Is a Dodge Durango a small SUV?
No — the Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV, not a small one. It emphasizes three-row seating and towing capability, which places it above compact crossovers in size and utility.
Understanding where the Durango fits in the SUV spectrum requires looking at common industry classifications that hinge on length, seating capacity, and cargo space. While “small” SUVs typically refer to subcompact or compact models designed for urban maneuverability, the Durango is designed to carry more people and gear, often at a higher weight and payload. This distinction matters for buyers weighing city-friendly practicality against family-hauling and towing needs.
Size and class: where the Durango sits
What "mid-size" means for SUVs
In the current market, mid-size SUVs are usually longer than compact crossovers and offer more interior space, with options for three rows of seating and greater cargo capacity. They balance everyday usability with improved passenger room and versatility compared with smaller models.
Durango size and seating
The Durango is typically around 200 inches in overall length with a wheelbase a bit over 119 inches, which places it squarely in the mid-size segment. It commonly offers seating for up to seven passengers with a foldable third row, increasing flexibility for families and cargo-hauling trips.
Powertrains and towing
Durango models have been offered with a 3.6-liter V6 and an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with all-wheel drive available on many trims. Towing capacity varies by engine and equipment, generally ranging from about 6,200 pounds with the V6 to roughly 7,400 pounds with the V8 and towing package. This performance profile reinforces its mid-size, three-row positioning rather than a small-SUV footprint.
Platform and design notes
The Durango is built on a rear-drive–based platform that it shares with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This architecture contributes to its longer body, more substantial on-road presence, and interior space—traits that are characteristic of mid-size SUVs rather than small crossovers.
How it compares with small and midsize alternatives
To put the Durango in context, here are how it stacks up against common small SUVs and some midsize competitors.
- Small/SUB-compact SUVs (examples): Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Venue — typically 170–180 inches long, two-row seating, and tighter cargo space.
- Mid-size, three-row SUVs (examples): Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer — longer with seating for seven or more and larger cargo areas.
- Full-size three-row SUVs (examples): Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition — significantly longer with more interior volume and higher towing capacity.
These comparisons illustrate that the Durango sits between small crossovers and larger, full-size SUVs in both size and utility.
Practical takeaways for buyers
If your priority is maximum urban maneuverability and a compact footprint, a small SUV or a compact crossover may be a better fit. If you need three-row seating, substantial cargo space, and towing capability, the Durango offers a strong value proposition within the mid-size segment.
Summary
The Dodge Durango is not a small SUV. It is a mid-size, three-row SUV designed to carry more passengers and cargo than compact crossovers, with notable towing capability. Its size and configuration make it a practical choice for families and utility-focused use, rather than a compact, city-oriented vehicle. As of 2025, the Durango remains in Dodge’s lineup as a mid-size option that shares its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, reinforcing its position outside the small-SUV category.
