The 2020 Dodge Durango RWD with the 3.6L V6 engine has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 21 MPG combined. To be frank, most people don’t buy a Durango looking for excellent gas mileage, especially not one with a V6. They buy it because they need to haul kids, tow things, and like its somewhat aggressive styling. The Durango offers traditional SUV practicality. Fuel economy is simply a factor.

City and highway performance

The EPA further breaks down the numbers to 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number likely reflects the Durango’s weight and the stop-and-go driving common when driving families. The 26 MPG highway number is more respectable. The Durango’s eight-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to maintain relatively low RPMs, which increases efficiency on long highway trips. Proper tire inflation will improve both city and highway numbers slightly and is good general safety practice.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Durango configuration at $2,100. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits and location. Expect to exceed $2,100 if you spend most of your time in rush-hour traffic. However, if you primarily take long highway trips, you might spend less. Consider this number a general benchmark, not a strict rule.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy often differs from the EPA’s testing. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and accessories like air conditioning can decrease fuel consumption. Expect to see numbers slightly below the EPA estimates, especially in city driving. Careful driving habits can help achieve numbers closer to the EPA ratings. You can find DURANGO MPG across all years on this website.

How it compares

The 2020 Dodge Durango RWD 3.6L’s fuel economy is similar to other large SUVs. A comparable Ford Explorer with its 2.3L EcoBoost engine gets around 24 MPG combined. The Honda Pilot, generally considered a fuel-efficient choice, achieves approximately 23 MPG combined. The Toyota Highlander offers similar figures. Durango buyers aren’t necessarily cross-shopping these vehicles, but the numbers offer perspective. They want the Durango for its muscular styling, available V8 power, and ruggedness, which come with a slight fuel economy tradeoff. You can view all Dodge fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow. Maintaining a steady speed, rather than constant acceleration and braking, will save fuel. The Durango’s weight and large engine benefit from smooth driving.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Turn off the engine if waiting for more than a minute or two. Modern vehicles restart quickly, and excessive idling wastes fuel.

Monitor tire pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure at least once a month.

Limit the use of aggressive driving modes. While they may provide a more engaging driving experience, they often reduce fuel efficiency. The Durango’s standard driving mode offers a balance of performance and economy for everyday driving.

Remove unnecessary weight. Extra cargo reduces fuel economy. Clean out the trunk and remove any items that add weight.