Is the Durango a unibody or frame?
Today’s Dodge Durango is built on a unibody platform, while the first two generations used a traditional body-on-frame construction. This reflects a shift from a truck-based SUV to a more carlike crossover design over the model’s history.
This article explains how the Durango’s construction has evolved across its generations and what that means for owners, buyers, and enthusiasts.
Durango architecture across generations
Below is a concise timeline of how its chassis concept evolved.
- First generation (1998–2003): Body-on-frame construction on a ladder-frame chassis derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup. This truck-based design emphasized rugged towing and off-road capability, at the expense of ride isolation and efficiency.
- Second generation (2004–2009): Continued body-on-frame architecture. The Durango maintained a rugged, frame-based platform while receiving interior and technology upgrades to improve daily usability and comfort.
- Third generation (2011–present): Transition to unibody construction, built on a platform shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2. This configuration enhances ride quality, handling, and efficiency while preserving strong towing and utility characteristics.
In summary, the Durango moved from a frame-based design in its early years to a unibody platform in its current generation, aligning with broader industry trends toward more carlike SUVs.
Practical implications for owners and buyers
Understanding the construction type helps explain differences in ride, repair, and long-term durability between generations. Here are some practical takeaways.
- Pre-2011 Durangos (1998–2009) are typically body-on-frame; they behave more like traditional trucks in terms of towing feel, durability, and potential frame-related concerns.
- 2011–present Durangos are unibody; they tend to ride more smoothly, handle more like a crossover, and benefit from modern chassis engineering. Repairs and maintenance align with other unibody SUVs.
For buyers, this means a Gen 1–2 Durango will feel more rugged and heavy-duty, while a Gen 3 Durango emphasizes ride comfort, efficiency, and updated electronics—with still solid towing capability depending on the engine and equipment.
Understanding unibody vs. frame
A body-on-frame design places the body on a separate structural frame, like a traditional pickup. A unibody design integrates the body and frame into a single stressed structure, which generally improves ride quality, safety, and efficiency but can change repair dynamics and resale value. The Durango’s shift reflects a broader industry move toward unibody construction for most midsize SUVs.
Summary
The Durango began as a frame-based, truck-derived SUV in its first two generations and transitioned to unibody construction with its modern, third-generation design. This evolution mirrors industry trends toward more carlike handling and efficiency while preserving the Durango’s towing and utility strengths. For prospective buyers or owners, knowing the generation helps set expectations about ride quality, durability, and maintenance needs.
Is the Dodge Durango a unibody or frame?
No, the current Dodge Durango is not body-on-frame; it is a unibody SUV, like its cousin the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Previous generations of the Durango, from 1998 up until the 2010 model year, were traditional body-on-frame SUVs, similar to those from the era of pickup trucks. However, it is rumored that the next-generation Durango will return to a body-on-frame design, using a platform similar to the Jeep Wagoneer.
- Current generations (2011–present): Unibody construction.
- Previous generations (1998–2010): Body-on-frame.
- Future generations (starting around 2024): Expected to be body-on-frame again, based on the Wagoneer's platform.
What is the body type of a Dodge Durango?
The original 1998 Dodge Durango SUV, like many SUVs of that era, was based on a pickup truck, in this case the mid-size Dodge Dakota. The result was a traditional body-on-frame SUV with an available third-row seat.
Is the Dodge Durango on a truck frame?
Now in its third generation, the Dodge Durango is currently built on the same platform as it's cousin, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. With a unibody structure and assembled right here in the United States in Detroit Michigan, the Dodge Durango is truly an all-American SUV.
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Dodge Durango?
The Dodge Durango was originally designed with a third row so it could fit an entire 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back when the seats were folded. Talk about versatility! Plywood! Yeah!
