Dodge Durango Fuel Economy Might Change Your Mind
The Dodge Durango typically gets 20 mpg combined with the V-6, about 16 to 17 mpg combined with the V-8, and around 13 mpg combined in SRT Hellcat trims, so the answer depends heavily on which engine and drivetrain you choose.
Dodge Durango Fuel Economy At A Glance
The fuel economy story is simple: the Durango is one of the thirstiest three-row SUVs in its class because it prioritizes V-6 or V-8 power over efficiency. Recent model-year data show the V-6 Durango at up to 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while V-8 versions generally land around 14 to 17 mpg city, 21 to 22 mpg highway, and 13 to 16 mpg combined depending on trim and drivetrain. Real-world results can differ, but the EPA-style ratings give shoppers the best apples-to-apples starting point.
Trim-Based Mileage
The trim lineup matters because Dodge sells the Durango with multiple powertrains, and each one changes the miles per gallon number in a meaningful way. The V-6 GT trims are the most efficient mainstream choices, while R/T and Hellcat models trade fuel economy for stronger acceleration and towing confidence. That means a Durango buyer is not really shopping one MPG figure, but a range that stretches from practical to performance-first.
| Durango version | City mpg | Highway mpg | Combined mpg |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT / V-6 | 17-18 | 24-25 | 20 |
| R/T / V-8 | 14 | 21-22 | 16-17 |
| SRT Hellcat | 12 | 17 | 13 |
What The Numbers Mean
If your priority is minimizing fuel stops, the V-6 is the clear choice because it delivers the best balance of everyday efficiency and usable power. If you want the V-8 sound, quicker passing power, and stronger towing credentials, expect to give up several miles per gallon in exchange for that performance. In practical terms, moving from a 20 mpg combined Durango to a 13 mpg combined Hellcat can mean roughly 35 percent more fuel consumption over the same distance.
"For shoppers less obsessed with horsepower, the V-6 has another predictable advantage over the Hemi," Cars.com noted in its 2026 Durango coverage, capturing the basic tradeoff buyers face.
Real-World Driving
The real-world MPG picture can be better or worse than the window sticker depending on how and where you drive. Car and Driver reported a 23 mpg result in a 75-mph highway test for a V-8 R/T, while also noting that EPA estimates for the V-6 can reach 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway and that V-8 ratings generally sit lower at 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Driver behavior, traffic, terrain, weather, and load all matter, especially in a heavy SUV with available all-wheel drive.
Why The Durango Uses More Fuel
The three-row SUV format is inherently inefficient compared with smaller crossovers, and the Durango adds a performance-oriented chassis, weight, and available V-8 engines on top of that. Fuel economy also drops when you choose all-wheel drive, larger wheels, or higher-output trims such as the R/T and Hellcat. That is why Durango shoppers often see the vehicle as a compromise: less efficient than a family-focused crossover, but more engaging to drive and better suited to towing or spirited use.
Best Choice By Buyer
- If mileage matters most, choose the V-6 GT for the strongest combination of mpg and everyday usability.
- If you want more muscle without going full performance model, the R/T V-8 is the middle ground, though it usually drops into the mid-teens combined.
- If outright speed is the goal, the Hellcat delivers it, but its 13 mpg combined rating makes it the least efficient Durango by a wide margin.
Shopping Checklist
- Check the exact trim and drivetrain, because mpg changes with V-6 versus V-8 and rear-wheel drive versus all-wheel drive.
- Compare city, highway, and combined ratings, not just one number, because your commute may favor one figure more than the others.
- Expect lower mileage with towing, short trips, aggressive acceleration, or winter driving.
- Use the EPA estimate as the baseline, then treat real-world owner averages as the more realistic long-term expectation.
Historical Context
The Durango nameplate has long been associated with American V-6 and V-8 power, and its mileage figures reflect that mission rather than a push for hybrid-style efficiency. Older Durango generations posted similar tradeoffs: decent highway cruising for a large SUV, but relatively modest combined mpg once displacement and curb weight entered the equation. Recent owner and publication data suggest the modern Durango remains consistent with that tradition, even as competitors have moved toward smaller turbocharged engines.
FAQ
Bottom Line For Shoppers
The best mpg Durango is the V-6 GT, while the best performance comes with a steep efficiency penalty in the V-8 and Hellcat models. If you want a family SUV with muscle-car attitude, the Durango makes sense; if fuel savings are the top priority, a smaller crossover will usually be the smarter buy.
What are the most common questions about Dodge Durango Fuel Economy Might Change Your Mind?
How many miles per gallon does a Dodge Durango get?
A Dodge Durango usually gets about 20 mpg combined with the V-6, around 16 to 17 mpg combined with the V-8, and about 13 mpg combined in Hellcat trims.
Is the Dodge Durango good on gas?
The Durango is not especially good on gas compared with smaller SUVs, but it is reasonable for a three-row performance-focused SUV with V-6 or V-8 power.
Which Durango gets the best MPG?
The V-6 GT trims get the best mpg, with EPA ratings as high as 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway and about 20 mpg combined.
Does all-wheel drive hurt Durango mpg?
Yes, all-wheel drive usually lowers mpg a bit compared with rear-wheel drive, especially when paired with the V-6 or V-8 on higher-trim Durangos.
Is the Durango Hellcat fuel efficient?
No, the Durango SRT Hellcat is the least efficient version, with about 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 13 mpg combined.