The 2021 Dodge Durango lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average stereo system and check engine light issues reported. At $27,590 to $72,700, it’s a great value for a full-size three-row SUV with some great technology features.
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Dodge Durango since it offers a lot of practicality and strong engines. Owner reviews praise the passenger space, quiet cabin, and the reasonable ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a full size SUV in its price range, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also great for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 Durango. Models from 2011–2014 have some engine issues, while 2015–2022 are much more dependable.
- Performance 8/10 – The standard V6 engine offers reasonable power, and the optional V8 engines are very strong for a full size SUV.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 Durango is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, along with forward 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 $60 cheaper than average at $188 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 202 Dodge Durango is cheaper than many other large SUVs while still being a practical choice, making it a good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Durango?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Dodge Durango is a very capable and pleasant vehicle which earns high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Dodge Durango at 3.5/5, enjoying the strong four-wheel drive system, but doesn’t like that it’s bulkier to drive than many competitors.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Durango a 4.7/5, praising the spacious third row which fits adults, but owners don’t like the loose steering.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Dodge Durango Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Dodge Durango include stereo system issues, check engine lights, along with some chipping paint. Overall, these problems are similar to other large SUVs, leading to average repair costs as the Durango ages.
Stereo system issues are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Durango owners, showing up within the first 1,500 miles. The most common complaint is the stereo system freezing and restarting while driving. There are some software updates available which improve the reliability. Most dealers will install these updates for free, while others charge around $50.
Check engine lights are another problem mentioned on some Durango models at around 10,000 miles. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code stored in the ECU. From there you can fix the issue which made the check engine light turn on. Usually the problem is just caused by a sensor issue, and resetting it fixes it.
Chipping paint has also been reported by Durango owners at roughly 15,000 miles. The paint on the front bumper, in particular, is susceptible to stone chips. Repainting the bumper costs around $1,000, while most owners simply do touch-up paint, which can be done for under $100.
There are six recalls on the 2021 Dodge Durango, which is worse than some other full-size SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers the steering assembly, which may bind inside the rack. Dodge will replace the steering assembly on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the EGR valve, stability control system, and rear spoiler.
How Long Will the 2021 Dodge Durango Last?
A well-maintained 2021 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 average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $655 per year.
As a used 2021 Durango reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the camshaft position sensor for $200, fuel evaporative canister for $400, along with the heater hose, which costs around $700.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and features an 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.1-inch display, along with a Harman Kardon audio system.
Standard safety features are fairly basic since it only has a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Front parking sensors
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Dodge Durango is a good value for a full size SUV since it has a lot of passenger room and is cheaper than most of the competition. The blue book fair purchase price is $27,590 to $72,700, making it less than a Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition. When new, the price range was $33,877 to $80,995. Depreciation is similar to other full size SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Dodge Durango?
There are six main models of the 2021 Dodge Durango offered, from the entry-level SXT through to the stronger SRT Hellcat. The Durango comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Dodge Durango SXT is the entry-level model, featuring:
- 295-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive (AWD available)
- Two-row seating (third-row optional)
- Cloth upholstery
- Manually adjustable front seats
- Proximity keyless entry
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Rearview camera
- 7-inch instrument cluster display
- 4-inch touch screen
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Satellite radio, voice recognition
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Six-speaker stereo
- Four USB ports
- Optional: Heated front seats, heated steering wheel, partial leather upholstery, power liftgate, sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors
Dodge Durango GT is an upgrade which has:
- Adds three-row seating
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Rear parking sensors
- Available leather and suede upholstery
- Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Driver’s seat memory settings
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated second-row seats
- 1-inch touch screen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Amazon Alexa, nine-speaker stereo
- HD Radio, navigation
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Wireless device charging
- Additional USB ports, household-style power outlet
- Remote start, automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning
Dodge Durango R/T is a popular choice with:
- 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Leather and suede upholstery
- Heated front and second-row seats
- Heated steering wheel, power liftgate
- Remote start, household-style power outlet
- Universal garage door opener
- 1-inch touch screen, wireless connectivity
- Amazon Alexa, HD Radio, navigation
- Nine-speaker stereo
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Front parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights
- Optional: 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, leather-wrapped armrests
Dodge Durango Citadel is more luxurious and has:
- Standard base V6 engine (V8 optional)
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Sunroof
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
Dodge Durango SRT 392 has more features such as:
- 475-hp 6.4-liter V8 engine
- All-wheel drive
- Brembo performance brakes
- Performance-tuned steering
- Adaptive performance suspension
- Launch control, performance tracking apps
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is the flagship model with:
- 710-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine
What Engines Come In the Dodge Durango?
- Starting with the standard option, the Durango features a 6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which delivers 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy of about 21 MPG. In terms of acceleration, it can go from 0-60 MPH in 7.6 seconds, offering a balanced combination of efficiency and performance.
- For those looking for more power, there’s the 7-liter HEMI V8 engine, which produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft of torque. It also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and has a combined fuel economy of 17 MPG. This engine enhances the Durango’s performance, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 MPH in about 6.4 seconds.
- The Durango SRT 392 is equipped with a 4-liter HEMI V8 engine. This powerful unit generates 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel economy is lower, at around 15 MPG combined, but it delivers a remarkable acceleration, going from 0-60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds, making it a top choice for performance enthusiasts.
- The most powerful option in the 2021 Dodge Durango lineup is the SRT Hellcat, which comes with a supercharged 2-liter HEMI V8 engine. This engine is a beast, producing a staggering 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel economy, the SRT Hellcat is less efficient due to its focus on high performance, delivering a combined fuel economy of around 13 MPG. As for acceleration, it boasts an impressive 0-60 MPH time of just 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest and most powerful SUVs on the market.
What Colors Does the Dodge Durango Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Dodge Durango?
The 2021 Dodge Durango is renowned for its comfortable and accommodating interior, designed to enhance the driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The vehicle’s cabin is spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom across three rows of seating, which is a significant factor in providing comfort for all occupants. The seats in the Durango are designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring supportive cushioning and adjustable settings, including lumbar support for the driver. This focus on ergonomic design provides comfort even during long drives. Higher trim levels offer additional luxury features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel, further enhancing the comfort quotient.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Durango does not disappoint. It is equipped with a suspension system that effectively absorbs bumps and uneven road surfaces, providing a smooth and stable ride. This is particularly noticeable on highways and during longer journeys, where the vehicle maintains its composure, minimizing the impact of road imperfections on the passengers. The cabin is also well-insulated, effectively reducing road and wind noise, which contributes to a serene driving environment, allowing for easy conversation and an enjoyable audio experience.
Moreover, the climate control system in the Dodge Durango is another aspect that contributes to the overall comfort. It offers efficient heating and cooling, providing a pleasant cabin temperature regardless of the weather outside. The system’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature and its user-friendly controls add to the overall sense of comfort and convenience. In conclusion, the 2021 Dodge Durango excels in providing a comfortable ride, blending ergonomic design, smooth driving dynamics, and effective climate control to create a pleasant and relaxed driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Dodge Durango Have?
The 2021 Dodge Durango offers a spacious and versatile interior, designed to accommodate both passengers and cargo efficiently. When it comes to storage capacity, the vehicle provides ample room, tailored to meet the needs of families and adventurers alike. The Durango boasts up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third-row seats are folded down. This vast area is more than enough for large items such as bicycles, camping gear, or a generous amount of luggage. When the third row is folded, the space available is 43.3 cubic feet, ideal for medium-sized items like grocery bags, sports equipment, or a stroller. With all seats in use, the cargo space reduces to about 17.2 cubic feet, which still comfortably accommodates smaller items such as backpacks, shopping bags, or a couple of small suitcases.
In addition to the primary cargo area, the 2021 Durango offers several smaller storage solutions that are both innovative and convenient. The vehicle includes a variety of compartments and pockets, thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin. For instance, there are door pockets and seat-back pockets, providing easy access to smaller items like water bottles, maps, or tablets. The center console and glove compartment offer secure storage for valuable items, while cup holders and small trays are available for everyday items like phones, keys, and wallets. These small storage spaces are particularly useful for keeping the interior organized and making sure that essential items are always within reach. Overall, the 2021 Dodge Durango is well-equipped to handle a wide range of storage needs, blending practicality with convenience in its design.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Dodge Durango was introduced for the 2011 model year, and there have been a lot of updates since it was launched.
2015: Optional red leather seating offered, and an upgraded Beats by Dre stereo.
2016: Start-stop added to the V6 engine, a sport model was also introduced.
2017: GT model replaces the Limited in the lineup, small interior styling changes, including two-tone leather.
2018: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models, and a more powerful engine offered in the new SRT Sport model.
2019: Stronger 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system available.
2020: No significant changes from earlier years.
2021: Updated front and rear styling, improved touchscreen in the dash, and the SRT Hellcat model was introduced.
How Does the Dodge Durango Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Dodge Durango is a nice full size SUV since it has some great technology features, tons of passenger room, and reasonable ownership costs as it ages.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a smaller SUV which is available in the same price range. Standard safety features are better in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the Dodge Durango offers more passenger room. We recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee since it’s more advanced, but both are worth testing to see which you prefer.
The Chevy Tahoe is another full-size SUV, which costs about $3,500 more. Ownership costs are slightly lower on the Chevy Tahoe, while the Dodge Durango has more room in the third row. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe since it’s more reliable, but both are decent full-size SUVs worth trying out.
