The Dodge Durango is a popular SUV because it’s so versatile. It’s a family-friendly vehicle, and it’s also got some serious muscle for towing. Whether you’re hauling a boat, camper, or anything else, the Durango is a solid contender.
This article gives you a complete overview of the Dodge Durango’s towing capacity. It’s important to know that the exact towing capacity depends on several factors, including the engine and trim level you choose. You’ll also want to consider optional Trailer-Tow packages.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the Dodge Durango’s towing capacity by engine, trim, and model year.
Dodge Durango Towing Capacity by Engine
The Dodge Durango offers a few different engine options, and the one you choose will determine how much you can tow.
3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 Engine
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is the base engine, which makes it well-suited for everyday driving and lighter towing jobs. This engine generates 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 6,200 pounds. With this engine, you’ll be able to pull a small trailer, a couple of jet skis, or a light boat.
5.7-Liter HEMI V-8 Engine
The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine ups the ante in terms of power and towing capability. It cranks out 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, giving it a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. With this engine, you can tow larger trailers, campers, or bigger boats.
Supercharged 6.2-Liter HEMI V-8 Engine (Durango SRT Hellcat)
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line performance, the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine—found in the Durango SRT Hellcat—is the way to go. This engine delivers a whopping 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. Interestingly, its towing capacity is the same as the 5.7L V8s—up to 8,700 pounds.
Dodge Durango Towing Capacity by Trim Level
The towing capacity of your Durango depends on the trim level you choose. Here’s a quick rundown:
- GT and GT Plus: These trims can tow up to 6,200 pounds and usually have the 3.6L V6 engine.
- R/T, R/T Plus, and R/T 20th Anniversary: These trims boost the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds, thanks to the more powerful 5.7L V8 engine.
- R/T Premium: This trim nudges the towing capacity up slightly to 7,400 pounds. This small increase may be because of specific equipment included with this trim.
- SRT Hellcat: If you need maximum towing power, the SRT Hellcat is the way to go. It boasts a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, which is the highest available on any Durango.
Remember to always consult your owner’s manual and consider factors like payload and trailer weight distribution to ensure safe towing.
Dodge Durango Towing Capacity by Year
If you’re shopping for a used Dodge Durango, you’re probably wondering how much you can tow with it. Here’s a quick guide to towing capacity by model year.
For the recent model years (2021-2025), the maximum towing capacity for Durangos equipped with a V8 engine has remained a consistent 8,700 pounds. That’s enough for a decent-sized travel trailer or boat.
For older models (2013-2020), the towing capacity with the 5.7L engine is a respectable 7,200 pounds.
One thing to note: the 2020-2024 model years equipped with the 5.7L engine have a slightly higher towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. So, if those extra 200 pounds matter to you, keep that in mind while you’re shopping.
Dodge Durango Tow Package (Trailer-Tow Group IV)
If you plan on doing a lot of towing, you might want to consider the Trailer-Tow Group IV package. It’s an optional upgrade that adds some serious capability to your Durango. It’s designed to make towing safer and easier.
Here’s what you get:
- Class IV receiver hitch: This is a heavy-duty hitch receiver that allows you to connect your trailer to your Durango.
- Wiring harnesses: These provide the electrical connections needed to power your trailer’s lights and brakes.
- Blind spot monitoring with trailer detection: This system extends the blind spot monitoring range to account for the length of your trailer, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots even when towing.
- Trailer brake controller: This allows you to adjust the amount of braking force applied to your trailer’s brakes, giving you better control and stability when towing.
These features will help you tow with more control and stability. The enhanced visibility from the blind spot monitoring system can give you more confidence on the road, especially when changing lanes with a trailer in tow.
In Summary
As you’ve seen, the towing capacity of a Dodge Durango depends on several factors, including the engine under the hood, the trim level you choose, and the model year.
When properly equipped, a Dodge Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds. But it’s important to choose wisely.
When you’re shopping for a Dodge Durango, think about what you want to tow. How much does it weigh? Make sure you choose an engine and trim level that can handle the load safely and reliably.
If you’re not sure which Dodge Durango is right for you, contact a dealership and let them know what you need. They can make personalized recommendations and set you up with a test drive so you can experience the Durango’s power for yourself.