The new era is starting for Dodge Durango. The legendary SUV is starting a new generation with a body-on-frame platform. Well, the FCA needed to separate its mid-size SUVs and this is a genius solution both for 2021 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Well, the other one still doesn’t offer the three-row version. It seems that is not happening since the company is about to add larger units – Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
The 2021 Dodge Durango will be the truck-based SUV. The company will move its production to the same plants where Ram 1500 is built. That will leave more room for Jeep SUVs in the Jefferson North Assembly factory. Also, the new Durango will remain the only SRT model, since its sibling is rebadging this model. There are a lot of rumors about the upcoming vehicle, but the company is still silent about all the speculations coming from experts and enthusiasts.
2021 Dodge Durango New Model
The 2021 Dodge Durango is going to be an all-new SUV that should refresh the interest in this iconic nameplate. The sales are not dropping. FCA manages to sell more than 60,000 units per annum in the previous seven seasons. However, the class-leading numbers are above 200k and the record is set by Durango’s sibling, Jeep Grand Cherokee. To catch up with the competition, Dodge needed a radical approach. The body-on-frame architecture will add a new dimension. The SUV will be durable and reliable and the company will probably keep all the engines. Well, the Hellcat engine remains the exclusive drivetrain for Grand Cherokee. Ram 1500 might get it for the special TRX Rebel edition.
The new generation will also include the cosmetic update. The SUV is quite old, since it hit the latest generation in 2011, with the only styling revisit happened in 2013. Ever since, the vehicle is the same, inside and outside.
Redesign
The new look of the SUV needs to draw more buyers, especially youngsters. We still don’t have details about the changes. Even test mules are not on the streets yet. The 2021 Dodge Durango needs something big, breathtaking and eye-catching since the mid-size SUV market is pretty hot nowadays. The interior of the current model is offering attractive features, but the look is outdated. Plus, the company needs a new infotainment system to make everything smoother and easier for us.
2021 Dodge Durango Specs
We are coming to the strong side of the 2021 Dodge Durango. There are three available units for the mid-size SUV. Base models are getting power from a reliable Pentastar powerplant. It is a 3.6-liter displacement, which is one of the strongest V6 in the market. For the current edition, it creates 295 hp and 260 lb-ft. Just for an example, Honda Pilot is getting 280 hp, and Toyota Highlander 290 ponies.
The new platform is not going to change old habits. The engine will send power to rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Well, something incredible needs to happen for the FCA to change this configuration that can carry 6,500 pounds.
V8 Engines
A couple of larger units will raise the game to another level. A 5.7-liter power generator is good for 360 hp and 390 lb-ft and increases the towing capacity to 7,500 pounds. Of course, only higher trim levels will offer this one. On the other hand, the AWD is standard and the big displacement is pretty thirsty. It consumes 18 mpg combined.
The most powerful engine in the lineup is a 6.4-liter V8 available for the SRT model. This badge will again be exclusive for the Dodge family since all performance-oriented Jeep models in the future will be called Trackhawk. Well, the Durango SRT will also bring unique styling upgrades to provide a more aggressive look and interior impression.
Unibody vs BoF
The first rumors started to swirl a year ago. The new 2021 Dodge Durango is moving to the body-on-frame platform. It will definitely bring something new to the fans of this SUV. For example, suspensions and axles are easier to tune for off-road adventures. Also, this setup provides an extended life thanks to the numerous other upgrades. But, the entire cost is making it less attractive. The architecture is more expensive to build, as well as the maintenance. Also, the platform is heavier, which means more fuel will be wasted.
2021 Dodge Durango Release Date and Price
All the sources talking about the 2021 Dodge Durango are unofficial. We will have to be patient to get to the details about the upcoming SUV. One thing is sure – it will be one of the most versatile three-row models in the market with such an offer of engines. Plus, the company will refresh the trim lineup, providing more attractive features both for low and high-level models. We hope the upcoming changes are not going to affect the price of the Durango. Well, if you want a large Hemi engine, then you cannot get it at a bargain.
