAM.
BrandonNeider@reddit
ZF8 with a 5.7 hemi is quite bulletproof. Worst case if it doesn't already have a 3.92 diff you put one in and now your really kicking ass reliability wise.
aheartworthbreaking@reddit
You want the 3.06 LSDs with the ZF8, the 3.91 will just spin the wheels through the first two gears unless you have a NAG1. In fact, the only cars to get the 3.91s from factory (other than the Mopar 11 Charger) were Challengers with a M6.
BrandonNeider@reddit
Shows my age when I mistake the 3.92 with the 3.91’s been a while since I owned Mopar. Probably confused it with the 392 motor
Paladinraye@reddit
You mean 3.92? Many rams came with 3.92 gears and the 5.7 with the ZF8
aheartworthbreaking@reddit
IIRC they were 3.91s. The Rams might have used it with the ZF8, but the cars always used the 3.06.
Paladinraye@reddit
The cars yes, but in the trucks it was either 3.21/3.55/3.92. The Durango’s came with 3.09s when equipped with the 5.7 or 3.70s with the 6.4.
Paladinraye@reddit
Can’t just throw a gears in one though in one though… welded ring gear so you’ve gotta swap the whole axle after 2013
Paladinraye@reddit
I mean the 5.7 hemi still has the camshaft/lifter problem, but every other manufacturer having worse issues makes it seem not that bad 🤷🏼♂️
captainnowalk@reddit
From what I understand, it’s primarily start/stop issues and excessive idling, which is why you don’t tend to see so many problems on the chargers or challengers that have the 5.7. A lot of the Rams spend a lot of the day idling at Job sites (Rams tend to be the truck I see the most on job sites around here… always idling), and so they tend to get hit the hardest.
Honestly, though, I probably wouldn’t be opposed to even still having the Pentastar in the Durango. I’ve got nowhere I need to be fast. I like the Durango, though. Seems pretty straightforward, tows well, and seems reasonably able off-road as long as you’re not traversing where you’ll need a dedicated 4WD LO.
Paladinraye@reddit
We have a 2011 ram and a 2011 Durango we bought new, and they are both great vehicles. My lifters/cam went at 145k in the ram, despite not having a lot of short trips or idling (no start stop on these years). Between that and the rust on the bed (same spot my 2004 rusted from) no major complaints, 157k miles on it now.
The Durango though? Pentastar engine, 5 speed trans. Made it 230k miles without a single issue, transfer case went out last year, put a junkyard unit in it and it’s been running like a top, 245k miles now and I recommend them to everyone looking for a reliable SUV.
TheKobayashiMoron@reddit
I had a 2011 HEMI Charger. The HEMI was never the problem for me, it was fucking everything else.
The radio constantly needed to be re-flashed by the dealer, the proximity door handles would stop working and had to be replaced twice, the paint was bubbling and flaking off before my first oil change, the dash had to be taken apart because the hvac blend door got stuck and half the car had no heat, the steering column had to be rebuilt, trunk latch stopped releasing and had to be replaced…
I bought that car brand new and only had it two years before I finally gave up. I loved that car but it spent more time going up and down on a lift than back and forth on the road.
I respect that Dodge hasn’t messed with the Durango since then. It gives them the time to iron problems out and then just sell a consistent product for as long as people keep buying it. The Ford learned that with the Crown Vic. That car was the same workhorse for like 30 years, and I still see them on the road today 15 years after they went out of production.
crushedrancor@reddit
Yeah even as a lifelong mopar/stellantis hater i bought a ‘21 grand Cherokee, sure it won’t be as reliable as a Toyota but the kinks are at least well known if not worked out by now
mellofello808@reddit
may not leave you stranded but it is death by 1000 cuts with all the little things breaking, and electrical issues.
ImNotEazy@reddit
If you buy the wrong ones yes. All cars have quirks but mine has been bulletproof for the past 8 years. I also still have my 06 hemi 2 owner with 175k miles and still highway ready Ive owned since 09.
Big-Soup74@reddit
At least it has a V8 am I right brother
Lower_Kick268@reddit
These are actually really solid, theyre very reliable and theyve worked out most of the issues in the last 15 years
Dr_Disaster@reddit
I’ve been saying for awhile the Durango is a super underrated SUV buy. I had one as a rental years back and I was legit sad to return it. I did a 1200 mile road trip and I couldn’t find a flaw in it. Drove surprisingly well for the size too.
AndroidMyAndroid@reddit
It's fun to drive until you use the infotaiment system and Clippy pops up to help you connect your phone
Then_Version9768@reddit
Yes, the critical thing about a machine designed to move your long distances in comfort is the issue of "clippy pop ups".
AndroidMyAndroid@reddit
Do you actually drive cars? Because when shit is hard to use, laggy, unresponsive and feels like it runs on Windows XP you are going to be annoyed by it every day, no matter how good the rest of the car is.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
The infotainment is fine on the newer ones, Uconnect used to suck but its fine since the last refresh in the early 20s
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Having used it in a Pacifica, I would agree.
buffilosoljah42o@reddit
Of course /you/ would say that clippy.
AndroidMyAndroid@reddit
It's been improved since it was originally released, but this system is still a decade behind the new system in Stellantis vehicles, which is very good.
Diogenes256@reddit
Into the blast furnace.
turb0_encapsulator@reddit
The V8 Durango gets 14 city / 22 highway mileage.
Carstuff392@reddit
The 18 we had would get 20-21 on the highway pretty easy, even running fast. We now have an RDX that gets 23-24 on the highway. We really like the RDX but we miss the Durango and will probably end up with another one.
turb0_encapsulator@reddit
I had no idea the RDX had such mediocre mileage. I generally assume most Japanese and Korean SUVs have hybrid models that make up the bulk of sales, but I guess that isn't the case with the RDX.
Carstuff392@reddit
It’s rated at 26 but the best case scenario we have ever had is 24. We aren’t super tame drivers though. Great vehicle, just thirsty for a 2.0.
gumol@reddit
meanwhile Kia is selling 120k Tellurides a year.
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
Well wait, you’re looking at last years numbers to derive that 120k number correct? The Telluride only started coming this year with a turbo engine and hybrid offerings.
I’m not saying you won’t end up being correct if the sales numbers hold up, I’m just suggesting it’s way too early to make that assumption.
Superlolz@reddit
Telluride, Palisade and Grand Highlander are all poised to smash last year's sales record even in a "down year" for the industry in general if you look at Q1 trends.
gumol@reddit
I focused more on the “tablet on wheels” part rather than try to hit every single adjective
blumirage@reddit
Apart from the digital dash, the previois gen telluride wasn't much more of a "tablet on wheels" than the Durango. It had physical buttons for basically everything
squirrel-nut-zipper@reddit
That’s also pretty misleading since the Telluride’s dash isn’t one big tablet.
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
I think a better comparison as someone else pointed out was that the Tacoma had its best sales year ever with a turbo 4-cylinder and tablet-like experience. Just because we can actually look at the sales numbers from that one already.
specialcommenter@reddit
Telluride was a simple NA V6 until this year
MidgetGroper@reddit
I don’t think the people buying Tellurides made any consideration about the engine.
trackdaybruh@reddit
Wowzer, that’s 50% higher sales than the Durango while even probably costing more than it.
gumol@reddit
Yeah, but if you compare sales of all the turbo-hybrid-4-cylinder-tablets to Durango, the picture will be pretty clear.
mishap1@reddit
It's become the Dodge Journey with a higher MSRP to better carry that negative equity for people with dogshit credit.
Majority of people buying new cars do not service them themselves and plenty of people like the fancy doodads hence the continued addition of them. The Durango still has its seat heaters and steering wheel heater behind that gawdawful 2015 era UConnect so it's not like they get legit buttons. The only saving grace is the availability of the big V8 engines but it's felt ancient for a decade.
AnalogApex@reddit
My wife has had two Durango’s (and we don’t have dog shit credit). She then went to an X7 followed by Range Rover Sport. She’d take another Durango in a heartbeat and wouldn’t complain. it’s a great truck. Aside from being more ‘analog’, it’s a unique size (small 7 seater, roomy 4 seater, good cargo space) and really good proportions. I’d even say it’s pretty good looking! Not sure what the current engine lineup is, but the hemi was cool.
mishap1@reddit
I didn't say it's always been only for credit challenged. I said it's taken on that role that now that the Journey is gone as well as the Charger. The Hornet is too small/cheap to fill that role which is why it doesn't sell. You can see sales started ticking up as other models disappeared from their lineup.
It's among the cheapest 3 row SUVs and has cash on the hood meaning you can punt a lot of bad decisions.
Only unavailable engine right now is the 392. 7,925 new ones listed on Autotrader and about \~48% are 5.7L and 4% are Hellcats while the rest are Pentastar V6.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Drive one, they sure dont feel anchient, theyre phenominal drivers and super affordable
Dr_Disaster@reddit
They do drive really great. I got a rental expecting it to be a boat, but thing whips and feels like a much smaller vehicle. It’s crazy to say, but its one of the best all around vehicles I’ve driven. Compared to a 4runner or the like, I’d legit take the Durango.
yourewrong321@reddit
They drive and feel great because they share almost identical suspension engineering with w164/w166 ML/GL from mercedes from 2006-2015
specialcommenter@reddit
It feels fast but even the 5.7 in a Durango is slow by today’s standards. The sounds made it feel fast but not much faster than a hybrid 4 cylinder RAV4. The new standard 392 is competitive in the 2026 Durango.
penis-tango-man@reddit
It’s similar to the WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee based on the same platform. Now that Jeep only offers the Hurricane I-4 on the GC, I may look into a Durango in the next couple of years to replace our WK2. I don’t want a tablet with a car built around it.
mishap1@reddit
I've driven several through the years as rentals as well as its platform-mate the WK2 Grand Cherokee. Have also driven the newer WL Cherokee in regular and L forms. The GC L isn't much better but if the prices aren't that different, I'd probably still take the WL platform if I didn't have to worry about reliability.
They feel heavy and the wheelbase made it feel worse than the equivalent GC. The Pentastar makes more noise than speed and still chugs gas and few rental companies would give you more than the V6 (rare 5.7 would be out there which made better noises at least). Have driven the current gen Explorer ST and it felt significantly more modern and faster. Haven't gotten a WL with a Hurricane (only the Grand/Wagoneer) as a comparison.
Babumman@reddit
I had one as a rental and I gotta say, it wasn't fast but it sure was fun getting the V8 to bark a bit.
smitleyjd@reddit
As someone who's been forced to drive them. The unconnect is pretty good now. In 2015 it felt like 2010. The recent ones actually feel modern still. It's responsive. And mom likes it. And she'd have no idea it has a different engine than our 15 Durango v6 or her i4 Kia Sorento. Shed just be annoyed how "small the tank is" no matter the size.
8P69SYKUAGeGjgq@reddit
If your local guy doesn't have a scan tool capable of talking to modern cars, you need a better local guy at this point. That's just an inability to keep up with your job requirements.
obiwanshinobi900@reddit
Dude isn't that the truth. All I want is a V8 to tow with, reliability, longevity and the ability to carry 7 passengers. Why is that so much to ask for.
wrenchandrepeat@reddit
I mean, small shops still need devices with the software to service these. And the knowledge on how to troubleshoot the CAN system. But you are right about the turbo hybrid 4 banger stuff.
generalthunder@reddit
People definitely want a tablet on wheels just not an ICE one.
BAQ717@reddit
Yeah cause that Pentastar is such a great engine…
mr_bots@reddit
No they do. This article is comparing Durango sales to Durango sales. The Pilot, Grand Highlander, Traverse, Telluride, and Palisade all outsell the Durango.
MidnightRiders2009@reddit
More like a turbo 3-cylinder. At least a hybrid would hide the anemic choppiness of a fuel efficient gas engine.
Prestigious_Idea4462@reddit
this just in: guy in the express lane paying $10 to go 2 miles past traffic in a car getting 10mpg not good with money
erratic_calm@reddit
If it’s a Honda or a Toyota I do.
bobovicus@reddit
You don’t want a turbo Honda, I promise. Even Toyota has problems with turbos.
bobovicus@reddit
You know that most people don’t think that hard about cars, right? This one in particular, people just like it because it goes brrr (or at least on the base models, it looks like it goes brrr)
alwaysforward31@reddit
And yet Toyota had record global sales last year. Even the "hated" 4th gen Tacoma had its record sales last year with it's 4 cylinder turbo and giant tablet screen.
kneedoorman@reddit
Is there anyone cross shopping a NA V8 Durango as an alternative to the Tacoma?
Yes… the turbo civic and hybrid Camry sold more than the Durango too
alwaysforward31@reddit
I was just using Tacoma as a general example, not as a direct competitor. You can compare it to Highlander and Grand Highlander if you'd like. My point is that there's no mass revolt happening against small engines and big screens like people pretend on here.
breadcrumbs7@reddit
Alao it's aggressive looking without being over-the-top angular futuristic nonsense like SUV are becoming.
l322sc@reddit
You get a brand new (almost) full size 3 row suv with a hemi V8 and highly optioned interior for under 50k with discounts and rebates. Of course its a very old platform but with facelifts and an interior redesign a few years ago it doesn't look outdated. They also drive super well and despite the echo chamber on here that anything made by Stelantis is junk, these are actually very reliable. My parents bought a 2015 brand new 12 years ago and it's been Toyota level dependable. If my Yukon were to die tomorrow, a Durango would be on my short list of replacement vehicles.
markeydarkey2@reddit
The Durango is solidly midsize, a Honda Pilot has more room everywhere inside and it's dwarfed by actual full-sizers in comparison.
l322sc@reddit
The Durango's towing capacity is 8,700 lbs, it has 2 speed transfer case and rides on a RWD platform. Those attributes put it squarely in competition with traditional full size SUV's. That's why I said almost, I was not talking about strictly size.
markeydarkey2@reddit
The Durango's strong towing capacity helps it stand out a bit but that doesn't change the size class it's in. The Lexus GX (9,096lbs tow rating) is similar in how both have the towing capabilities of a higher size class in a midsize, but interior room remains comparable to other midsizers with the footprint of a midsize.
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
We bought a 2015 R/T new and it's been solid. It has over a 150k now with no tick and it's had the issues you'd expect a car that age and mileage to have, but nothing more. Hell, all of my LEDs front and back still work.
gravis1982@reddit
People don't care about pointless new features. Just and engine and transmission that won't blow up
Mercurydriver@reddit
I wonder if part of the sales increase is due to fleet sales. I notice in my town and state, a lot of police departments are using Dodge Durango’s for their police cars.
Many years ago, my town used Ford Crown Victoria’s for their police cars, then as they got phased out, they were replaced with various models from Ford, GM, and Chrysler/Stellantis. As of now, most of the police cars in my town are either a Dodge Durango, or a Chevy Tahoe. We still have a few Dodge Chargers though, but they’re probably going to be retired in a few years.
srs_house@reddit
Yep, California Highway Patrol bought a few hundred last year as "stealth" cars: https://abc7.com/post/exclusive-look-inside-california-highway-patrols-new-stealth-patrol-vehicles/16601835/
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
My town drives stealth Durangos and Chargers in the same color as my Durango. It's hilarious how many people think I'm a cop. We got ours first.
srs_house@reddit
I mean, Durangos are great as stealth cars because when this news broke my immediate reaction was "what the fuck does a Durango look like?"
My second was "I'm gonna be so pissed if I get pulled over by a fucking Durango."
bryanisbored@reddit
They're the only ones still making cops cars even though cops hate them because they're broken in the garage half the time. Ford stopped.
funnyfarm299@reddit
Also rental car fleets. For some reason the rental companies treat these as "premium" vehicles.
ToastandSpaceJam@reddit
I was in Las Vegas recently and everyone there has a dodge durango. There’s definitely more demand beyond just fleet sales.
specialcommenter@reddit
They were all rentals from Vegas and LA.
Aldairion@reddit
Those could be rental cars
NO_NOT_THE_WHIP@reddit
I've never seen LVMPD with a Durango (with the exception of unmarked cars). I can't find any pictures of one on google either.
Lower_Kick268@reddit
Same thing in the Philly area, theyre super popular
gumol@reddit
Weird, because it's not showing up on the list of top25 best selling cars in Nevada:
https://caredge.com/guides/best-selling-cars/nevada
Hustletron@reddit
Cops already have their own computers
Don’t need an iPad dash
piddydb@reddit
Further they’re going to rebuild their computers into the cars. Who cares what’s on the infotainment?
trackdaybruh@reddit
I think it’s probably due to it being relatively affordable now since it’s a 15 year old platform
Any_Cut7243@reddit
There’s an article you can read. No need to wonder.
gumol@reddit
the article doesn't mention how many % of the sales is fleet sales
TopHatTony11@reddit
And they’re about to put the 392 back into it for just over 50k.
cjd280@reddit
They’re fucking what!? I’m so pissed with my Wrangler 4xe… might try and convince the wife that we didn’t really save much because electric costs (might not even be a lie, we pay a lot for electric) and the thing was always broken and get more v8 noises and more comfort for the kids.
srs_house@reddit
Out of curiosity, what made you get an electric/hybrid from the company notorious for having electrical issues in their ICE vehicles?
cjd280@reddit
When I got it in 2022 it had the 7500 rebate still and the options that came standard on the Sahara 4xe were additional options on the non 4xe.
To get those features it was like exactly the 7500 price difference + it had more torque and could go 20ish miles all electric which is a lot of my family driving like going to sports for the kids or my wife’s commute so it seemed like a good idea at the time to get a little more fuel efficient and maybe be more fun to drive.
When it’s not under a recall because it might catch on fire, it’s great lol.
srs_house@reddit
Props for the straight answer. I've had 3 Jeeps as rentals - a Wrangler that I did 1000 miles in (so so loud on the highway), a Grand Cherokee (fine), and a brand new Compass (less than 20 miles on it). The electronic throttle control module on the Compass went out in the fast lane on the interstate and I limp moded it to the closest facility and decided never again.
Critical-Positive858@reddit
the dude is salivating over a durango. i dont think he makes good decisions
TopHatTony11@reddit
Oh yeah brother, plus it has all that space and those 392’s are pretty bulletproof.
skottay@reddit
The 392 has notorious lifter issues. Cam lobe destruction across Jeeps, Chargers, Challengers, and Durangos. Ask me how I know.
olddolphin@reddit
I could be wrong, but I’ve heard that it’s simply the cylinder deactivation causeing the issue. GM had a similar issue and getting rid of it was the fix. Also noticed that while to truck engines had notorious issues, the charger and challenger hemis had really good reviews, which I found interesting. That being said, I had a 2008 ram w/the 5.7, thing ticked like crazy but never actually broke up to 280k miles
su1ac0@reddit
Yes. The systems designed to comply with emissions restrictions have resulted in catastrophic, systemic problems that have created an entire cottage industry around rebuilding/repairing/replacing these engines to compensate. Which has a far worse ecological and economic impact than if those engines were built from day 1 without those systems.
SalesAficionado@reddit
How do you know?
TurboFucked@reddit
Eggith@reddit
The Durango R/T is returning with the 392 for the 2026 year. Base price is $52,000 fully loaded is $60,000.
anonymouswan1@reddit
These are the people putting the "I did that" sticker on the gas pump BTW.
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olddolphin@reddit
A car you want has nothing to do with the current administration. The gas prices has everything to do with that psychopathic pdf.file
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anonymouswan1@reddit
$8 per gallon gas? Better buy a 392 hemi fully loaded turdwagon!
WhetBred14@reddit
$8 per gallon maybe some places but not everywhere. I currently own large Merica v8s and am a “librul”. Yeah gas prices suck but if you buy a car like that you have to be thinking “what if gas prices go up” and whether the fun is worth the hit in MPG
Eggith@reddit
Dunno how you came to that conclusion but okay
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Confident-Ad-6978@reddit
Wife wears the pants huh
BlackjackNHookersSLF@reddit
"Might try and convince the wife that we didn't really save much because of electric cost (might not even be a lie, we pay lot for electric) and the thing was always broken..."
Ah the joys of "off trail EV SUVs!" (Or EVs in general for some folks, not saying gas cars are good but like... Try using a 4xe in rural Brazil, Australia, Canada, the US, etc. y'know where SUVs like that are meant to be used....
Thomas_633_Mk2@reddit
TBF I can't think of any modern Chrysler product I'd trust in the Outback
CaptainGo@reddit
If the minivan still has its old DNA it's can survive on hopes and dreams alone
cjd280@reddit
I bought the Sahara “mall crawler” spec. It can fit my family of 5, the roof and doors come off, and the hybrid was really good for our small driving around town for the million sports and playdates my 3 kids have, but you’re not tied to electric only. Couldn’t care less about off road.
specialcommenter@reddit
Keep the wrangler. It looks interesting and it’s a wrangler. Durango is just a Chrysler parts bin car. 4Xe is faster than the RT, just doesn’t have the sounds.
amwoooo@reddit
Im in the samd boat as you, kinda looked at a telluride and bronco today but didnt feel very excited
defcas@reddit
Still a shit car.
Drzhivago138@reddit
It very well could be, but if somebody wants to buy a shit car, I don't see why we have to rain on their parade. That sounds like a miserable way to live one's life.
Seriously, has anyone on Reddit ever gone up to somebody IRL who drives a memetically "bad" car (e.g. anything from Stellantis or Nissan) and told them to their face that their car is bad?
CaptainGo@reddit
The "buy the car you like" crowd really don't like when the one you like is an SUV or truck
helveticatree@reddit
Rent free
TopHatTony11@reddit
👍
alien_believer_42@reddit
I had a rental one and it was kinda junk. But with a 392 for 50k, that's not bad at all
Crocs_n_Glocks@reddit
392, adaptive suspension and Brembos
mulletstation@reddit
That's like the ultimate combo for revving aggressively exiting the apartment complex
CaptainGo@reddit
Hey apart from the electric stuff nobody can deny that Dodge knows their customers
AskADude@reddit
Why in the ever living fuck does an SUV need brembos…
captainnowalk@reddit
Well they don’t offer it in manual, so you can’t really engine brake…
DoWah@reddit
Why a big tank with almost 500hp need brakes?
backyardengr@reddit
To stop?
BrownGhost10@reddit
Hell yeah brother.
-seabass@reddit
That’s a good deal. God bless America.
Modsmoddy-74@reddit
Sign me up.
Devious_Bastard@reddit
My wife’s 2018 with the pentastar is still going strong at 100k miles (knock on wood). They are very common in my home town, even the only cop car is a Durango.
EventualCyborg@reddit
Wife drives a 2013 pentastar that has 235k and no issues besides an oil drip once a night.
mulletstation@reddit
I like how the "new cars are ipads on wheels" crowd is celebrating sales pre gas crisis like it's a sign this is what the market wants
This is a vehicle the person stretching their wallet for a giant SUV wants in $2.50 gas land.
But we're in $5 gas land now. This vehicle is about to be a huge anchor on the financials of dealers stocked with them
EventualCyborg@reddit
They do come in a V6 base model that does just as good on gas as any minivan or 4 cylinder suv in its class.
soiboughtafarm@reddit
People are getting really philosophical about this. It does pretty well in the size vs cost equation so it will sell pretty well.
People underestimate how many people especially young suburban parents walk into dealerships thinking "whats the biggest car I can afford?"
magshell-alpha@reddit
We already have one gas guzzling v8 hemi SUV at home, but I would be very tempted with the 392 if not.
Mysterious-Lick@reddit
B/c it’s cheap.
And it’s a Dodge.
Equivalent-Battle973@reddit
Thats not only because it has the Hemi V8 in it, but because it costs 44k for the Hemi V8, while the Chevy Tahoe with a V8 starts at 60k...
long_fish3000@reddit
it's selling like crazy because a certain type of person buys this and they have no other options.
MechanicalOSU@reddit
I had a white on black 14 RT Durango and aside from a few issues (most likely related to being a repo) it was a great vehicle. It should absolutely shit and get if you put your foot in it. Had it up to 130 at one point, and the simple all white often gave people a reason to get out of the left lane for fear of it being a low profile police unit in your rear view mirror. The hemi + 8sp was very similar to what you could get in the 1500, so it was plenty capable. I sold it so I could have a truck bed again though.
inlibrary_legsnumb@reddit
A roomy 3 row crossover/suv that looks good and offers interesting powertrain options for a great price....gee I wonder why its doing well...
Tony-cums@reddit
I just got rid of my hellcat after 1k miles. It was fun but there’s no where to use that power and you end up driving like a total ass.
If I did it again, 5.7 all the way. Can use 87 octane. Has enough power to get out of its own way and can return low 20s on the highway.
aponderingpanda@reddit
I don't understand why people buy supercharged v8's with no plan to use the power. You don't have to be flooring it at every stop light to enjoy the engine.
frogsRfriends@reddit
You can also do that too which is why my mpg is so low in my cammed caprice
Thomas_633_Mk2@reddit
Commodore drivers really are the same everywhere huh
V8-Turbo-Hybrid@reddit
What about your Falcon ?
Tony-cums@reddit
No. But even half to 75% throttle and that thing is moving. It makes you drive more aggressively for sure.
Specialist-Size9368@reddit
As someone with a v10 from dodge... Yeah, you pretty much have to be flooring it at a stop light to enjoy the engine. Thanks to emissions they are geared so tall that once you are at highway speeds sixth gear is barely turning the engine so you hear nothing.
Larcye@reddit
My experince with 600CC Sport bikes is somewhat the same here. Like you can use it outside of the track, but I'm gonna be real with you here, The rev range where you get all of the power and well fun out of the machines, is also the same range where you basically are committing Felonies by how fast you are going. Now a supercharged V8 can probably still have more fun than that example, but not being able to use most of your power all the time can really kill the fun aspect.
As the saying goes, it's far funner to drive a slow car fast than to drive a fast car slow.
TopHatTony11@reddit
6.4 for 51k is a happy middle ground.
Tony-cums@reddit
I had a 392 before this. It’s either the 5.7 or the hellcat. The 392 wasn’t worth the upgrade to me.
Now that it can be done for 50k - I could see it being much more palatable.
392_hemi@reddit
The Durango 392 comes with a hood intake , 2 heat extractors , 485 hp , does 0-60 in 4.4 seconds , quarter mile in the 12s , has performance pages with built in dynometer , 3 mode bilsteins suspension with track mode , limited slip differential and 6 piston brembos upfront. Lol qhat part of it is not worth the upgrade? I swear some people talk from their as*
Tony-cums@reddit
Nice Ai clip.
I said the jump from 5.7 to 6.4 wasn’t worth it to me. That’s me. And yes I know it has upgraded brakes and whatnot. Get the 5.7 with tow n go then. That’s the sweet spot.
Just get a HC if you want to upgrade from the 5.7.
WhateverItTakes117@reddit
Because it gets worse fuel economy and requires premium gas. If you aren't hooning it around all the time, and actually use it as a daily driver, then yeah it won't be worth the "upgrade" to a lot of people.
AndroidMyAndroid@reddit
The 392 also has some brake and suspension upgrades that are probably worth it by themselves.
Puppysmasher@reddit
6.4 drinks way more gas, i average 17 on the Scat.
okcumputer@reddit
I really miss my 5.7 challenger. It was fast enough to be fun and sounded amazing.
DobermanTech@reddit
Respect.
mgobla@reddit
Oldest car on the market (excluding commercial vehicles) People want big engines and high tow ratings.
Other manufacturers like Ford are self sabotaging with low tow ratings and they refuse to listen. Ford Explorer could tow much more, Ford gives it a lower tow rating to force buyers into a more expensive Expedition or truck. Ignorant and arrogant. Buyers wont spend $20k+ more on a fullsize, instead they are going to buy a Durango, the sales numbers prove it. Explorer would sell better if it had higher tow ratings.
PurpleSausage77@reddit
It’s cool, people love em in my parts. It’s the Charger/Magnum wagon we wish they made, just lower the thing.
Those old Mercedes platforms served them really well until now.
wildfire98@reddit
A slammed Durango might check the boxes, I personally haven't seen one yet
sorebutton@reddit
I drove all of the big suvs that can hold 6 people and tow a 5k lb boat. It was the last on our list but by far the favorite. It felt more like a car than a massive suv (all relative). Kinda fun to drive, comfy, sounds decent, adaptive cruise works well enough. I actually like it a lot.
8 years old, 100k+ miles and only a few fairly minor issues (radio screen delaminated, one door lock motor died, passenger side interior light strobes sometimes)
LeftHandedFapper@reddit
I'm about to be on the market for exactly what you looked for! What others did you consider your top? I'm looking mainly for a hybrid 4x4 option
sorebutton@reddit
It has been several years, but the usual: excursion, suburban. I forget the Toyota model. I liked the new explorer but tow capacity was borderline iirc; the ST is fun though. I did not seriously consider a Nissan but it drove ok. Probably one or two more...
I dont think there is a durango hybrid
LeftHandedFapper@reddit
Yea I don't think so either, which is too bad because it really does look the best to me. Thanks for your input! I hear that I just need to test drive everything in any case
sorebutton@reddit
Yep, test drives made me change course big time
Bebealex@reddit
By the ways of probability, I shall one day see one with TWO working headlights and taillights !
Sikes aside for its many many drawbacks in today's landscape and it's mechanical deficiency. It's old school infotainment systems layout and interior is almost refreshing.
Slimy_Shart_Socket@reddit
They are just so expensive to replace. Had a customer payd $2600 CAD from the dealer just for the headlight itself.
zero_waves@reddit
That little LED strip around the tail lights always seems to have a section burnt out too
lostboyz@reddit
I was in exterior lighting at Chrysler and they had water ingress issues and the conformal coating wasn't enough to prevent it from shorting out. They cheaped out on supplier selection and the industry was still figuring out LED designs
phdiesel_@reddit
I know it’s purely anecdotal and in no way a measure of the vehicles overall reliability but….
My mother has a 2014 R/T that has 140,000 miles. Somehow, none of the LEDs in the rear have failed. Hell, almost nothing has failed.
Ok-Improvement-3670@reddit
Why not just get the bigger SUV? You’re already paying for the bad fuel economy.
V48runner@reddit
The 5th gen 4Runner sold well for the same reason.
Carstuff392@reddit
We had an 18 RT that was fully loaded, we sold it during covid for more than we paid for it after 2 years. I wish we never got rid of it and my wife wants another one. We had zero problems with ours. It was fun for an SUV and comfortable.
Jefefrey@reddit
They start under 40k. In today’s market - where a small underpowered SUV starts at the same price - they’re a steal
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
They only started a few grand more than the Hornet started at. And a Hornet R/T was more than a V8 Durango GT. That was one of the Hornet's many problems.
LastGoodKnee@reddit
Except that is a Dodge and most likely has a host of mechanical issues, it’s a solid car. Feels solid, quick enough, roomy, and hopefully if it hasn’t been redesigned that means it’s affordable
vargemp@reddit
There's bunch of cars I loved back then, that I'd like to buy now or later when I have the possibility.
Liesthroughisteeth@reddit
Paywall!!!......And blocked.
ayyitzTwocatZ@reddit
Definitely one of the better looking SUVs and the options are great. From a standard 295hp V6 to the mighty 710 supercharged V8.
LatterDonut3524@reddit
Still looks good after 15 years
DodgerBlueRobert1@reddit
To be fair, when the current Durango first came out for MY2011, it wasn't the best looking. But the MY2014 refresh helped clean it up both inside and out. And then the 2nd refresh for MY2021 made it look even cleaner in the front and the interior. It's gotten better looking over time, but especially because of the updates.
Dr_Disaster@reddit
It’s kinda crazy how well its aged. It wasn’t the best looking thing when it first dropped, but they kept tweaking it enough to the point the look pretty good.
CartoonistAnnual4672@reddit
this is what they should've done with the charger and challenger. just keep selling it until sales fall off a cliff no matter how late that is. the new charger is selling way less than either model sold even at the tail end of their runs
blue_mut@reddit
It’s almost as if people want a car with physical dials and V8. Isn’t that crazy?
commedesgarcon@reddit
Chicago teens are gonna love this
thefanciestcat@reddit
Standard V6, the feel of RWD, and rebates that frequently push the starting price under $38,000. It's a good deal. Dodge should accept their niche as a value brand with a few aspirational, big engine variants.
mustangfan12@reddit
Its the last V8 mid size non luxury SUV out there, it has a place in the market even if its an old chassis
Hell even for full size SUVs they all have turbo V6s except for GMs full size SUVs
Drzhivago138@reddit
The Wagoneer is turbo I6, but yes. Though I'd bet the V8 will make a comeback there too like it has for the related Ram 1500.
neanderthalensis@reddit
Now imagine if Dodge were still selling the Challenger and Charger as well. They’d be making more money than they’d know what to do with.
downbadmilflover@reddit
I think it looks better than the Tahoe and Expedition. It looks really nice without having a gigantic rectangular grille like other SUVs
NorCalAthlete@reddit
I love the Durango, I just kinda wish they made an off road version too. Like a Durango TRX / trail boss.
PrayimusMaximus@reddit
I know a lot of people have a lot of opinions on these, mostly people who haven't owned one, but my parents did, and it was actually an extremely decent car. Reliable enough, but the big boon is it was super easy to work on for a modern car, and it has the old crown Vic benefit of dirt cheap OEM parts because of the massive deployment of these in government sectors. It's not a 4Runner, but it's not a Grand Wagoneer either. It's, just fine. And the engine and transmission options are legitimately enticing. Depending on your priorities, there are legitimate reasons to buy one over more reliable, bread and butter competitors. If you could justify a BMW 340i for it's powertrain despite the cost to maintain, you could justify one of these despite the cost to maintain, if that makes sense. The V8s are as close as you'll ever get to a 7 seater muscle car.
OneT_Mat@reddit
Durango has been a workhorse for me for 10 years (just over 110k miles). I get the reputation but my experience has been great. if/when I need another vehicle and decide it’s an SUV im looking at Durangos first.
Theseus-Paradox@reddit
This is what I mean when I say we don’t need a brand new redesigned car. People will by a model that’s 10 years old, and the vast majority of the kinks are worked out by then too. Win Win.
Current_Department73@reddit
Had one as a rental, was surprised by how much I liked it. Not surprised
DoOgSauce@reddit
Ditto I rented one in 2020 for a 2400 mile round trip and it was great. Rode nice, Big enough I could sleep in the back and it got great gas mileage. Much more comfy and efficient than the big block suburban I had at the time. I've been tempted to snag a used one but I've yet to see a used one that is well taken care of.
jagenigma@reddit
So are we saying. That the Durango is the GTR R35 of SUVs?
04limited@reddit
The masses have realized that post covid designed vehicles are junk so they’re buying up all the old new stuff
Solid V6, optional V8, good towing capacity. Not much to hate about the Durango.
trackdaybruh@reddit
Apparently, the Kia Telluride outsells it by 50%, so I don’t think that’s the case.
I think it sells well because it’s relatively cheap, being a 15 year old platform helps keep the prices lower now
j250ex@reddit
The Durango fills the same gap the Journey did ten years ago. It can haul all your semen demons and can bury some negative equity from your previous bad decisions.
hundredjono@reddit
My aunt has the Hellcat Durango. A month after she bought it someone tried to steal it.
Olderpostie@reddit
I see a good number of these used as police patrol vehicles. Given the high usage and fleet sizing, I would expect police would do a good job of evaluating reliability.
IAmWellBehaved@reddit
I mean, I'd much rather have a 5.7L or 6.4L at those prices as compared to the V-6 or even I-4 alternatives. The Durango still has a full suite of features and safety, so it's hardly a Panther-platform-in-the-2000s kind of situation.
HDauthentic@reddit
One of the better Stellantis products if we’re being honest
Lord_Vaguery@reddit
Hertz loves them.
TenderfootGungi@reddit
Guessing it is cheaper?
Jamaican_Dynamite@reddit
Aside from 1.) the taillights and 2.) the theft magnetism. They work. When the PD and your local D boys both whip them, they're probably pretty decent. Yes that feeds into Problem 2 in my statement. How'd you know?
caterham09@reddit
It looks good and it's quite a bit cheaper than most of the other vehicles in it's class. It's a bit of a surprise for sure though
MeaningNecessary613@reddit
I thought people want ipad on wheels with a monthly subscription?
junaidnk@reddit
One of best looking suvs, especially in a sportier trim