Why did Dodge name the Durango Durango?
The Dodge Durango is a popular SUV that has been in production since 1998. But have you ever wondered why Dodge chose the name "Durango" for this vehicle? The answer lies in the history and inspiration behind the Durango's moniker.
The Origin of the Durango Name
The Dodge Durango was named after the city of Durango, located in the southwestern United States. Durango, Colorado is a picturesque mountain town known for its stunning natural scenery, outdoor recreation, and rich Western heritage.
Dodge likely chose the Durango name to evoke the rugged, adventurous spirit of the American West. The Durango SUV was designed to be a capable, versatile vehicle that could handle a variety of terrains and driving conditions, much like the city it was named after.
Durango's Meaning and Significance
The name "Durango" has Spanish origins and is derived from the Basque word "Durango," which means "water town." This ties into the Durango SUV's ability to navigate through various weather and road conditions, from paved highways to off-road trails.
Furthermore, the city of Durango, Colorado is known for its rich history, dating back to the late 19th century when it was a hub for mining, ranching, and the railroad industry. This rugged, pioneering spirit is reflected in the Dodge Durango's design and capabilities.
Conclusion
In summary, Dodge chose the name "Durango" for its SUV to evoke the adventurous, Western spirit of the city it was named after. The Durango name symbolizes the vehicle's rugged, versatile nature and its ability to tackle a variety of terrains and driving conditions, much like the real-life city of Durango, Colorado.
When did Dodge quit making the Durango?
The last year for the Dodge Durango was not 2024, but the 2025 model year is expected to be the last iteration, marking the end of the current generation, Firkins Auto Group. The 2025 model year features a special lineup to commemorate the end of an era, including limited-edition R/T 20th Anniversary and SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet models.
This video explains the Dodge Durango model years: 59sJustin PritchardYouTube · Sep 10, 2024
- Final model year: The 2025 Dodge Durango is the final model year for this generation of the SUV, according to sources like Firkins Auto Group and Rhythm Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
- Limited edition models: Dodge is releasing special models to mark the end of the Durango, including the R/T 20th Anniversary and the SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet, with unique features and exclusivity.
- Special features: The final model year includes a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen on all trims.
- Discontinuation: The 2025 model year is the last for the Durango in its current form, but rumors suggest it may be replaced by a new model in the future.
You can watch this video to learn what's new for 2026 Dodge Durango: 52sMarspeedYouTube · Aug 27, 2025
What states is the 2026 Durango banned in?
The higher-performance trims of the 2026 Dodge Durango (R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat) are currently banned in California and six other states that follow California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards: Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington. The base Durango GT with the 5.7-liter V8 engine is available nationwide, while Dodge continues to work on getting approval to sell the higher-performance models in these states as well.
California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington.
Why was the Dodge Durango named Durango?
The Dodge Durango is named after a city in Colorado, which itself was named after a city in Mexico, which was named after a city in Spain. Dodge chose the name to evoke a sense of ruggedness and to stand out in the SUV market.
- Spain: The name ultimately originates from a city in Spain.
- Mexico: This Spanish city name was then given to a city in Mexico, a mining center.
- Colorado: The Mexican city's name was later adopted for a city in Colorado, and Dodge named its SUV after this U.S. town.
- Marketing: Dodge aimed to connect the vehicle with the adventurous spirit and "Old West" feel associated with the name.
How did Durango get its name?
The name Durango most likely comes from the Basque word Urango, meaning "water town" or "well-watered place". This origin is shared by both the city in Colorado and the state and city in Mexico, which were named after the original Spanish city in the Basque Country of Spain. Some theories also suggest other Basque roots or a Latin origin for the Spanish city's name.
Basque origin
- Meaning: The name is believed to come from the Basque word Urango, which translates to "water town" or "well-watered place".
- Connection to geography: This is fitting for both the Mexican state and the Colorado city, as both are situated in areas with abundant water sources, such as the Animas River in Colorado.
- Alternative theories: Some theories suggest the name may have other Basque origins, such as Duranco, Urazango, or Padurango.
Other potential origins
- Latin origin: One theory posits that the name could stem from the Latin Turanicus, possibly related to a Roman settlement in the area.
- Connection to Spain: The name of the city in Colorado was given by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, and it was named after the Mexican state, which in turn was named after the original city in Spain.
How the name was applied
- Colorado: The city of Durango, Colorado, was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in 1880 and was named after the Mexican state of Durango, likely due to the railroad's connections to Mexico.
- Mexico: The city and state in Mexico were founded by Francisco de Ibarra in 1563 and were named after the city of Durango, Spain.
