The Dodge Durango is the rare three-row SUV that refuses to apologize for being a truck at heart - it hauls seven passengers, tows up to 8,700 lbs, and delivers a driving experience that genuinely earns its price. Long Island families in Merrick, Bellmore, Freeport, and Wantagh who need maximum towing capacity alongside a genuine third row will find the Durango uniquely suited to South Shore life. This guide covers every trim, both key engine choices, and what Long Island buyers need to know before committing.
Bottom Line: The Dodge Durango is the best choice for Long Island families who need three rows and serious towing capacity in one vehicle - no compromises required.
- The GT trim offers the best value balance - V6 power, standard third row, and strong features from around $47,000
- The R/T or Citadel with HEMI V8 is the choice for buyers who tow boats, trailers, or campers regularly
- The SRT 392 is for performance buyers who want 475 hp without sacrificing three rows of seats
Why the Durango Stands Out on Long Island’s South Shore
The Durango fills a niche that few three-row SUVs occupy: genuine truck capability paired with a family cabin. Merrick and Bellmore families who tow boats to South Shore waterways know the difference between a vehicle rated for 3,500 lbs and one rated for 8,700. The Durango is squarely in the second category.
Unlike crossover-based three-row SUVs, the Durango rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Grand Cherokee. That architecture gives it a real towing advantage over car-based competitors, and the available HEMI V8 makes towing feel effortless rather than strained.
Long Island winters are another reason the Durango earns consideration. Available AWD handles snow and ice on South Shore Nassau roads with confidence, and the higher ground clearance means one season’s snowfall won’t strand you in the Wantagh parking lot while car-based crossovers struggle.
Durango Trim Levels: Four Choices That Cover the Full Range
The Durango’s five-trim lineup runs from the value-focused SXT to the performance SRT 392. Here’s how the most popular tiers compare:
| Feature | SXT | GT | Citadel | R/T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | ~$42,000 | ✓ ~$47,000 | ~$53,000 | ~$50,000 |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 | 3.6L V6 std | V6 or HEMI | ✓ HEMI V8 std |
| Max Towing | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs | 8,700 lbs (V8) | ✓ 8,700 lbs |
| Leather Seating | No | No | ✓ Yes | Yes |
The GT is the volume pick for South Shore Nassau families - it adds sporty exterior trim, a sport-tuned suspension, and 20-inch wheels over the base SXT without jumping into luxury pricing. For families whose priority is towing, stepping up to the R/T or adding the HEMI option on the Citadel is worth the premium.
To compare the Durango head-to-head with the Grand Cherokee, see our Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Dodge Durango comparison.
"South Shore Long Island buyers keep coming back to the Durango because nothing else at its price point offers three real rows and a true tow rating in the same package. When you need to pull a boat or trailer and still fit the whole family, the Durango is genuinely hard to beat."
General Manager, Merrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
V6 vs. HEMI V8: Which Engine for Long Island Life?
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 hp) handles South Shore commuting and family hauling with ease. EPA-rated at 18 city / 25 highway, it’s a sensible choice for buyers whose towing needs stay under 5,000 lbs. Most school runs, grocery trips, and weekend drives to Freeport don’t require anything more.
The 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 hp) changes the equation entirely. Towing jumps to 8,700 lbs with the proper configuration - the number South Shore boaters, Wantagh contractors, and camper haulers need to hear. The HEMI’s torque is also deeply satisfying on the Southern State Parkway in a way the V6 can’t match.
The SRT 392 puts a 475-horsepower 6.4L HEMI under the hood - acceleration that rivals dedicated sports cars at a three-row family SUV price. It’s a niche choice, but one worth knowing about. Browse current Durango inventory at Merrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram to see available trims.
Ready to find your Durango? Merrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, part of VIP Automotive Group, serves Merrick, Bellmore, Freeport, and Wantagh with the full Durango lineup in stock.
Durango Safety for South Shore Families
Safety ratings are solid across the Durango lineup. The Durango earned good ratings in IIHS crash tests, and you can verify current NHTSA safety scores before making your decision. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-path detection, and rear park assist.
Available safety upgrades on higher trims include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a 360-degree surround view camera. Merrick and Bellmore families with children will appreciate the ParkSense front and rear park assist that comes standard on Citadel and above.
Durango vs. the field: the third-row access on the Durango is easier than on several competitors, and the optional captain’s chair second-row configuration on Citadel gives passengers more comfort than a bench layout. For a broader family SUV comparison, see our Grand Cherokee vs. Explorer vs. 4Runner guide for Long Island families.
What Durango Ownership Costs in Nassau County
South Shore Nassau County insurance costs run modestly above state average. Budget $1,200-$1,600 per year for a Durango GT in Merrick or Bellmore - actual rates depend on your zip code, coverage selections, and driving history.
Maintenance is straightforward, and the 3.6L V6 has a long track record for reliability in the broader CDJR lineup. The HEMI V8 adds modest service costs but nothing that should give buyers pause. The factory powertrain warranty runs 5 years / 60,000 miles on all Durango trims.
For information on certified pre-owned options through VIP Automotive Group’s Nassau County locations, see our certified pre-owned Jeep guide for Nassau County.
FAQ: Dodge Durango Buyers Guide Long Island
What does a 2026 Dodge Durango cost on Long Island? The Durango SXT starts around $41,995 MSRP. The GT runs approximately $47,000, the R/T around $50,000, and the Citadel near $53,000. New York state sales tax and Nassau County fees apply in addition to the MSRP.
How does the Durango’s towing compare to the Grand Cherokee? The Durango tows up to 8,700 lbs with the HEMI V8 - significantly more than the Grand Cherokee’s 7,200-lb maximum. If maximum towing is the priority, the Durango wins that comparison outright.
Does the Dodge Durango have AWD for Long Island winters? Yes. AWD is available on all Durango trims and includes an AWD Lock mode for low-traction situations. It’s not a dedicated off-road system like Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II, but it handles Long Island winter conditions very effectively.
How many people does the Durango seat? All Durango trims seat seven as standard with bench second-row seating. The Citadel offers an optional captain’s chair second row that reduces capacity to six but improves rear passenger comfort.
Is there a performance Durango option? Yes - the SRT 392 uses a 6.4L HEMI V8 producing 475 horsepower, with 0-60 times around 4.4 seconds. It remains a three-row, seven-passenger SUV at its core. A Scat Pack variant offers a middle ground between the R/T and full SRT.
Can I finance a Durango at Merrick Jeep? Yes. Merrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram offers financing through Chrysler Capital and other lenders. The team can walk you through payment scenarios on any trim and configuration in stock.
Visit Merrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram - serving South Shore Nassau County from our Merrick location, minutes from Bellmore, Freeport, and Wantagh. The full Durango lineup is here and ready for a test drive.