What is the gas mileage on the Durango V6 vs V-8?
The Durango’s V6 models generally get better fuel economy than the V-8 variants. In everyday driving, the 3.6L V6 typically delivers roughly 21–22 mpg combined in common 2WD setups, while the 5.7L V8 tends to hover in the upper teens for combined mpg, and the 6.4L V8 in the SRT/RT range sits around 15 mpg combined. Actual numbers vary by model year, drivetrain, and options.
Fuel economy by engine
The following figures reflect EPA estimates for typical Durango configurations in the modern generation. Drivetrain and year can shift these numbers, but they give a clear picture of how the V6 compares to the V-8 variants.
3.6L V6 (Pentastar)
The 3.6L V6 with an 8‑speed automatic (including variants with mild-hybrid eTorque in later years) is the most fuel-efficient Durango option.
- 2WD: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined
- AWD: 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
Overall, expect roughly 21–22 mpg combined in 2WD and about 21 mpg combined in AWD configurations, making the V6 the economical choice for most daily driving scenarios.
5.7L Hemi V8
The 5.7L Hemi provides stronger performance with a noticeable trade-off in fuel economy versus the V6.
- 2WD: 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined
- AWD: 14 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined
In typical use, the 5.7L sits around 18 mpg combined, with highway efficiency comparable to the 2WD V6 but city mileage and overall consumption higher due to the larger displacement and torque.
6.4L Hemi V8 (392) – Durango SRT/RT
The 6.4L is a performance-oriented option with significantly lower efficiency, primarily found in the Durango SRT/RT variants.
- AWD: 13 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 15 mpg combined
For buyers prioritizing speed and capability, the 6.4L’s fuel economy reflects its performance orientation, roughly halving the combined mileage compared with the V6 in many use cases.
Fuel economy will vary by model year, transmission tuning, tire size, payload, towing load, and driving style. For example, real-world mileage can differ from EPA estimates, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads. If mpg is a top priority, the 3.6L V6 in a 2WD configuration generally offers the strongest efficiency across the Durango lineup.
Summary
In the Durango lineup, the V6 is the clear winner for fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates typically in the low 20s combined for 2WD and around 21 mpg combined for AWD. The V8 options deliver stronger torque and acceleration but at the cost of lower mpg, generally around 18 mpg combined for the 5.7L and about 15 mpg combined for the 6.4L SRT/RT. Always check the specific EPA ratings for the exact model year and drivetrain you’re considering, as numbers shift with tuning and options.
