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What platform is the Dodge Durango built on?

The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1998. While the Durango has undergone several redesigns and updates over the years, it has consistently been built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This shared platform allows the Durango to benefit from the Jeep's renowned off-road capabilities and robust engineering.


Shared Platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee


The Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee have been built on the same platform since the Durango's introduction. The Durango shares its underpinnings, including the chassis, suspension, and powertrain, with the Grand Cherokee. This platform sharing allows Dodge to leverage Jeep's expertise in SUV design and engineering, while also providing a more affordable option for consumers who don't need the full off-road capabilities of the Grand Cherokee.


Benefits of the Shared Platform


The shared platform between the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee offers several benefits:



  • Improved off-road performance: The Durango inherits the Grand Cherokee's robust 4x4 system and suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrain with confidence.

  • Cost savings: By sharing a platform, Dodge can reduce development and manufacturing costs, which can be passed on to consumers in the form of a more affordable price tag.

  • Shared parts and components: The Durango and Grand Cherokee share many of the same parts and components, which can simplify maintenance and repairs for owners.


The Dodge Durango's platform sharing with the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a key factor in its success over the years, allowing it to offer a compelling blend of capability, affordability, and reliability to SUV buyers.

What is the Dodge Durango based on?


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 Dodge Durango unibody or body-on-frame?


It is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan since late 2010.



What SUV is comparable to Durango?


Cars similar to 2025 Dodge Durango

  • 2025 Dodge Durango. #49 in Crossover SUVs. Get Your Price.
  • 2025 Ford Explorer. #12 in Large SUVs. Get Your Price.
  • 2025 Hyundai Palisade. #2 in Large SUVs. Get Your Price.
  • 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. #5 in Mid-Size SUVs.
  • 2025 Kia Telluride. #1 in Large SUVs.
  • 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. #5 in Large SUVs.



What is the Jeep version of the Durango?


JEEP® Grand Cherokee L
Is the Dodge Durango the same as a JEEP® Grand Cherokee L? No, the 2021 Dodge Durango and Jeep® Grand Cherokee L are two different SUVs for sale and are manufactured by different companies. Both vehicles offer seven seats, have similar engines, and have comparable horsepower and performance in the base model.



How old is the Dodge Durango platform?


One can trace the Durango lineage back to 1974, with the creation of the original Ramcharger truck. With Ramcharger sales flagging years prior and newer, more popular truck models available, Dodge decided it was time to build their own SUV for the 1998 model year. The Durango was born.



Does the Chrysler 300C have a Mercedes engine?


In Europe and Australia, the 300C was available with a Mercedes-Benz 3.0 L diesel V6 engine (internal code OM642) rated 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) at 3800 rpm and 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m) of torque at 1600 rpm.



What is the Chevy version of the Durango?


The 2021 Dodge Durango offers rear-wheel drive, 7-passenger seating, and multiple powertrain options. The 2021 Chevy Traverse has 8-passenger seating, but offers less strength when it comes to the mechanical performance of the vehicle.



Are the Durango and Grand Cherokee the same platform?


For years, the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee shared the same platform.



Is the Durango on a Mercedes platform?


The Durango was originally modeled after the small Dakota pickup truck, but after Dodge merged with Daimler Benz, the Durango was switched over to a Mercedes platform like the rest of the automaker's lineup.



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).


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.