Is a Durango RT or GT better?
For most buyers, the Durango GT offers a balanced blend of performance and efficiency, while the Durango RT prioritizes horsepower and trailering capability. The best pick depends on how you plan to use the SUV and what tradeoffs you’re willing to accept.
Performance: power, speed, and towing
This section compares the two trims on engines, output, acceleration feel, and tow capabilities. Numbers vary by model year and drivetrain, so use these as a guide based on typical configurations.
- Durango GT: 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid, typically around 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque; available with all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive; 0–60 mph is generally in the mid-to-upper 6-second range for this setup; max tow is usually around 6,200–6,400 pounds with the proper Tow package.
- Durango RT: 5.7-liter Hemi V8, about 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque; 8-speed automatic transmission; AWD available; 0–60 mph generally in the low-to-mid 6-second range depending on configuration; max tow often quoted around 7,200–7,400 pounds with the towing package.
- Drive and feel: the GT emphasizes smoother daily driving and efficiency, while the RT delivers stronger punch, a louder V8 note, and more confident highway merging and towing performance.
In summary: if raw power and heavier hauling are priorities, the RT is the stronger performer; if you want a more composed daily driver with solid capability, the GT is the better all-around choice.
Efficiency and practicality for daily use
Assessing real-world economy, comfort, and everyday practicality helps determine which trim fits your lifestyle beyond straight-line speed.
- Fuel economy: GT typically delivers higher fuel economy, often around 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway with FWD and slightly lower with AWD; RT generally nets lower economy, roughly in the mid-teens in city driving and low-to-mid 20s on the highway (varies with year and drivetrain).
- Interior space and cargo: both trims share a three-row, family-friendly layout; behind the third row you’ll have modest cargo space (roughly 17 cubic feet), with more room (50–60+ cubic feet) when second-row seats are folded; overall capacity is similar across GT and RT unless you opt for specific seating configurations.
- Ride and noise: GT tends to deliver quieter, more refined highway cruising; RT’s V8 notes and stiffer tuning can make for a louder, more performance-oriented experience, especially on acceleration.
Bottom line: if you value daily efficiency and comfort, the GT edge is clear; if you want a louder, more muscular sonic and stronger towing capability, the RT sacrifices some efficiency for performance.
Interior, technology, and features
Both trims share Dodge’s modern infotainment and convenience features, with option groups that push toward more premium finishes or driver-assist tech. Hardware and layout are largely similar, with some features regionally or year-spec dependent.
- Infotainment and connectivity: Uconnect 5 (in recent years) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; screen sizes commonly 8.4 to 10.1 inches depending on trim and options; available premium audio in higher-spec packages.
- Comfort and seating: both offer supportive front seats and flexible second-row configurations; higher trims can add leather or premium cloth, heated/ventilated front seats, and tri-zone climate control.
- Safety and driver aids: standard and optional features cover rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and other assists; availability varies by year and package.
Conclusion: Most buyers will find the interior and technology well-portioned in both trims; the RT may lean toward additional premium options in some packages, while the GT emphasizes value and daily usability.
Pricing, ownership costs, and value
Understanding the financial side helps determine long-term value and monthly costs. Prices and costs can vary by year, region, and optional equipment.
- Pricing: the GT typically carries a lower entry price than the RT, reflecting the V6 versus V8 configuration and available options; exact MSRPs vary by year and packages, but expect a several-thousand-dollar gap favoring the GT when new.
- Ownership costs: the RT’s V8 generally incurs higher fuel costs and potentially higher maintenance expenses; insurance costs can also be slightly higher for the RT due to power and performance considerations.
- Warranty and depreciation: Dodge’s basic warranty has historically been 3 years/36,000 miles with a Powertrain warranty around 5 years/60,000 miles for many model years; actual terms depend on the year and region, so verify at purchase. Depreciation patterns for Durango models are typical for midsize SUVs and can be influenced by demand for V6 vs V8 configurations.
Takeaway: the GT often offers lower operating costs upfront, while the RT delivers greater capability at a premium that's reflected in price, fuel, and potential maintenance.
Bottom line: which should you buy?
Guidance for choosing between the two trims based on usage and priorities.
- Choose the Durango RT if you want top-tier power, stronger towing capability, and a more muscular driving experience, and you don’t mind higher fuel use and potential maintenance costs.
- Choose the Durango GT if you prioritize daily comfort, better fuel economy, and a lower upfront cost with ample space and capability for family duties and moderate towing.
- Consider your typical tasks (towing heavy loads, long highway drives, daily commuting) and test-drive both to feel the differences in throttle response, exhaust sound, and ride quality before deciding.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your main use case: performance and payload for the RT, or efficiency and everyday practicality for the GT.
Summary
The Durango RT excels in raw power and towing ability, delivering a stronger performance envelope for those who haul often or crave a V8 soundtrack. The Durango GT offers better daily comfort and fuel efficiency, making it a more practical choice for families and everyday driving. Both share similar interior space and most technology, so your decision hinges on whether performance or practicality matters most. Always verify the specific year’s specs and options with a dealer, as trims and capabilities evolve over time.
