2019 Dodge Durango Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
Dodge's big three-row SUV enters 2019 with a number of feature and equipment changes. The 2019 Durango gets new options like a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and Sepia leather upholstery on the R/T, Brembo brakes and red seat belts on the SRT, and 20-inch alloy wheel options in Matte Vapor or Brass Monkey colors. Blind-spot monitoring is now a standalone option and a new Trailer Tow package is now offered on all models. The GT trim is now available with cloth seats and it gets a new front fascia that has a center air inlet duct and heat extractors plus an option to add the SRT model's hood. Citadel models now come standard with second-row captain's chairs while the SXT model is now offered with leather upholstery. Three new exterior colors—F8 Green, Destroyer Gray, and Reactor Blue—have been added to the 2019 Durango's exterior color palette.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2019 Dodge Durango is a three-row crossover that slots above the smaller Journey. It is available in five grades and in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Maximum seating capacity is seven with the second row bench seat or six with the optional captain's chairs.
SXT: The base trim comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, two USB ports, FCA's UConnect infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera, keyless entry and start, cloth upholstery, three-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, a six-speaker audio system and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
GT: Moving up to the GT adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear parking sensors, and a garage door opener.
R/T: The R/T trim gets you the 5.7-liter V-8 as standard, performance-tuned steering and suspension, automatic high beams, a power-operated front passenger seat, heated first and second row seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, leather upholstery with suede inserts, HID headlights, remote start, a power liftgate, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system.
Citadel: As the luxury-oriented model, the Citadel grade adds second-row captain's chairs, leather upholstery, a central console on the second row, a sunroof and chrome side mirror covers.
SRT: The high-performance Durango SRT gets a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system, adaptive dampers, leather-wrapped armrests and center console, Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts, ventilated front seats, and adaptive headlights.
Options include appearance packages that add chrome or black exterior accents and badges, a rear seat entertainment system, and third-row delete for the SRT model. Features found on higher trims are available as options on lower ones.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Durango SXT, Durango GT, Durango Citadel
- Engine and Transmission: 3.6-liter V-6 - eight-speed automatic
- Power: 293 hp (295 hp on models with dual exhausts)/260 lb-ft of torque
- EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 19/26 mpg city/highway (rear-drive); 18/25 mpg (all-wheel drive)
- Towing Capacity: 6,200 pounds (with towing package)
Durango R/T, Durango Citadel
- Engine and Transmission: 5.7-liter V-8 - eight-speed automatic
- Power: 360 hp/390 lb-ft
- EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 14/22 mpg
- Towing Capacity: 7,200-7,400 pounds
Durango SRT
- Engine and Transmission: 6.4-liter V-8 - eight-speed automatic
- Power: 475 hp/470 lb-ft
- EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 13/19 mpg
- Towing Capacity: 8,700 pounds
Safety
The 2019 Durango has only been rated for the rollover test by the NHTSA where the rear-drive model got a four-star score and the all-wheel drive model received three stars (out of a possible five stars). The IIHS has only tested the 2018 model, which received a Good score on all categories except headlights and the driver's side front small overlap impact where it got a Marginal rating (Good is the highest possible score). The Durango hasn't been tested on the passenger side small front overlap test.
Active driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are available on higher trims. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on all grades.
Utility
With all seats in place, the 2019 Durango has 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down the third row and capacity increases to 43.3 cubic feet. With the second and third rows folded, total capacity increases to 85.1 cubic feet.
What We Think
In a 2018 comparison test that also included the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada and Chevrolet Tahoe, the Durango placed second thanks to its driving experience, solid fit and finish, and low sticker price. We noted that the Durango offered strong straight-line acceleration and good handling for its size. Although it is stiff, the Durango rides well and dispatches bumps with ease. The interior is roomy and the third row can fit adults on short drives. FCA's UConnect infotainment system is user-friendly and feature-packed; however, the optional rear seat entertainment system does eliminate the center console's storage and there are no USB ports in the third row.
The high-performance Durango SRT offers explosive acceleration thanks to its powerful engine and quick-shifting transmission. For a large crossover, the Durango SRT handles well with next to no body roll through corners and steering is communicative and accurate, as we noted in a 2018 First Test.
Cool Fact
In Sport and Track modes, the Durango SRT's all-wheel-drive system becomes rear-biased, sending 65 percent and 70 percent of torque to the rear respectively.
