Fuel Efficiency 2018 Dodge Durango Feels Worse Than Expected
The 2018 Dodge Durango delivers EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for its base V-6 rear-wheel-drive models, dropping slightly to 18/25 mpg with four-wheel drive, while V-8 variants achieve 14/22 mpg across both drivetrains, often feeling worse in real-world driving due to its truck-based platform and powerful engines.
Official EPA Ratings
The Environmental Protection Agency established fuel economy figures for the 2018 Dodge Durango on October 15, 2017, reflecting its available powertrains including a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. These ratings remain unchanged from the prior model year, as confirmed by MotorTrend's February 23, 2026, review update. Real-world tests frequently underperform these estimates, with owners reporting averages around 17.6 mpg combined from over 6,000 fuel-ups tracked on Fuelly as of May 24, 2025.
| Configuration | Engine | Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXT/GT/Citadel (RWD) | 3.6L V-6 | RWD | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| SXT/GT/Citadel (AWD) | 3.6L V-6 | AWD | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| R/T (RWD/AWD) | 5.7L V-8 | RWD/AWD | 14 | 22 | 17 | Midgrade |
| SRT (AWD) | 6.4L V-8 | AWD | 13 | 19 | 15 | Premium |
This table compiles EPA data directly from fueleconomy.gov, highlighting how V-8 models sacrifice efficiency for towing capacity up to 7,400 pounds.
Real-World Performance
Independent testing by MotorTrend on December 23, 2017, revealed a V-6 AWD GT model achieving only 22 mpg on a 200-mile highway loop at 75 mph, 3 mpg below EPA highway estimates, while the V-8 R/T surprisingly hit 23 mpg, exceeding expectations. Fuelly's crowd-sourced data from 67 vehicles and 1.9 million miles as of 2025 shows a combined average of 17.62 mpg with a 0.13 mpg margin of error, aligning with long-term tests like MotorTrend's 16.0 mpg city/highway/combined over 2,300 miles in their February 5, 2019, update. Owners often cite aggressive throttle response and the Durango's 5,300-pound curb weight as reasons efficiency feels worse than advertised.
- V-6 RWD models theoretically offer 540 miles of highway range on the 24.6-gallon tank but typically deliver 450-500 miles in mixed driving.
- V-8 variants provide up to 570 miles on highways per tests, though city driving drops range to under 350 miles.
- AWD reduces efficiency by 1 mpg across boards due to added driveline losses, per EPA calculations finalized in 2017.
- SRT's supercharged 6.4-liter V-8 lags furthest, with real-world combined often dipping to 14 mpg under hard acceleration.
- Annual fuel costs average $2,200 for 15,000 miles at 21 mpg combined, versus $2,800 for V-8 at 17 mpg, based on Edmunds' Virginia pricing model from September 28, 2017.
"In our testing of a V-6 GT model with all-wheel drive, we recorded a disappointing 22 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy loop, 3 mpg lower than the EPA's highway rating." - MotorTrend, December 23, 2017
Factors Impacting Efficiency
The 2018 Durango's fuel efficiency suffers from its aging platform, shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee since 2011, lacking modern turbocharging or cylinder deactivation in base V-6 trims until later updates. Eight-speed automatics aid highway cruising, but stop-start technology-standard on V-6-yields minimal gains in traffic, as noted in Larry H. Miller's January 21, 2019, analysis claiming up to 600 miles per tank for V-6. Heavy reliance on midgrade fuel for V-8s adds 10-20 cents per gallon cost, exacerbating the "worse than expected" perception amid 2018's $2.85 national average gas price.
- Review tire pressure monthly; underinflation by 5 psi cuts mpg by 2-3% per DOE studies from 2017.
- Use cruise control on highways to match MotorTrend's 75-mph test achieving 23 mpg in V-8.
- Avoid idling over 30 seconds; remote start pre-warmups, as in long-term tests, dropped averages to 16 mpg.
- Opt for regular 87-octane in V-6 despite 89 recommendation for minor 0.5 mpg gains.
- Plan loads under 1,000 pounds; towing halves efficiency, limiting V-8 to 7-9 mpg per IIHS data.
These steps, validated in Edmunds' MPG tool, can boost real-world figures by 10-15% over owner averages.
Comparisons to Rivals
Compared to the 2018 GMC Acadia V-6 (21/27 mpg), the Durango V-6 trails by 1-2 mpg highway, matching in AWD but losing to Honda Pilot's 20/27 mpg nine-speed setup. Ford Explorer's turbo V-6 edges ahead at 19/27 mpg, while Toyota Highlander hybrid (not direct rival) shames all at 30 mpg combined. V-8 Durango outperforms Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L (14/22 identical) in tests but thirstier than modern rivals like Chevy Traverse at 18/27 mpg.
| Model | City/Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Towing Max (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Durango V-6 AWD | 18/25 | 21 | 6,200 |
| 2018 GMC Acadia V-6 AWD | 18/25 | 21 | 4,000 |
| 2018 Honda Pilot AWD | 18/25 | 21 | 5,000 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer V-6 AWD | 17/24 | 20 | 5,000 |
| 2018 Dodge Durango V-8 AWD | 14/22 | 17 | 7,400 |
Owner Experiences
Fuelly logs from 2018 Durango owners average 17.67 mpg across 2 million miles, with V-6 GTs hitting 19-20 mpg in suburbia and V-8 R/Ts dipping to 15 mpg in urban stop-go. A YouTube review from December 23, 2017, echoed MotorTrend, praising V-8 highway prowess at 23 mpg versus V-6's 22 mpg disappointment. Long-term MotorTrend verdict on December 4, 2018, affirmed reliability without efficiency woes dominating complaints.
- Highway-dominant drivers report 24 mpg sustained at 70 mph with V-6, per 2025 Fuelly updates.
- City haulers average 15-16 mpg, blaming 4,500-pound heft and short trips.
- Towing boats or trailers yields 8-12 mpg, best in class for capacity but worst for sips.
- Premium fuel in SRT boosts response but rarely lifts mpg above 16 combined.
- Post-50,000-mile averages stabilize at 17 mpg, per 67-vehicle dataset.
Historical Context
Launched in 2011, the third-gen Durango prioritized muscle over mileage, with 2018 refinements like standard eight-speed transmission failing to close gaps to turbo rivals. Amid 2017 CAFE standards pushing 36 mpg fleets by 2025, Durango's 21 mpg combined positioned it as a hauler, not commuter. President Trump's April 2018 tariff pauses on steel helped keep its price competitive despite efficiency lags.
"The Durango's optional V-8 is thirstier, earning EPA ratings of 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with either rear- or all-wheel drive." - MotorTrend
Tips for Buyers
Test drive both engines; V-6 suffices for most, saving $500 yearly on fuel over V-8 at 15,000 miles. Check Fuelly for trim-specific logs before purchase. In 2026 used market, efficiency concerns depress values 5-10% versus efficient SUVs.
- Verify service history for fuel system; clogged injectors drop 2 mpg.
- Compute costs: $178/month GT versus $224 average large SUV per Edmunds.
- Prioritize highway use to maximize 25 mpg AWD V-6.
- Consider hybrids if efficiency trumps towing.
- Budget midgrade for V-8, adding $300/year nationally.
This comprehensive data empowers informed decisions on the 2018 Dodge Durango's fuel profile.
Expert answers to Fuel Efficiency 2018 Dodge Durango Feels Worse Than Expected queries
How does the 2018 Dodge Durango's fuel efficiency compare to 2017?
Ratings identical at 19/26 mpg V-6 RWD and 14/22 V-8, with no mechanical changes affecting EPA figures between model years.
Why does real-world mpg feel worse than EPA?
Truck-based chassis, powerful engines, and weight lead to underperformance, as 22 mpg V-6 versus 25 EPA highway in MotorTrend's 75-mph test demonstrates aggressive driving penalties.
Can I improve my Durango's gas mileage?
Yes, maintain 35 psi tires, use eco drive mode, limit idling, and keep loads light to gain 2-3 mpg over 17.6 owner average.
What's the range on a full tank?
V-6 AWD: 516 miles combined EPA (24.6-gal tank); V-8: 419 miles; real-world 450-550 highway miles per tests.
Is the V-8 worth the efficiency hit?
For towing 7,400 pounds, yes; it beat V-6 in 23 mpg highway tests despite 14/22 EPA, offering superior range.