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Is a Durango considered a truck or SUV?

The Dodge Durango is considered a sport utility vehicle (SUV), not a truck. While the Durango shares some similarities with pickup trucks, its design and classification place it firmly in the SUV category.


What is the Dodge Durango?


The Dodge Durango is a mid-size or full-size SUV that has been in production since 1998. It is known for its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and rugged capabilities. The Durango is built on a unibody chassis, which is a hallmark of SUVs, rather than the body-on-frame construction typical of trucks.


Truck vs. SUV: Key Differences


The main differences between trucks and SUVs lie in their design, purpose, and capabilities:



  • Chassis: Trucks have a body-on-frame construction, while SUVs use a unibody chassis.

  • Purpose: Trucks are primarily designed for hauling and towing heavy loads, while SUVs are focused on passenger and cargo carrying capacity, as well as off-road capabilities.

  • Capabilities: Trucks generally have higher towing and payload capacities compared to SUVs, but SUVs often have better ground clearance and four-wheel-drive systems for off-road use.


Based on these key differences, the Dodge Durango is classified as an SUV, not a truck, despite its rugged appearance and capabilities.


Why the Durango is Considered an SUV


The Dodge Durango is classified as an SUV for several reasons:



  • Unibody Construction: As mentioned, the Durango uses a unibody chassis, which is a hallmark of SUVs, not trucks.

  • Passenger and Cargo Capacity: The Durango is designed to prioritize passenger and cargo space, with seating for up to seven people and ample storage capacity.

  • Off-Road Capabilities: The Durango offers available four-wheel-drive systems and high ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-road use, which is a key feature of SUVs.

  • Towing Capacity: While the Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds, its towing capacity is lower than many full-size trucks, which are designed for heavier towing and hauling.


In summary, the Dodge Durango is classified as a sport utility vehicle (SUV) due to its unibody construction, passenger and cargo-focused design, and off-road capabilities, despite sharing some similarities with pickup trucks.

Is the Dodge Durango built on a truck chassis?


The Durango was also among the first unibody crossover SUVs on the market to feature three rows of seats. However, the new-generation 2024 model marks a return to the vehicle's roots: the Durango will once again ride on a truck platform with a separate chassis (like the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer).



Is a Durango a truck or SUV?


SUV
AGGRESSIVELY POWERFUL. Beneath the hood of the 2024 Dodge Durango beats the heart of pure automotive excellence. No matter which of our available HEMIĀ® V8 engines you pair with its impressive all-wheel-drive system, this seven-seat SUV lives up to its legacy of muscle car performance.



What classifies a car as a truck?


The regulations define a "commercial motor vehicle" as any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a public highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle: (1) has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more; (2) is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including ...



Is a Durango classified as a truck?


The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV produced by Dodge starting with the 1998 model year.



What is the most common problem with Dodge Durangos?


A common issue in the 2022 Durango models is related to the fuel pump. Some owners have experienced stalling while driving, and difficulties refueling the vehicle, with reports of metal debris found in the fuel system. These issues have required repeated trips to the dealership for repairs.



Is a SUV basically a truck?


SUVs are designed to provide power and capability similar to that of a pickup, along with comfortable seating and cargo areas to accommodate family needs. In fact, SUVs are classified as trucks as opposed to cars. You can think of them as pickup trucks with a covered cargo area that's built out for passengers.



What year is Durango most reliable?


Best Dodge Durango Model Years For Reliability

  • 2008 Dodge Durango: ND Generation.
  • 2017 Dodge Durango: WK2 Generation.
  • 2020 Dodge Durango: WK2 Generation.



What is the average life span of a Dodge Durango?


200,000 to 250,000 miles
The Dodge Durango usually lasts from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Data from the Department of Transportation reveals that, on average, car owners in the U.S. drive 13,476 miles per year. That suggests your Durango could last 14 to 18 years, depending on your driving style and range.



Is an SUV considered a car or truck?


light truck
Per Cars.com, in the United States and several other countries, the SUV has been classified as a light truck rather than a car. This gives the SUV a more relaxed fuel efficiency standard. In terms of how the SUV looks and feels, it resembles a combination of truck, minivan, and the average American family car.



What does SUV stand for?


Sport utility vehicleSUV / Full name
SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle, a car similar to a minivan or a station wagon, but with a much tougher look and a design suited for off-road driving. SUV is often categorized under RV(Recreational Vehicle), but it is sometimes used in exchange.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.