There is something about a V8 that speaks to driving enthusiasts. While Dodge may have discontinued the V8-powered Chargers and Challengers, the legendary Hemi V8 lives on in the Durango. The midsize SUV is available with a range of powerful V8s, delivering impressive performance and a spacious, comfortable cabin. Its design and features may be a bit dated, but the Durango R/T 392 Plus I drove was an exciting ride.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Dodge Durango’s appearance has not changed since its 2021 refresh, but 2027 brings packaging updates. Every 2027 Durango trim includes a Hemi V8 and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a new Brass Monkey package adds style to the base level GT. The R/T 392 Plus variant adds more luxury features to this high-powered trim, while additional customization is available for the top level SRT Hellcat Jailbreak.
Dodge offers the 2027 Durango in eight trim levels: GT, GT Plus, GT Premium, R/T 392, R/T 392 Plus, R/T 392 Premium, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Jailbreak. All-wheel drive is standard across all trims, and base prices range from about $46,000 to $84,000, including the destination charge.
For this 2027 Durango review, Dodge provided a test vehicle equipped with R/T 392 Plus trim and the following options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $60,445, including the $1,995 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Detroit, Michigan, assembly plant to a local dealership. The price does not reflect any current rebates, incentives, or price adjustments since Dodge manufactured the test vehicle.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Durango R/T 392 Plus boasts big muscle under its hood and bold styling to match. Large air intakes and a wide grille give the powerful SUV an aggressive stance, further enhanced by the power dome and air scoop on the performance hood. Large exhaust outlets integrated into the lower fascia, along with 20-inch Satin-Carbon wheels and red Brembo brake calipers, complete the look.
The sporty look continues inside, where you will find stylish sport seats trimmed in soft Alcantara and Nappa leather. Red stitching adds a nice touch, as do the red accents on the dashboard, center console, and doors. With soft materials and firm bolsters, the front seats are comfortable and well supported, making them a pleasant place to sit on extended road trips.
With its large infotainment display, digital gauge cluster, piano-black trim surrounding the screens, and soft-touch points throughout the cabin, the Durango has a premium vibe. Controls are well laid out, with physical controls for all climate functions easily accessible, along with volume and tuning knobs. The center console offers ample storage, including dual cupholders, a large bin beneath the armrest, and a wireless smartphone charger.
My R/T 392 Plus came standard with second-row captain's chairs, adding style and comfort you do not get with the bench seat. As up front, the second-row seats feature leather/Alcantara trim. While they do not have the same bolstering, they are still comfortable, with good legroom and headroom. A center console between the seats provides ample storage space and easily accessible cupholders, with available power from dual USB ports and a standard household 115-volt socket.
The third row is easily accessible thanks to the second-row seats, which fold and flip out of the way quickly. Seating for two is surprisingly roomy, with reasonable legroom and side armrests featuring integrated cupholders. While the headrests obstruct the view through the rear window, when the third row is empty, the driver can lower them via controls located in the infotainment display.
With all three rows in use, cargo space is limited, but 17.2 cubic feet is still enough for a few small bags. However, the split third row folds easily, increasing the storage area to 43.3 cubic feet. Additionally, a storage bin beneath the floor can hold smaller items, keeping them out of the way and out of sight.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Dodge Durango comes standard with the brand's Uconnect 5 infotainment system, displayed on a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The driver's display features a 7-inch configurable center screen with analog gauges on either side. Standard infotainment features include:
Higher trims are also available with premium audio options, including an 825-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
I like the Dodge Uconnect system. In addition to its intuitive layout and quick response, pages are easy to configure to showcase selected features. Selecting the edit icon at the top of a tile lets you choose the displayed content, or you can add a page and determine the tile layout and content as well.
The system also has a voice interface that works reasonably well for setting a destination, making phone calls, or changing the cabin temperature. Still, it requires specific phrasing for requests and is not as intuitive as Google Assistant. I prefer to use Android Auto, and after connecting my Samsung Galaxy S23+, the familiar interface appeared, using the full display.
The Durango may be a midsize SUV, but with its powerful V8 under the hood, it brings many of the qualities of a proper muscle car. That includes the same Performance Pages that Dodge puts in the Charger. Adding a bit of fun to the drive, Performance Pages display acceleration, braking, and cornering stats. Launching the SUV from a full stop records zero-to-60 mph, zero-to-100 mph, and other statistics. It is somewhat addictive to keep checking whether you can improve your acceleration and braking times.
Photo: Perry Stern
Powering the Dodge Durango R/T 392 Plus is a 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch, hence the name) Hemi V8 engine that produces 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The big V8 pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the road through an AWD system. With a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, the Durango can haul more than most of the competition.
Unfortunately, that powerful V8 is thirsty, and the Durango 392's fuel economy is not stellar. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the SUV gets an estimated 15 mpg combined. The EPA rating is slightly better than my experience. On my typical route of highway, city, and country roads, the Durango's trip computer showed just 14.3 mpg.
If you like the sound and performance of a muscle car, the Durango R/T 392 is the SUV for you. Starting up the Dodge SUV delivers a pleasing rumble that is not so loud you will annoy the neighbors. However, the sound at full throttle is certain to get attention.
I am pleased to say the Durango can match that muscle car sound, and full throttle gave me a nice shove into my seatback. Dodge says the R/T 392 will sprint to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds, figures not typically associated with a three-row SUV weighing about 5,400 pounds.
However, the Durango is just as adept at everyday driving chores. It may have big power, but the throttle is easy to modulate for smooth performance in town. There is some engine noise at highway speeds, but nothing obtrusive, and the ride remains smooth and composed.
However, if you are looking for some excitement behind the wheel, the Durango R/T 392 can certainly deliver. Beyond its quick acceleration, the big SUV handles surprisingly well, with good grip and responsive steering. It may be heavy, but the Durango still feels confident, even when pushed hard through the corners. I also had the opportunity to push the Durango R/T 392 hard on the track at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and came away thoroughly impressed with its on-track manners.
Photo: Perry Stern
All 2027 Dodge Durango SUVs come with a basic set of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), but you have to move up to higher trims to get the more common features. Standard features across all trims include:
Higher trims are available with the expected ADAS features, such as:
It is hard to believe there are still new vehicles on the market without basic features like automatic emergency braking or forward collision warning, especially with a starting price above $40,000. The rear cross-traffic warning is helpful, and while the reversing camera is useful for maneuvering the midsize SUV into a tight parking space, it has noticeably lower resolution than the competition's.
As a higher trim, my test vehicle featured adaptive cruise control (ACC), although lane centering assistance or any other semi-autonomous driving systems are not available. I set the ACC to 70 mph on Interstate 94 outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the system worked as expected, smoothly slowing or accelerating to keep pace with the traffic ahead. I like that the distance to the car ahead is easily adjustable via clear steering wheel controls.
As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has no ratings for the 2027 Dodge Durango, but the structurally similar 2026 model earned four out of five stars for overall safety. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not have any ratings for the 2027 Durango.
According to the JD Power 2026 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Subaru Ascent ranks highest in the Upper Midsize SUV segment, with the Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento ranked second and third, respectively.
According to the JD Power 2026 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Hyundai Palisade ranks highest in the Upper Midsize SUV segment, with the Nissan Pathfinder and Dodge Durango ranked second and third, respectively.
Other 2026 Durango competitors include the GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, and Toyota 4Runner.
If you have a fondness for the raucous power of a proper muscle car but need a three-row SUV, the Dodge Durango may be the ultimate solution. While it is a little dated and could use more standard ADAS, the Durango offers a spacious, comfortable cabin and an intuitive infotainment system. With its powerful V8 drivetrains and impressive driving dynamics, the Durango can turn your daily commute into an entertaining experience.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving nearly every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for jdpower.com. Living in southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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