2016 Dodge Durango

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Rating8.2

Ranked #2 in 

Fullsize SUV
Write Review
$30,495 - $44,990
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Cogent V8 engine

Lackluster interior build

Start/stop button on V6 engine trims

Commodious cabin

Slightly difficult to maneuver

Sport mode is now standard on all trims

User-friendly infotainment system

Specs & Features

$33,095

price

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

horsepower

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.6L 6cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Priced at $30,495 for its base variant, the 2016 Dodge Durango is muscular, popular, and spectacular. The three-seater SUV is in its essence, a proper family hauler that boasts a capacious cabin with hi-tech features but falls short on refinement and quality. It is an apt unification of performance and a sturdy build.

Buying Advice

The 2016 Dodge Durango Limited trim features LED headlamps, power-adjustable and heated seats, leather upholstery, and many other bits as well. Equipping it with the all-wheel-drive also makes sense as it provides the SUV with a sense of stability and all-season drivability under the sub-$40,000 mark.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Dodge offers the Durango with a wide variety of trims as well along with the R/T trim that comes with a Hemi V8 engine option. From the availability of a V8 motor to its versatility both in terms of comfort and performance, the Durango is hard not to like and it competes directly with the likes of the Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, and Honda Pilot.

Features
9.0/10

The 2016 Dodge Durango is offered in four trims namely the SXT, Limited, Citadel, and R/T. It falls in a price range that extends from $30,495 for the base variant to $44,595 for the Hemi V8-equipped top-tier trim. It is available either as an RWD or AWD variant, with the latter being $2,600 more expensive than the former.

Trims

SXT

Limited

Citadel

R/T

MSRP (RWD)

$30,495

$36,995

$41,295

$41,995

MSRP (AWD)

$33,095

$39,595

$43,895

$44,595

Key Features

18-inch alloy wheels

LED running lights

20-inch wheels

V8 engine

 

Load-leveling rear suspension

Remote ignition

Upgraded brakes

Lowered sport-tuned suspension

 

Adjustable drive settings (Sport mode)

Power-folding mirrors (driver auto-dimming)

 

Remote Ignition

Performance steering

 

Automatic headlamps

Driver memory functions

Chrome exterior trim

Body-color exterior trim (in place of chrome)

 

Heated mirrors

Six-way power passenger seat

Sunroof

Upgraded leather upholstery

We Recommend

The 2016 Dodge Durango Limited trim features LED headlamps, power-adjustable and heated seats, leather upholstery, and many other bits as well. Equipping it with the all-wheel-drive also makes sense as it provides the SUV with a sense of stability and all-season drivability under the sub-$40,000 mark.

Engine and Performance
8.0/10

The standard 2016 Dodge Durango is equipped with a V6 under the hood that puts out best in class 293hp along with 260lb.-ft of torque through a seamless 8-speed automatic transmission. The R/T trim with the bigger V8 motor puts out 360hp along with 390lb.-ft of torque through the standard transmission.

Each trim of the 2016 Dodge Durango is available either as an RWD or AWD variant. It can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.4 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile sprint in 14.9 seconds. However, its hefty weight and gigantic dimensions do cause a bearing on its drivability. Handling and steering response do not feel up to the mark, but the throttle response is aplomb from the V8 engine.

Models

Dodge Durango

Honda Pilot

Toyota Highlander

Kia Sorento

MSRP

$30,495

$30,145

$32,015

$28,700

Engine

3.6L V6 Gas engine

3.5L V6 Gas engine

3.5L V6 Gas engine

3.3L V6 Gasoline engine

Drivetrain

RWD

FWD

FWD

FWD

Transmission

8- speed shiftable automatic

6-speed automatic

6- speed shiftable automatic

6-speed shiftable automatic

Horsepower (hp)

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

270 hp @ 6200 rpm

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque (lb.-ft)

260 ft-lbs @ 4000 rpm

262 ft-lbs @ 4700 rpm

248 ft-lbs @ 4700 rpm

252 ft-lbs @ 5300 rpm

0-60 MPH

6.4

6.2

7.1

7.1

Quarter mile (seconds)

14.9

14.8

15.2

15.7

Top Speed (mph)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

While all SUVs in the segment make use of a gasoline-powered V6 engine, all three competitors of the Dodge make use of a 6-speed automatic transmission and are channeled as FWD variants. While power output is lower, the most-torquey 2016 Honda Pilot that produces 280hp and 262lb.-ft, is the quickest SUV in the segment clocking the 60mph sprint and quarter-mile run in 6.2 and 14.8 seconds, respectively. On the other hand, the 2016 Kia Sorento and 2016 Toyota Highlander are almost a second slower than their competitors.

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

According to the EPA, the base Durango with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive has a mileage of 19 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, while with the AWD variant efficiency falls a notch across the board. However, its fuel tank is the most voluminous in the segment and can hold 24.6-gallons and helps to aid the overall range covered. In a single fuel stop, it can cover 467 miles in the city and 664 miles on the highway.

Models

Dodge Durango

Honda Pilot

Toyota Highlander

Kia Sorento

MPG (city)

19

19

19

18

MPG (highway)

27

27

25

26

MPG (combined)

22

22

21

21

Fuel tank capacity (gal.)

24.6-gallons

19.5-gallons

19.2-gallons

18.8-gallons

Range (city/highway) (miles)

467/664 miles

371/527 miles

365/480 miles

N/A

While the 2016 Honda Pilot averages similar efficiency as the Dodge, both the Toyota and Kia manage 21 MPG. The Honda also features one of the larger fuel tanks in the segment, yet it lags considerably behind in the overall range. While it can cover 371 and 527 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively, the 2016 Highlander can manage 365 and 480 miles only.

Interior
9.0/10

The 2016 Dodge Durango has a versatile driving position unlike many SUVs, it is suitable for a number of drivers and driving styles. The seats are extremely comfortable on all three rows with ample head, shoulder and, legroom, however, getting to the third row is quite a complicated process as the second row doesn’t fold down.

While comfort is uncompromised, the 2016 Dodge Durango’s interiors are not a luxury affair. It lacks refinement in terms of quality and when compared to its direct competitors, it feels less sophisticated. However, it still is an ergonomic cabin that has ample storage units on the inside and with all seats folded manages a total cargo capacity of 84.5 cubic feet. Cabin noise is successfully masked and each usable element is in arm’s reach.

Models

Dodge Durango

Honda Pilot

Toyota Highlander

Kia Sorento

Passenger capacity

7

8

8

7

Front (head/shoulder/leg) (in.)

39.9/58.5/40.3

40.1/62.0/40.9

40.7/59.3/44.2

39.5/59.1/44.1

Second (head/shoulder/rear) (in.)

39.8/58.3/38.6

40.2/62.0/38.4

39.9/59.6/38.4

39.3/58.0/39.4

Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

37.8/50.4/31.5

38.9/57.6/31.9

35.9/55.0/27.7

36.3/52.8/31.7

Cargo Capacity to the third row (cu.-ft)

17.2

18.5

13.8

11.3

Cargo Capacity to the second row (cu.-ft)

47.7

46.8

42.3

38.0

Cargo Capacity to first row (cu.-ft)

84.5

83.9

83.7

73

When compared to the competitors, the 2016 Pilot and 2016 Toyota Highlander can seat eight passengers, instead of the seven-seat capacity of the Kia and Dodge. While the 2016 Sorento has lower seating capacity, it possesses best-in-class space. However, it lacks cargo capacity. On the other hand, Honda and Toyota also have lower trunk volumes of 83.9 and 83.7 cubic feet.

Some salient interior features of the include:

  • Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
  • Three-zone Climate Control
  • Interior Air Filtration
  • Cruise Control
  • Cupholders for all three rows

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Dodge Durango?

The 2016 Dodge Durango’s infotainment system is immensely intuitive. The U-Connect system is available with either of two screen options like a 5-inch or 8.4-inch unit, both of which work impressively and also get physical buttons for better reception and response. It gets equipped with hi-tech specifications and some of its salient features include:

  • USB Ports
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD Player
  • 10-speaker Bose Sound System (Optional)
  • Rear Seat entertainment (Available with R/T trim only)

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2016 Dodge Durango surely is one of the better-looking vehicles in its segment as it still follows traditional SUV design language with a hint of modern touches without looking outdated. The front fascia resembles the Dodge Charger with its headlamps and a front grille that looks menacing on the Durango, from there the flowing slightly curved lines leading to the rear fascia which is subtle as compared to the front. 

The 2016 Dodge Durango’s dimensions are indicative of its mammoth size and stance. It is the heaviest vehicle in the segment weighing 4.756 lbs and is also the longest SUV with an overall length and wheelbase of 201.2 and 119.8 inches, respectively. It is tallest measuring 70.9 inches with a ground clearance of 8.1 inches.

Models

Dodge Durango

Honda Pilot

Toyota Highlander

Kia Sorento

Curb Weight (lbs.)

4756

4054

4244

3968

Length (in.)

201.2

194.5

191.1

187.4

Width (in.)

75.8

78.6

75.8

74.4

Height (in.)

70.9

69.8

68.1

66.5

Ground clearance (in.)

8.1

7.3

8.0

7.3

Wheelbase (in)

119.8

111.0

109.8

109.4

All three SUVs in comparison are relatively smaller with almost a similar wheelbase. They are smaller SUVs in overall dimensions and are also lighter. The Kia Sorento weighs 3,968 lbs, followed by the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander weighing 3,968, 4,054, and 4,244 lbs. The Honda is, however, the widest in the segment and is closer to the Dodge in terms of overall length. Some salient exterior features include:

  • Roof Rails
  • Running Boards
  • Rear Spoiler
  • 18/20-inch alloy wheels
  • Daytime Running Lights

Safety
8.0/10

The 2016 Dodge Durango is extremely safe and reliable, thanks to its unibody construction. It adds a suite of safety features that back its capabilities and is impressive in both crash avoidance and mitigation. The Dodge SUV scores an overall rating of 4-stars in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and also scores a rating of “Good” in most aspects of the IIHS’s tests.

Some Safety Features are:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop
  • Advanced Brake Assist
  • Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus
  • Lane Departure Warning Plus
  • Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection

Final Verdict

The 2016 Dodge Durango seems like a perfect fit for everyday use and the occasional off-roading stints. The Durango offers the ruggedness and capabilities of an SUV paired with the practicality and convenience of a crossover. The optional V8 R/T trim does suffer in terms of fuel efficiency but is a dream for the enthusiasts while other trims offer more practicality but still don’t lose any street cred or cool factor.

Trims

    SXT
    $30,495 onwards
    • 18-inch painted aluminum Wheels
    • 50-50 split-bench 3rd row seats
    • AM/FM/Satellite-Prep
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    Limited
    $36,995 onwards
    • 18-inch polished aluminum Wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Parking assist
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
    Citadel
    $41,295 onwards
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
    R/T
    $41,995 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 360 hp @ 5150 rpm hp
    • Torque: 390 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg
    Anodized Platinum
    $42,390 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 295 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 142 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$30,495- $44,990

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.21

Horsepower

360 hp @ 5150 rpm

Torque

390 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$39,065- $49,515

Gasoline

7.83

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

7

Read Review

$28,700- $44,145

Gasoline

7.55

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

$47,000- $64,740

Gasoline

7.64

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

8

Read Review

$49,700- $84,735

Gasoline

7.4

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

8

Read Review

$31,050- $52,970

Gasoline

8.32

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

255 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$41,135- $63,375

Gasoline

8.17

365 hp @ 5000 rpm

420 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm

8

Read Review

$28,700- $40,900

Gasoline

8.3

245 hp @ 5500 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$48,315- $68,325

Gasoline

7.59

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

9

Read Review

$30,975- $49,890

Gasoline

8.03

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

2016 Dodge Durango vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.8 sec15.2 sec142 mph
    6 sec15.2 sec112 mph
    6.2 sec14.9 sec136 mph
    6.5 sec15.1 sec115 mph
    6.8 sec15.2 sec155 mph
    6.9 sec15.4 sec-

    2016 Dodge Durango vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      19 mpg27 mpg22 mpg24.6 gal.467.4/664.2 mi.
      25 mpg31 mpg27 mpg16.6 gal.415/514.6 mi.
      21 mpg31 mpg25 mpg15.8 gal.347.6/489.8 mi.Jeep USA
      22 mpg28 mpg25 mpg19 gal.418/532 mi.
      20 mpg30 mpg24 mpg18 gal.378/540 mi.
      21 mpg29 mpg24 mpg18.8 gal.394.8/545.2 mi.

      2016 Dodge Durango vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        201.2 in.75.8 in.70.9 in.8.1 in.119.8 in.

        2016 GMC Yukon XL

        Ranked #1

        224.3 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.7.9 in.130 in.
        224 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.7.9 in.130 in.
        206 in.78.8 in.77.2 in.8.3 in.119 in.
        205.1 in.79.9 in.77 in.9.9 in.122 in.
        204 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.7.9 in.116 in.

        2016 Dodge Durango vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          17.2 cu.ft.132.7 cu.ft.84.5 cu.ft.
          10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          18.9 cu.ft.-120.1 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.-89.7 cu.ft.
          13.8 cu.ft.144.9 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.
          21 cu.ft.151.7 cu.ft.81.7 cu.ft.

          2016 Dodge Durango vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            90.9 cu.ft.17.2 cu.ft.84.5 cu.ft.-
            81.7 cu.ft.16.1 cu.ft.81.7 cu.ft.-
            218.5 cu.ft.10.3 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.-
            37 cu.ft.38.8 cu.ft.73.5 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.21 cu.ft.81.7 cu.ft.-
            61 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.94.7 cu.ft.6 ft.

            2016 Dodge Durango vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              6200 lbs.1330 lbs.4756 lbs.
              9200 lbs.1640 lbs.5600 lbs.
              8600 lbs.1720 lbs.5355 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1690 lbs.5308 lbs.
              8300 lbs.1796 lbs.5586 lbs.
              8100 lbs.1320 lbs.5815 lbs.

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              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 7.8 sec

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              2016 Dodge Durango User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              KLA

              Kristine Louise Allen

              2017 Dodge Durango

              SXT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 1, 2024

              Overall great ride and comfortable

              Pros - ["Drives well", "It's my Sexy mom whip"]

              Cons - ["Not 4 wheel drive", "I wish the interior was darker"]

              I love the performance and sport mode as well as my sunroof and it has some great features like automatic high beams and wipers but it's a sweet and sexy SUV that I've become very attached to I live my Durango citadel

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review