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What is the best Durango engine?

For most Durango buyers, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 offers the best overall balance of power, efficiency, and value.

The Dodge Durango offers several engine options, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. This article explains the current engine lineup, what each engine delivers in real-world use, and who should consider which choice.

Engine options in the Durango

Here are the main engines you’ll find under the hood of most Durango trims, with the key numbers that matter for daily driving and capability.

3.6L Pentastar V6 — Typically around 295 horsepower and about 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Real-world fuel economy varies by drivetrain (roughly in the teens to mid-20s mpg), and all-wheel drive can affect efficiency. This engine is ideal for everyday driving and light towing.

5.7L Hemi V8 — About 360 horsepower and roughly 390–410 lb-ft of torque, with an 8-speed automatic. Provides stronger acceleration and higher towing capacity than the V6, at the cost of lowered fuel economy.

6.4L Hemi V8 (Durango SRT 392) — Approximately 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, tuned for performance in the Durango SRT variants. The most powerful engine in the Durango lineup, with the highest towing capability among the gas engines, but noticeably higher fuel use and different daily-driving characteristics.

Note: Exact outputs and availability can vary by model year and drivetrain. Always check current specs with a dealer for your region.

How to choose the best engine for your needs

To decide which Durango engine fits you best, consider three use-case scenarios: everyday driving and efficiency, towing and payload, and performance driving. The following guidelines help clarify where each engine excels.

Everyday driving and efficiency

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the most practical choice for most families. It delivers adequate power for daily driving, better fuel economy, and keeps running costs in check across a wide range of Durango trims.

Towing and hauling

If you regularly tow trailers, boats, or carry heavier loads, the 5.7L Hemi V8 provides more torque and higher tow ratings, giving you more reserve for demanding tasks without stepping up to a performance-focused setup.

Performance and speed

For the fastest Durango, the 6.4L Hemi V8 (Durango SRT) is the clear winner, offering the highest horsepower and quickest acceleration. It’s designed for performance enthusiasts and those who want the maximum on-road capability, with the trade-off of lower fuel economy and potentially higher maintenance costs.

Performance, reliability, and maintenance considerations

All Durango engines share a common maintenance philosophy: routine oil changes, transmission service as per schedule, and using the recommended fluids. The V6 is typically the most economical and easiest to maintain, while the V8 options demand more fuel and can incur higher upkeep due to higher performance loads. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule helps preserve long-term reliability for any engine choice.

Summary

The best Durango engine for most buyers is the 3.6L Pentastar V6, thanks to its balance of power, fuel efficiency, and value. For those who require more towing capability, the 5.7L Hemi V8 is a solid upgrade. If maximum performance is the goal, the 6.4L Hemi V8 in the Durango SRT delivers top horsepower and acceleration, with the trade-off of higher fuel consumption. Your final choice should align with how you plan to use the SUV—daily family transport, towing-heavy work, or high-performance driving.

Is the 3.6 Durango a good engine?

As another person mentioned, the 3.6L V6 and 8-speed auto is a reliable powertrain. Any vehicle at that mileage will start needing some maintenance items like brakes, wheel bearings , etc.

What is better, a Durango GT or RT?

R/T trims fetch a higher price due to their more potent engines and performance upgrades, while GT models offer a balance of sporty design and everyday drivability.

Which Durango engine is the most reliable?

The most reliable Dodge Durango engines are the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 5.7L HEMI V8. The Pentastar V6 is often cited as the best for long-term, everyday reliability due to its widespread use, while the HEMI V8 is praised for its durability and ability to last for high mileage when properly maintained.
3.6L Pentastar V6

Pros: Considered the most reliable option for long-term ownership and daily driving. It is used across multiple Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models, meaning it's well-tested and affordable to maintain.
Cons: Can feel underpowered for a vehicle this size, and some owners report it downshifts frequently.

5.7L HEMI V8

Pros: Has a reputation for being very durable and capable of reaching over 200,000 miles. It provides significantly more power and towing capacity than the V6.
Cons: Can have more oil leaks from certain points (e.g., valve covers, front cover) compared to the V6. Higher maintenance costs are expected due to its higher performance and fuel consumption.

Other engines

5.2L Magnum V8: Avoid earlier models with this engine, as it had numerous problems including oil pressure issues.
6.4L HEMI (SRT): While the SRT has zero recalls, it is a high-performance engine that requires more maintenance and is more expensive to operate.

What is the most reliable year of Durango?

The most reliable Dodge Durango years include 2014-2018 and 2020 due to improved reliability and fewer major complaints, with the 2019 GT also frequently cited for its combination of reliability and safety. For models with the most reliable engines, consider those with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or 5.7L HEMI V8, particularly when paired with the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission introduced in 2014.
Recommended years and why

2014-2018: Many sources point to this range as a reliable period, especially after the introduction of the more dependable ZF 8-speed automatic transmission in 2014. The 2014 model year is specifically praised for its upgraded electrical systems.
2019 GT: This specific model is often highlighted for its strong performance, high safety ratings, and the reliable Pentastar V6 engine, with many owners reporting few issues.
2020: This year is noted for having a very high J.D. Power reliability score and few reported problems.

Other reliable models to consider

2008-2009: These models are part of the previous generation and are considered some of the most dependable Durangos built after Dodge addressed early production issues.
2021 and later: Modern Durangos have continued to show strong reliability, especially in comparison to earlier years of the third generation.

What to look for

Engine: Prioritize models with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or the 5.7L HEMI V8, as they are known for their dependability.
Transmission: Look for models with the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, introduced in 2014, which is considered more reliable than previous versions.
Maintenance: When buying any used vehicle, check its service history to ensure it has been properly maintained.

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.