2019 Dodge Durango Review: Reliable Large SUV With Average Ownership Costs As It Ages

The 2019 Dodge Durango lasts around 200,000 miles, with some rear light and shock issues reported. At $24,625 to $52,990, it’s a good value for a large, practical SUV with plenty of passenger and cargo space.

Is the 2019 Dodge Durango a Good Used SUV?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a great year for the Dodge Durango since it offers a lot of features and strong engine choices. Owner reviews praise the touchscreen stereo system, spacious third row of seating, and the reasonable running costs as it ages.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a large SUV in its price range, the seats offer excellent support on long drives, cargo space is also fantastic.
• Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2019 Durango. Stay away from models from 2011–2014, which have mechanical issues, while 2015–2022 are more reliable.
• Performance 8/10 – The base V6 engine offers decent performance, while the available V8 engines are strong for a full-size SUV.
• Safety 7/10 – The 2019 Durango is decently safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, optional safety tech includes adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 516 miles of range out of the 24.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $49 cheaper than average at $243 per month.
• Value 8/10 – The 2019 Dodge Durango is cheaper than many other full size SUVs on the market while offering a lot of great features, making it a good value as it ages.

What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Durango?

• Consumer Reports says the 2019 Dodge Durango offers a luxurious and refined interior, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
• Edmunds rates the Durango at 4.3/5, enjoying the spacious third row of seating, but says it’s bulkier to drive than most competitors.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the 2019 Durango a 4.7/5, praising the strong V8 engine choices, but owners don’t like the poor off-road performance.

What Common Problems Does the 2019 Dodge Durango Have?

Common problems found on the 2019 Dodge Durango include burnt out rear lights, worn-out shocks, along with moldy smells coming from the A/C system. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other large SUVs, leading to lower repair bills as the Durango ages.

Burnt out rear lights are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Durango owners, showing up at around 15,000 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by a worn-out bulb in the light assembly, which costs around $15 to replace. If the central LED light bar breaks, then it costs around $450 to swap out.

Worn-out shocks are another problem mentioned by some Durango owners at roughly 30,000 miles. Shocks are typically considered to be a consumable component that wears out over time and needs to be replaced. A new set of shocks costs around $650 to install.

Moldy smells coming from the A/C system have also shown up on some Durango models within the first 1,500 miles. The smells are caused by a clogged A/C drain line, which allows mold to build up in the system. Cleaning out the drain line costs around $100 for labor, and fixes the problem.

There are three recalls on the 2019 Dodge Durango, which is similar to other large SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers a braking system malfunction, which can allow the vehicle to roll away while in park. Dodge will update the software on the ABS module for free on affected models. Other recalls cover the rearview camera, along with the front pinion gears. Dodge will fix both of those issues for free as well.

How Long Will the 2019 Dodge Durango Last?

A well-maintained 2019 Dodge Durango can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $625 per year.

As a used 2019 Durango reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the battery cable for $250, the wheel hub assembly costing $450, along with the A/C condenser fan, which costs $625.

How Is the Technology?

Standard entertainment technology is very good, offering a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen along with Alpine or Harman Kardon audio systems.

The standard safety technology is fairly basic, and only includes a rearview camera.

Optional advanced driver assistance features include:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive headlights
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Forward collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control

Is the 2019 Dodge Durango a Good Value?

Yes, the 2019 Dodge Durango is a great value if you’re in the market for a large three-row SUV with a lot of technology features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $24,625 to $52,990, making it less than a Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon. When new, the price range was $30,445 to $63,245. Depreciation is similar to other large SUVs, losing around 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Dodge Durango?

There are five main models of the 2019 Dodge Durango offered from the entry-level SXT, the luxurious Citadel, all the way up to the high-performance SRT. The Durango comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

SXT is the entry-level model with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels.
• Load-leveling rear suspension.
• Fog lights and heated mirrors.
• Rearview camera.
• Keyless ignition and entry.
• Three-zone automatic climate control.
• 60/40-split folding and reclining second-row seat.
• Option to remove the third-row seat.
• Cloth upholstery and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 7-inch touchscreen interface.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• Six-speaker sound system.

GT is a step up, adding:

• 20-inch wheels.
• Power liftgate and rear parking sensors.
• Integrated trailer brake with trailer tow package.
• Remote ignition and eight-way power driver’s seat.
• 115-volt power outlet and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
• Satellite radio.
• LED fog lights and aggressive front fascia.
• New hood similar to SRT’s design.

Citadel has some luxury features such as:

• Xenon headlights and power-folding mirrors.
• Automatic high beams and wipers.
• Upgraded brakes and front parking sensors.
• Sunroof and cargo cover.
• Leather and vinyl upholstery with heated front- and second-row seats.
• Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel and 8.4-inch touchscreen interface.
• Navigation system and nine-speaker Alpine audio system with subwoofer.

R/T offers more power with:

• Upgraded steering system and brakes.
• Lowered ride height and performance hood design.
• Leather and simulated-suede upholstery.
• Nine-speaker Alpine audio system.
• Optional roof rails and sunroof.
• Optional 5.7-liter V8 engine (also available for Citadel).

SRT is the high-performance model with:

• Powerful V8 engine.
• Performance-tuned steering and adaptive high-performance suspension.
• Electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
• Brembo brakes and SRT Performance Pages.
• Auto-leveling headlights.
• Upgraded leather and simulated-suede upholstery with ventilated front seats.

Note: Some features from higher trims are available as options on lower trims. There are also various appearance and technology packages that can further enhance each trim level’s features.

What Engines Come In the Dodge Durango?

• 3.6-liter Pentastar V6: This engine delivers 293 horsepower (or 295 horsepower with the dual exhaust) and 260 lb.-ft of torque at up to 21 MPG. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration-wise, it can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.4 seconds. Notably, when properly equipped, this engine offers a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds.
• 5.7-liter HEMI V8: Producing 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft of torque, this engine also teams up with an eight-speed automatic transmission and gets 17 MPG. The HEMI V8 allows the Durango to achieve a 0-60 mph time in the mid-6 second range. With this powertrain, the Durango boasts a robust towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds.
• 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (exclusive to the SRT model): This powerhouse generates a mighty 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque and gets around 15 MPG. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine propels the Durango SRT from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.4 seconds. In terms of towing, the SRT model can pull a remarkable 8,700 pounds, making it one of the most potent SUVs in its class.

What Colors Does the Dodge Durango Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Dodge Durango?

The 2019 Dodge Durango is recognized for its spaciousness and comfort, particularly for a midsize SUV. Its cabin boasts a generous amount of room, making sure that passengers in all three rows enjoy ample legroom and headroom. This makes it especially suited for longer journeys where passenger comfort is paramount. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, with the front seats and second-row captain’s chairs, in particular, receiving praise for their level of comfort over extended periods.

Premium materials and soft-touch surfaces are used in higher trims, elevating the sense of luxury within the cabin. Ride quality is smooth, with the Durango’s suspension adeptly absorbing most road imperfections, guaranteeing a serene driving experience. Additionally, noise insulation is effective, allowing for a quieter cabin even at highway speeds. The climate control system, infotainment options, and ergonomic design further enhance the comfort level, making the 2019 Dodge Durango a favored choice for families and those who prioritize a comfortable driving and riding experience.

How Much Storage Space Does the Dodge Durango Have?

The 2019 Dodge Durango offers a substantial amount of storage space tailored for families and individuals with active lifestyles. When all three rows of seating are in use, the Durango provides 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row. This space can easily accommodate several grocery bags, a stroller, or smaller luggage pieces. For those who require more room, folding down the third row expands the cargo area to 47.7 cubic feet, which can fit larger items like bicycles, camping equipment, or a sizable collection of suitcases. For maximum storage, when both the second and third rows are folded down, the Durango boasts an impressive 84.5 cubic feet of space, making it versatile enough for transporting bulkier items such as furniture or large electronics.

Beyond the primary cargo areas, the 2019 Durango is thoughtfully designed with various smaller storage solutions throughout the cabin. These include door pockets, a spacious glove box, multiple cup holders, a center console bin, and under-floor storage compartments. There are also several cubbies and nooks ideal for personal items, making sure that both drivers and passengers have easy access to their essentials during a trip. The design of the Durango truly emphasizes both functionality and comfort, making it a practical choice for those who often carry a mix of passengers and cargo.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation of the Dodge Durango was introduced for the 2011 model year, and has had a few facelifts since its launch.

2015: Available red leather upholstery offered, and an optional Beats by Dre stereo system.

2016: Start-stop added to the V6 engine to improve efficiency, sport mode also offered.

2017: GT model replaces Limited in the lineup, small interior changes including two-tone leather.

2018: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all models, new SRT sport model introduced with a stronger engine.

2019: Upgraded 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system available.

2020: No changes from earlier years.

2021: New front and rear styling with a more aggressive bumper, larger touchscreen in the cabin, and a stronger SRT Hellcat model.

How Does the Dodge Durango Compare to the Competition?

The 2019 Dodge Durango is a decent full size SUV, offering a comfortable interior with plenty of storage space, while also being a great value for shoppers on a budget.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a smaller SUV which can be found in the same price range. Off-road performance is better in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the Dodge Durango offers a lot more passenger room. We recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee since it has more features, although the Durango is a great choice if you need the extra space.

The Chevy Traverse is another large SUV, which is available for about $2,500 less. Standard safety technology is better in the Chevy Traverse, while the Dodge Durango offers more cargo room. We recommend the Chevy Traverse since it’s more up-to-date, but both are good SUVs worth test driving to see which you prefer.

Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Durango?