Owners of the 2015 Dodge Durango AWD with the 3.6L V6 get 19 MPG combined. This figure isn’t going to win any awards for less gas, but it’s a trade-off Durango buyers willingly accept. This isn’t a fuel-sipping crossover; it’s a strong SUV with genuine towing capability and available third-row seating. Its mission is hauling families and gear, and its V6 engine provides ample power to do so.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Durango AWD 3.6L place city driving at 17 MPG and highway cruising at 24 MPG. The city figure reflects the Durango’s weight and the stop-and-go nature of urban environments. The highway number is more respectable, thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, improving fuel efficiency on longer trips. Achieving that 24 MPG, though, requires a light foot and restraint on the highway. Regular acceleration and higher speeds will pull that figure down quickly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the average owner of the 2015 Dodge Durango AWD 3.6L will spend $2,300 on fuel annually. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, location, and gasoline prices. Drivers with longer commutes or those who live in areas with higher fuel costs can expect to pay more, and those who drive less or live where gas is cheaper will likely pay less. This $2,300 figure serves as a useful benchmark for budgeting purposes.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Durango owners report numbers slightly below the EPA estimates, especially in city driving. Factors like aggressive acceleration, heavy loads, and colder temperatures can all negatively impact fuel consumption. Consistent highway driving, on the other hand, can sometimes yield results that meet or even slightly exceed the 24 MPG EPA rating. It’s important to remember that the Durango is a sizable SUV, and its fuel economy is directly tied to how it’s driven. Check out all Dodge fuel economy data to see how the Durango compares to other models.

How it compares

The 2015 Durango isn’t competing for best-in-class fuel economy. Alternatives like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (28 MPG combined) offer superior efficiency, but they sacrifice some of the Durango’s rugged character and towing capability. A similarly equipped Ford Explorer with its 3.5L V6 manages around 20 MPG combined, putting it in the same ballpark as the Durango. Even the Honda Pilot, known for its practicality, only achieves around 22 MPG combined in its AWD configuration. The Durango’s value isn’t solely about fuel economy; it’s about a blend of capability, passenger space, and bold styling that appeals to a specific type of buyer. Take a look at the DURANGO MPG across all years to compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Durango. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to maintain a steady pace, especially in city driving. The Durango’s V6 has plenty of torque, so you don’t need to floor it to get moving.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which leads to lower fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any items you don’t need from the cargo area and passenger seats.

Use cruise control on the highway. It helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. However, be mindful of using it in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating some of the benefits.

Consider using the available “Eco” mode, if equipped. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency. It may slightly reduce performance, but it can help save fuel during daily driving.