17 MPG combined is the price of admission to the Durango club. This isn’t a hybrid, a diesel, or even a turbocharged four-cylinder pretending to be something it isn’t. The 2021 Dodge Durango RWD with the 5.7L Hemi V8 is unapologetically a muscle SUV. Its buyers prioritize power, towing capacity, and the unmistakable soundtrack of American V8 over squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates put the Durango’s city fuel economy at 14 MPG. This reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the Hemi’s displacement and naturally aspirated nature work against it. Out on the open road, the Durango fares slightly better, achieving 22 MPG on the highway. Credit here goes to the eight-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs when possible. But even on the highway, the Durango’s considerable weight and aerodynamic profile are significant hurdles to true fuel sipping.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2021 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L is $3,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Obviously, your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits and where you live, factoring in regional fuel prices. However, $3,100 provides a useful benchmark for understanding the Durango’s thirst.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized basis for comparison, real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners report figures that fluctuate based on their driving style, terrain, and load. Aggressive acceleration and frequent towing will significantly decrease MPG. Conversely, consistent highway driving with a light load may yield slightly better numbers than the EPA suggests. It’s important to factor in that the Hemi V8 encourages spirited driving, a habit sure to impact fuel consumption.

How it compares

The Durango’s fuel economy is unremarkable compared to its competitors. A comparable Ford Explorer with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder manages around 24 MPG combined, while the V6 version gets around 21 MPG. Even the Chevrolet Traverse, with its larger V6, achieves approximately 21 MPG combined, a noticeable improvement. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shares some components with the Durango, returns similar numbers with its V6 but offers a diesel option that significantly boosts fuel economy. The Durango buyer likely already knows all Dodge fuel economy data and has made his decision regardless. He’s likely willing to trade MPG for the Hemi’s performance and the vehicle’s overall attitude; he is not cross-shopping the Durango and a hybrid minivan. For those on the fence, remember to check DURANGO MPG across all years for more data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Durango, while not known for fuel efficiency, can still benefit from mindful driving habits. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Hemi V8 provides ample power, so there’s no need to constantly push it to its limits.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels found on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine, especially if there’s no extreme weather requiring constant climate control.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo adds strain to the engine and lowers fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle to lighten its load. This is especially important if you’re using the Durango primarily as a daily driver and not for towing or hauling.

Plan your trips strategically. Combining errands into a single trip rather than making multiple short trips reduces cold starts, which consume more fuel. Consider routing options that minimize stop-and-go traffic and prioritize highway driving when possible.