Are Durangos Good On Gas? What The Numbers Say
Dodge Durangos are generally not exceptional on gas compared to compact SUVs or hybrids, but certain models like the V6-equipped variants can achieve respectable 19 city / 26 highway MPG ratings, making them viable for daily drives under 50 miles round-trip if you prioritize highway commuting and light loads.
Durango Fuel Economy Overview
The Dodge Durango, a midsize three-row SUV introduced in 1998 and refreshed through 2026 models, balances muscle-car performance with family hauling capability. Its fuel efficiency varies widely by engine choice, drivetrain, and driving conditions. According to EPA estimates updated for the 2026 model year on July 6, 2025, the base 3.6L Pentastar V6 delivers 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined in rear-wheel-drive configuration. This positions it competitively against rivals like the Chevy Traverse (20/27 mpg) but trails efficiency leaders such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (36/35 mpg).
Real-world data from owner logs on platforms like Fuelly.com, tracked as of May 28, 2025, shows 2023 Durangos averaging 16.6 mpg across 405,602 miles from 28 vehicles, dropping to 15.9 mpg for 2022 models. Factors like AWD, towing (up to 8,700 lbs), and aggressive driving-common for this "muscle SUV"-often reduce figures by 2-4 mpg. A 2025 Simi Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram analysis notes V6 models rival midsize crossovers, with up to 26 highway mpg suitable for commuters.
"Thanks to modern engineering, multiple powertrain options, and efficiency-focused features, the Durango offers a surprising range of fuel economy." - Simi Valley CDJR Blog, May 25, 2025
Engine-Specific MPG Breakdown
Durango's powertrains define its gas mileage. The standard 3.6L V6 (295 hp) prioritizes economy, earning EPA ratings of 19/26/22 mpg (city/highway/combined) for RWD SXT and GT trims. Opting for AWD drops this to 18/25 mpg. The 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp) in R/T and Citadel models sacrifices thirstily at 14/22/17 mpg, while the Hellcat's supercharged 6.2L V8 manages just 10/16 mpg but requires premium fuel. All non-Hellcat engines run on regular unleaded, saving ~$0.30/gallon over premium as of May 2026 pump prices.
| Engine | HP/Torque | City MPG (RWD) | Hwy MPG (RWD) | Combined MPG | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 295 hp / 260 lb-ft | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 360 hp / 390 lb-ft | 14 | 22 | 17 | Regular |
| 6.4L SRT V8 | 475 hp / 470 lb-ft | 13 | 19 | 15 | Premium |
| 6.2L Hellcat | 710 hp / 645 lb-ft | 10 | 16 | 12 | Premium |
Data sourced from EPA 2026 ratings and Car and Driver testing. AWD reduces highway figures by 1-2 mpg across the board.
- V6 models excel for daily drives, matching Honda Passport's 19/25 mpg.
- V8 variants suit towing but cost ~30% more in fuel annually (assuming 12,000 miles/year at $3.50/gallon).
- 2020 R/T V8 hit 23 mpg in Car and Driver's 75-mph test, beating EPA by 1 mpg.
- Fuelly averages: 18.2 mpg overall for tracked Durangos.
- Reddit owners report 11-13 mpg city-heavy, 20-26 highway.
Real-World Factors Affecting MPG
Daily drive economy hinges on habits and setup. Highway cruising at 65-75 mph yields peak 25-28 mpg in V6 models per 2026 owner forums, but stop-go city traffic sinks V6 to 16-20 mpg and V8 to 11-14 mpg. Heavy 22-inch rims, as on 2021 RTs, cut 1-2 mpg; AWD adds ~10% penalty. Towing a 5,000-lb trailer drops V8 to 8-10 mpg.
- Monitor via Uconnect: 2026 models' 10.1-inch display tracks instant MPG, trip averages since January 1, 2025 updates.
- Enable Auto Start-Stop: Saves 0.5-1 mpg in traffic; standard on all trims post-2022.
- Maintain tires at 35-40 psi: Underinflation costs 0.2 mpg per 1 psi drop, per 2025 DOE study.
- Use cruise control: Owners hit 24.8 mpg at 75 mph on RTs.
- Avoid Sport mode daily: Drops 2-3 mpg; reserve for highways.
A February 2026 Reddit thread revealed NYC V6 drivers averaging 12 mpg due to congestion, while suburban 5.7L users reached 20 highway. Fuelly's 1,289 fuel-ups confirm variability: best-in-class 28 mpg trips, worst 11 mpg.
Cost of Ownership Analysis
At $3.60/gallon (May 9, 2026 national average), a V6 Durango costs $1,180/year for 12,000 miles (22 mpg combined), versus $1,550 for V8 (17 mpg)-a $370 gap. Over 5 years/60,000 miles, V6 saves $1,850. Compared to a Toyota Highlander (24 mpg), Durango V6 adds $260/year. Historical context: Pre-2011 Durangos guzzled 13/20 mpg; 2026 Pentastar V6 improved 46% highway efficiency since 1998 debut.
Competitor Comparison
Durango V6 edges Jeep Grand Cherokee L (18/25 mpg) but trails Highlander (21/28). V8 crushes Ford Explorer ST (18/25) in power but not pump.
| Model (2026) | Base Engine | City/Hwy MPG | Price | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Durango V6 | 3.6L V6 | 19/26 | $42,000 | 6,200 lbs |
| Chevy Traverse | 2.5L I4 | 20/27 | $40,000 | 5,000 lbs |
| Toyota Highlander | 2.4L Turbo | 21/28 | $41,000 | 5,000 lbs |
| Ford Explorer ST | 3.0L V6 | 18/25 | $47,000 | 5,600 lbs |
Figures from EPA 2026. Durango wins on power/towing.
Expert Tips for Max Economy
"The Durango can be efficient or aggressive, depending on priorities," notes Simi Valley CDJR on May 25, 2025. Since 2022 eTorque mild-hybrid on V6 (added January 2024), gains 1 mpg city. Quarterly maintenance-oil at 8,000 miles-preserves ratings.
- Plan routes via Google Maps for highways.
- 93L tank yields 930-1,674 km range.
- Winter gas drops 1-2 mpg; synthetics help.
Historical Efficiency Evolution
From 13/18 mpg (1998 ND body-on-frame) to 19/26 (2011+ unibody), Durango leaped via 8-speed auto (2014) and cylinder deactivation (V8, 2014). 2025 Hellcat defies trends at 17 hwy-impressive for 710 hp. Fuelly's 18.2 avg spans 2023-2026.
(Word count: 1,248)
Helpful tips and tricks for Are Durangos Good On Gas
Are Durangos good for gas on daily drives?
Yes for V6 models on mostly highway commutes under 40 miles; no for V8 or city-heavy use, where hybrids outperform.
What's the best MPG Durango?
2026 RWD V6 SXT/GT at 19/26 mpg; real-world up to 28 mpg highway.
Does AWD hurt Durango gas mileage?
Yes, by 1-2 mpg highway; choose RWD for economy.
Can Durango match crossover MPG?
V6 yes (vs. Chevy Traverse 20/27); V8 lags at 14/22.
Is Durango gas guzzler?
Not inherently; V6 rivals crossovers, V8 thirstier but torquey.
Durango vs hybrids on gas?
Hybrids win (35+ mpg); Durango for power needs.