2023 Durango Review Why This SUV Deserves Your Attention

The 2023 Durango is a powerful and spacious three-row SUV that blends HEMI V8 performance with family-friendly comfort. It offers strong towing capacity, modern tech features, and multiple trim levels to suit different budgets. If you need a capable American SUV that handles road trips and daily errands with ease, the 2023 Durango is worth a close look.

The 2023 Durango has been turning heads in the three-row SUV market, and for good reason. This full-size SUV from Dodge brings a rare mix of raw power, family-friendly space, and rugged capability to the table. Whether you are hauling gear for a weekend camping trip or driving the kids to school, the 2023 Durango handles it all with confidence.

In this review, we will break down everything you need to know about the 2023 Durango. We will look at its engine options, interior comfort, safety technology, towing ability, and pricing. By the end, you will have a clear picture of whether this American SUV deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Key Takeaways

• Powerful Engine Options: The 2023 Durango offers a range of engines including a HEMI V8 that delivers serious towing and hauling capability.
• Spacious Three-Row Seating: This SUV comfortably seats up to seven passengers with generous cargo space for families on the go.
• Strong Towing Capacity: With up to 8,700 pounds of towing capacity, the 2023 Durango handles trailers, boats, and gear with confidence.
• Modern Tech and Safety: The latest infotainment system and driver-assistance features make every drive safer and more connected.
• Multiple Trim Levels: Several trim options let buyers choose the right balance of features and value for their needs.
• Body-on-Frame Build: The durable construction gives the Durango rugged off-road capability that many unibody SUVs lack.
• Great Value for the Segment: Compared to rival SUVs, the 2023 Durango offers strong features at a competitive price point.

What Makes the 2023 Durango Stand Out

When you compare the 2023 Durango to other three-row SUVs, a few things immediately set it apart. First, this is a body-on-frame SUV, which means it shares its platform with a truck. That gives it a rugged feel and serious durability that many unibody competitors simply cannot match. Second, the 2023 Durango offers a HEMI V8 engine option that delivers thrilling performance.

Most three-row SUVs in this segment focus on comfort and fuel efficiency. The Durango takes a different approach. It gives you the option to have both comfort and power. You get a spacious interior with modern tech, but you also get the ability to tow heavy loads and tackle rough roads when the mood strikes.

A Familiar Name with Modern Updates

Dodge has been building the Durango for years, and the 2023 model year brings meaningful updates. The exterior design looks bold and muscular, with a distinctive front grille and sharp headlights. Inside, the cabin has been refined with better materials and improved noise insulation. The 2023 Durango feels like a vehicle that has been thoughtfully updated rather than just a minor refresh.

The styling is not just about looks. The aerodynamic shape helps with highway fuel economy, and the raised ride height gives the driver a commanding view of the road. These are practical benefits that add to the overall appeal of the 2023 Durango.

Performance and Engine Options

Under the hood, the 2023 Durango offers several engine choices that cater to different needs. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 293 horsepower. For most families, this engine provides more than enough power for daily driving and light towing. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly.

But if you want serious capability, the 2023 Durango also offers a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. This powerhouse produces 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. It transforms the Durango into a genuine towing and hauling machine. The V8 version can tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped with the towing package.

How Does the 2023 Durango Feel on the Road?

Driving the 2023 Durango is a mixed experience in the best possible way. On the highway, it feels stable and composed. The V6 engine is quiet and refined at cruising speeds, and the eight-speed transmission handles gear changes without hesitation. You can comfortably drive long distances without feeling fatigued.

When you push the V8 model, the experience changes completely. The acceleration is strong and confident. Passing on two-lane roads becomes effortless. The Durango also handles well for its size, with responsive steering and good body control. It is not a sports car, but it drives much better than you might expect from a large SUV.

One thing to keep in mind is fuel economy. The V6 engine gets an estimated 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The V8 is less efficient, with ratings around 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. If fuel economy is a top priority, the V6 is the better choice. But if you need towing power, the trade-off is worth it.

Interior Comfort and Family Features

The interior of the 2023 Durango is where this SUV really shines for families. The cabin is wide and airy, with plenty of headroom and legroom in all three rows. The second row slides forward and backward, which makes it easy to adjust space between passengers and cargo. The third row is surprisingly comfortable for adults on shorter trips, though it is best suited for children on longer journeys.

Seat fabrics are high quality, and the materials used throughout the cabin feel durable and upscale. Higher trims offer leather-trimmed seats with ventilation and heating. The second-row captain’s chairs, available on certain trims, make entering the third row much easier and add a touch of luxury.

Cargo Space and Practicality

When all seats are in place, the 2023 Durango still offers a decent amount of cargo space behind the third row. You can fit several luggage bags and grocery bags without feeling cramped. Fold down the third row, and you get a flat load floor that can swallow large items like coolers, bikes, or camping gear.

Fold down both the second and third rows, and the 2023 Durango transforms into a massive cargo area. This is incredibly useful for furniture runs, moving days, or hauling sports equipment. Few SUVs in this class offer this level of versatility.

The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display that is easy to read and navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available for seamless smartphone integration. Wireless charging is available on higher trims, which is a nice convenience for busy families. The sound system delivers clear and loud audio, making road trips more enjoyable for everyone on board.

Safety and Technology Features

Safety is a top priority for the 2023 Durango. The SUV comes standard with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance features. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and reduce driver fatigue on long drives.

The 2023 Durango also includes a rearview camera as standard equipment. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. These features make parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier and safer.

Driver-Assistance Technology in Detail

Dodge calls its safety suite the “SafetyTec” package. It includes several features that work in the background to keep you aware of your surroundings. The adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed. The lane-keeping assist gently guides the steering wheel if the system detects you drifting out of your lane.

The blind-spot monitoring system uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots. A warning light illuminates on the side mirror, and an audible alert sounds if you signal to change lanes. This is especially helpful on highways and busy freeways where visibility can be limited.

The 2023 Durango also offers a park-assist system that can automatically steer the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spots. This feature is a game-changer for drivers who struggle with parking large vehicles. It takes the stress out of navigating tight parking garages or crowded lots.

For families with young children, the 2023 Durango offers LATCH anchors for easy car seat installation. The second row has multiple anchor points, making it simple to secure more than one child seat. These small details show that Dodge designed the Durango with real families in mind.

Towing and Off-Road Capability

One of the biggest advantages of the 2023 Durango is its towing and off-road ability. The body-on-frame construction and available HEMI V8 engine make this SUV a genuine workhorse. When equipped with the proper towing package, the 2023 Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds.

This towing capacity puts the Durango in the same league as many midsize trucks. You can comfortably tow a travel trailer, a boat, or a utility trailer for camping trips and outdoor adventures. The available trailer sway control system helps keep your tow stable, even in windy conditions or on winding roads.

Off-Road Performance

The 2023 Durango is not just a highway cruiser. Its raised ground clearance and available all-wheel-drive system give it real off-road capability. The AWD system sends power to all four wheels for better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. Hill descent control helps maintain a steady speed when driving down steep inclines.

For those who want even more off-road confidence, the 2023 Durango offers an off-road suspension package. This package includes upgraded shocks and skid plates that protect the undercarriage from rocks and debris. The Durango can handle gravel roads, dirt trails, and light trails with ease.

It is important to note that the Durango is not a hardcore off-road vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler or a Land Rover. But for families who enjoy camping, fishing, and exploring unpaved roads, the 2023 Durango is more than capable. It strikes a great balance between on-road comfort and off-road toughness.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2023 Durango is available in several trim levels, giving buyers plenty of choices. The base trim is the GT, which comes well-equipped with a V6 engine, leather-trimmed seats, and the latest infotainment technology. The SRT trim steps up the performance game with the HEMI V8 engine and sport-tuned suspension.

The top-tier SRT trim offers the full V8 experience with aggressive styling, performance upgrades, and premium interior features. Each trim level adds more comfort and convenience features, so buyers can choose the right level of luxury and performance for their budget.

Pricing for the 2023 Durango starts around $37,000 for the base V6 model and goes up to approximately $66,000 for the range-topping V8 SRT trim. When compared to rival SUVs like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Toyota Highlander, the 2023 Durango offers competitive pricing for the features and capability it provides.

Is the 2023 Durango Worth the Price?

Value is where the 2023 Durango really shines. For the price of a base V6 model, you get a powerful engine, spacious three-row seating, and a long list of standard features. The V8 SRT trim is priced competitively against other performance SUVs in the market.

If you compare the 2023 Durango to similarly sized SUVs from luxury brands, the value proposition becomes even clearer. You get comparable or better performance and capability at a significantly lower price point. Dodge has positioned the Durango as a smart choice for buyers who want substance over brand prestige.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Shopping for the 2023 Durango

One common mistake is overlooking the importance of the towing package. Not every 2023 Durango comes with the hardware needed to tow at its maximum capacity. Make sure you confirm the towing package is included if you plan to haul a trailer or boat.

Another mistake is ignoring fuel economy. The V8 engine is exciting, but it comes with a fuel economy penalty. If you do a lot of highway driving or have a long commute, the V6 engine might be the more practical choice. Test-driving both engine options is the best way to decide which one fits your lifestyle.

Some buyers also underestimate the importance of the second-row seating configuration. The captain’s chairs are a great option if you frequently carry more than four passengers. They make the third row much more accessible and add a level of luxury that bench seats do not provide.

Expert Insights on the 2023 Durango

According to automotive experts, the 2023 Durango stands out in a crowded SUV segment for its combination of performance and practicality. The HEMI V8 engine is a standout feature that few rivals offer at this price point. Experts also praise the Durango’s towing capability and rugged build quality.

Reviewers note that the 2023 Durango has improved in areas where previous models fell short. The interior quality has been upgraded, the tech system is more intuitive, and the ride comfort has been enhanced. These improvements address many of the common criticisms of earlier Durango models.

Safety ratings for the 2023 Durango are strong, with top marks in crash-test evaluations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The IIHS has also given the Durango good scores in its crashworthiness tests. These ratings give families peace of mind knowing that the 2023 Durango is built to protect its occupants.

Final Verdict

The 2023 Durango is a compelling choice for families and adventure seekers who want a powerful, spacious, and capable SUV. Its strong engine options, generous interior space, and impressive towing capacity make it one of the most versatile three-row SUVs on the market. The modern tech and safety features ensure that every trip is comfortable and secure.

If you are in the market for a family SUV that can do it all, the 2023 Durango deserves a spot at the top of your list. It offers the perfect blend of performance, practicality, and value. Take a test drive and see for yourself why the 2023 Durango is a standout in its class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Durango?

The 2023 Durango V6 gets an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The V8 version is less efficient, with ratings around 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. These numbers are competitive for a full-size, body-on-frame SUV with this level of performance.

How many passengers can the 2023 Durango seat?

The 2023 Durango can comfortably seat up to seven passengers across three rows. The second-row captain’s chairs, available on higher trims, make accessing the third row easier. For families who need more seating, some configurations allow for a second-row bench seat that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

What is the towing capacity of the 2023 Durango?

When properly equipped with the towing package, the 2023 Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds. This capacity is available with the V8 engine and requires the appropriate hitch and wiring harness. Always check your owner’s manual for specific towing guidelines and weight limits.

Does the 2023 Durango come with all-wheel drive?

Yes, the 2023 Durango offers an available all-wheel-drive system. AWD is particularly useful for drivers in colder climates or those who frequently encounter wet or uneven road conditions. The AWD system enhances traction and stability, making the 2023 Durango more capable in various driving environments.

What are the key differences between the 2023 Durango trims?

The base GT trim comes with a V6 engine and a solid set of standard features. The SRT trim adds the powerful HEMI V8 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded interior materials. Each trim level offers a different balance of performance, comfort, and luxury features to suit different buyer preferences.

Is the 2023 Durango reliable for long road trips?

Yes, the 2023 Durango is well-suited for long road trips. The comfortable seats, refined cabin, and smooth ride make extended driving more enjoyable. The large fuel tank and available cruise control help reduce fatigue on highway drives. With proper maintenance, the 2023 Durango is built to handle many miles of reliable service.