The 2022 Dodge Durango is a three-row SUV that went to the gym and tanning salon but may have skipped laundry day. It’s a bit past its sell-by date, but we like it anyway. Shop it against the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
The 2022 Dodge Durango boasts a muscular style to match its underhood grunt, especially in R/T and SRT 392 trims. Its interior is similarly racy thanks to a refresh last year, and most versions use a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a good navigation system, and over-the-air updates.
The 2022 Dodge Durango may be distinctly dated when it comes to some things—its safety record and its looks—but it can be a high-tech choice.
Midsize three-row SUVs are wildly popular with growing families but, let’s face it, in general, they’re not all that exciting or inspiring. For those rare shoppers out there looking to spice things up, the 2022 Dodge Durango may be an intriguing alternative.
Think of it as a wonderful mash-up of a muscle car and a sensible SUV. For 2022, the stunning Hellcat variant has been discontinued but, fear not, the 475-horsepower SRT model is still available.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Durango’s optional 360-hp V-8 provides a significant boost in towing capacity (up to 8700 pounds), while the 295-hp V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are a more efficient pairing.
The 2022 Dodge Durango‘s fuel economy doesn’t beat that of its four-cylinder rivals, of course, but the trade-off for the more entertaining V-8 and its burly towing capacity might be worth it for some buyers. We tested both the V-6 and V-8 engines with the standard eight-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive.
The 2022 Dodge Durango with the V-6 managed a 7.4-second zero-to-60-mph run; the V-8 did it in 6.2 seconds. The Dodge’s suspension walks the fine line between sport and comfort, but the steering feel and braking performance remind you that you’re driving an SUV.
Although it’s not overtly sporty, the Durango’s rear-wheel-drive platform lends an athletic feel to the Durango, and its muscle-car persona shines through in everyday use. It still manages to deliver a comfortable ride, making it a family-friendly SUV that’s both fun to drive and easy to live with.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Crossovers with a four-cylinder under the hood are more fuel-efficient, but the 2022 Dodge Durango’s V-6 is still competitive with other V-6–powered rivals. The EPA estimates the V-6 model will earn up to 19 mpg city and 26 highway. The V-8 version tops out at 14 mpg city and 22 highway.
In our highway fuel-economy test, the 2020 V-8–powered Durango R/T surprised us by outperforming its EPA rating (and even its own V-6–powered variant) as well as the lighter and more modern GMC Acadia V-6.
The V-8–powered Durango managed 23 mpg while the V-6 matched its EPA rating with a 22-mpg result. For more information about the 2022 Dodge Durango’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Every manufacturer uses a combination of materials that range from cheap to high quality, but some designs such as the Durango’s are better executed than others. Designers prioritized ergonomics, material quality, and overall comfort, but other rivals offer more second-and third-row passenger space.
A set of gauges featuring red and white on a black background faces the driver. The steering wheel features a thick, leather-wrapped rim and handsome metal-look trim. On our R/T test vehicle, paddle shifters mounted behind the wheel operated with a satisfying click.
We were able to fit 30 carry-on suitcases inside the 2022 Dodge Durango‘s cabin with all of its seats folded flat, but we only fit four behind the third row with all seats in place. That’s two more than the Acadia managed in both measurements.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Durango has one of the best infotainment systems on the market perched atop its sculpted dashboard. Base SXT and mid-range GT models come with an 8.4-inch display while a 10.1-inch screen is optional on the GT and standard on the Citadel and R/T. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with both screens.
A rear-seat entertainment system, also optional, adds dual screens and provides HDMI and RCA ports to connect even more devices. We noted good audio quality for Bluetooth phone calls, and one caller even commented that she could hear the V-8 engine’s sonorous rumble.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Optional automated emergency braking adds an extra layer of protection and its standard backup camera helps with safely reversing the big beast. For more information about the 2022 Dodge Durango crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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