A relic by any other name. The Dodge Durango underwent its last major overhaul in 2011, when the third generation was introduced. Even the latest refresh dates back to 2021, and this 2026 Dodge Durango GT receives some mild some enhancements to tech, but otherwise soldiers on over a decade into its life.
The latest Durango platform evolved from a mid-2000s Mercedes SUV platform, back when the Daimler-Chrysler partnership was still in existence. It's that old, and in many ways feels like it, too. At least it started off on the right foot, even though it's definitely showing its age today.
Styling
I have to admit, it still looks good, with the in our tester's lovely B5 Blue paint (an homage to the Mopar muscle car era). I could forego the 20-inch black wheels and black badging of the blacktop package, but overall it comes together rather well, especially considering its age.
It's big and somewhat imposing, with a sporty front fascia and a muscular vented hood borrowed from its V8 siblings. The hood scoop isn’t functional and is there for purely aesthetic reasons, but the vents that flank it are open and act as heat extractors. The rear tail lights feel like a signature design cue, if only because I've seen them so often. Despite its age, it's not a bad looking SUV, especially if you prefer a more classic boxy design.
Interior
The interior is where age is definitely more than a number. The interior feels like it's from 2006 more than 2026, with older looking switchgear and a decent-sized 10.1” infotainment screen with uConnect 5 software. Although the software is Stellantis’ latest, it doesn't look particularly modern. The gauge cluster is a healthy mix of analog gauges and a centre MMI screen with some basic graphics. I have zero issues with analog gauges, but if you're gonna have a digital component it needs to be modernized in 2026, and the Durango’s simply isn't.
I know I'm coming off rather harsh, but the truth is outside of the outdated looking tech the interior is well put together, and our tester’s burgundy Nappa leather seats stood out as highlights, both visually and from a comfort perspective.
In a vacuum the Durango feels as though it has a fair amount of space, but it's edged out across all three rows by the likes of the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Palisade, both of which offer significantly more modern interiors to boot. Space behind the 3rd row is limited to 487 litres, expanding to 2,410 when all seats are folded flat.
Classic tech?
The Durango is not going to win a tech arms race against any of its peers, but it doesn't mean it comes wholly unprepared. The uConnect 5 software may not look particularly great but it works as it should, and it gets bonus points for having loads of physical buttons (a benefit of its old design). The 9-speaker Alpine audio system is solid, with loads of bass for your road trip party anthems. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay help to mask the outdated looking infotainment.
Adaptive cruise control is onboard as are your now-expected suite of active safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure assist and automatic high beams.
Two gripes here: The adaptive cruise will bring you to a stop and then after about 3 seconds just ping, disable itself and let go of the brake; why it doesn't just hold onto the brake, I have no idea. Secondly, the left front parking sensor seemed to have a phantom trigger, but perhaps that's an issue with the specific unit we had.
On the road
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a lovely engine, despite being outgunned by most of the competition on paper. The V6 produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, fed to the wheels through a rear biased all wheel drive system. The engine remains smooth and mostly quiet under normal operation and the 8-speed automatic transmission operates as it should. Of note, the Durango can tow up to 6,200 lbs, even in V6 form, significantly more than most of its peers.
The Durango GT does suffer from a boaty ride on account of soft spring rates and fixed dampers. Stepping up to V8 versions is where the ride gets fixed with a more performance oriented suspension and adaptive dampers. The floaty feeling was bad enough that my wife complained of motion sickness, a condition she isn't normally afflicted with. The steering is likewise boaty, with a slow steering ratio. The Durango almost feels like a body on frame truck despite being a unibody design. To someone who wants that old school, big truck feel, I can see the appeal. I'm just not that person.
Wrap it up
Despite being an aging platform, the 2026 Dodge Durango GT is priced as hard sell in the segment at $73,575, especially when the excellent Kia Telluride can be had for almost $10K less and even the domestic competitor Ford Explorer is thousands cheaper. In the real world, steep discounts are likely to bring the Durango GT more in line with its competition, but unless you’re ponying up big bucks for the insane Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, you’re probably better off elsewhere.
Segment: Midsize SUV
Engine Size: 3.6L V6
Horsepower: 295 horsepower at 6,400 RPM
Torque: 260 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM
Fuel efficiency: 13.5 / 9.9 / 11.9
Observed FE: 11.0
Base Price: $63,390
Price as tested: $73,575