The Dodge Durango is one of the last three-row SUVs still available with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive as standard in the base trim. For Long Island buyers who need to seat seven, tow a boat or trailer, and want an SUV with genuine performance capability, that combination is increasingly rare. The Durango earns its place by doing things that few three-row family SUVs can still do.
Bottom Line: The Durango is the three-row SUV of choice when towing matters and V8 power is a priority. The SXT and GT are practical family choices; the Citadel is the luxury pick; the SRT 392 is in a performance class by itself.
- Starting MSRP around $40,000 for the SXT; SRT 392 exceeds $70,000
- Standard V6 tows up to 6,200 lbs; V8 models tow up to 8,700 lbs
- Available in 6 or 7-passenger configurations
Durango Trim Levels: SXT to SRT 392
The Durango lineup runs from a sensible family three-row to a supercar-challenging performance SUV. Each trim represents a genuinely different vehicle profile.
SXT ($40,240) - The starting point includes a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (293 hp), standard rear-wheel drive, three-row seating, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, and a basic safety suite. AWD is available for around $2,000 more. For buyers who simply need three rows without performance pretensions, the SXT is the honest value pick.
GT ($43,495) - Adds sport suspension, remote start, heated front seats, and Blacktop or Plus Package options. The GT is the volume seller for Nassau County families because it hits the feature set most people want without the GT’s premium.
R/T ($50,995) - Upgrades to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (357 hp), which is the most significant step in the lineup. Tow rating jumps from 6,200 lbs to 7,400 lbs, exhaust note noticeably improves, and performance feels entirely different from the V6 trims. AWD is standard on the R/T.
Citadel ($52,995) - The luxury-focused trim with a 3.6L V6 base (or optional V8), Laguna leather seating, a premium audio system, and a more refined interior. For Garden City buyers who want the three-row space with a luxury SUV feel, the Citadel is the right choice.
SRT 392 ($70,900) - The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (475 hp) makes the SRT 392 one of the fastest SUVs available. Performance suspension, Brembo brakes, and a launch control system make this a genuine dual-purpose vehicle - school run in the morning, drag strip on weekends. It’s a niche product but an unforgettable one.
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Tow |
|---|---|---|---|
| SXT | ✓ $40,240 | V6 293 hp | 6,200 lbs |
| R/T | $50,995 | ✓ 5.7L HEMI V8 | ✓ 7,400 lbs |
| Citadel | $52,995 | V6 or V8 | 6,200-7,400 lbs |
| SRT 392 | $70,900 | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 8,700 lbs |
Three-Row Seating and Family Practicality
The Durango’s third row is more usable than most competitors at this price. The bench third row accommodates adults reasonably well for shorter trips - enough for Merrick to JFK or Jericho to a ball game without complaints. Second-row captains’ chairs are available in most trims and create a more comfortable experience for middle-row passengers on longer trips.
Cargo behind the third row is 17.2 cubic feet - workable for light grocery trips but not expansive. Fold the third row and that expands to 43.3 cubic feet; fold both rows for 84.5 cubic feet of flat load floor. For a family that regularly uses all three rows, the Durango is honest about what it is. For families that mainly use it as a five-seater with occasional third-row use, it’s very practical.
Rear-seat entertainment is available on Citadel and higher trims - a meaningful feature for Nassau County families making regular trips to the Hamptons or heading upstate.
"The Durango is the three-row SUV buyers choose when they actually need to tow something. The V8 R/T is the most popular trim we sell for families who have a boat, a trailer, or a camper - nothing else at this price point tows as well."
General Manager, Westbury Jeep
Ready to see the Durango? Westbury Jeep in Jericho carries the full Durango lineup.
Towing Capability for Long Island Owners
Towing is where the Durango genuinely separates itself from crossover-based three-row alternatives. The standard V6 tows up to 6,200 lbs - sufficient for a 17- to 20-foot boat, a mid-size camper, or a loaded trailer. Step up to any V8 trim and towing capacity increases to 7,400 lbs (R/T) or 8,700 lbs (SRT).
For South Shore Long Island boaters, the V8 R/T is the most popular choice. A typical 24- to 26-foot cabin cruiser on a tandem axle trailer weighs 7,000 to 8,000 lbs ready to launch - at the upper boundary of the R/T and comfortable within the SRT’s capacity.
Proper trailer hitches, brake controllers, and trailer wiring are all dealer-installed options that Westbury Jeep can configure before delivery. The Durango’s tow modes, trailer stability control, and integrated trailer brake controller (available on R/T and higher) make the towing experience more confidence-inspiring than many competitors.
Use our True Cost of Ownership Calculator to model out the full five-year cost of Durango ownership including fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
Safety and NHTSA Ratings
The Durango’s platform has been in production for several years, and its safety ratings reflect an older structural design. NHTSA crash test scores are respectable but not class-leading - check the current federal crash test results for the most recent Durango model year before purchasing.
Available safety technology on higher trims includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, and forward collision warning. The base SXT has a more limited safety suite than competitors; buyers who prioritize active safety technology should look at the GT or higher with the available SafetyTec Group package.
FAQ: Dodge Durango for Long Island Buyers
Is the Dodge Durango a reliable long-term vehicle? The Durango has a reasonably strong reliability record for a body-on-frame SUV platform. The V6 and V8 HEMI engines both have well-understood maintenance needs. Long-term owners typically find it durable when maintained on schedule.
Which Durango trim is best for towing? The R/T offers the best value for towing buyers - the 5.7-liter HEMI, 7,400-lb tow rating, standard AWD, and integrated trailer brake controller at around $51,000. The SRT 392 offers more capacity but at a significant price premium.
Does the Durango have enough third-row space for adults? Adults can fit in the third row for shorter trips. The third row is best suited to children or to occasional adult use on trips under 90 minutes. For regular adult third-row use, the Durango’s dimensions are more limited than full-size SUVs like the Chevy Suburban.
How does the Durango compare to the Grand Cherokee L? The Grand Cherokee L also offers three rows but in a more refined, less truck-like package. The Durango has higher tow ratings and a more performance-oriented character; the Grand Cherokee L offers a more polished interior and a smoother, quieter ride. For towing, Durango wins; for luxury feel, Grand Cherokee L.
Is AWD standard on the Durango? AWD is standard on R/T and higher trims. On SXT and GT, AWD is an approximately $2,000 option. Most buyers in Nassau County opt for AWD given Long Island winters.
The Dodge Durango fills a specific need: a three-row SUV with genuine towing capacity, available V8 power, and a lower starting price than the full-size SUVs in its towing class. For Long Island families who regularly tow boats or trailers, it remains one of the best tools in the segment. Westbury Jeep in Jericho serves buyers from across Nassau County including Garden City, Merrick, and Roslyn.
Schedule your Durango test drive and see the full Durango lineup at Westbury Jeep today.