The 2016 Dodge Durango AWD with the 5.7L Hemi V8 gets 17 MPG combined. This figure might deter some drivers, but it’s what you can expect if you need what the Durango offers: three rows of seating, actual truck-based towing capacity, and the rumble of a naturally aspirated V8. This isn’t about saving every drop of fuel; it’s about hauling the family and a boat while merging onto the highway quickly.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, which is a useful, if optimistic, idea of what to expect. The Durango’s weight and the Hemi’s displacement mean it burns more fuel when you’re stopping and going. The highway figure is more likely, particularly if you don’t accelerate too hard. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps by keeping the engine at its best range at cruising speeds, but the Durango’s wind resistance still has an impact.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L is $3,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. If you drive faster, live in an area with higher fuel costs, or drive more than 15,000 miles annually, expect to spend more. This is definitely something to consider, but Durango buyers often see it as an acceptable cost for the capability and performance they want.

Real-world expectations

Forget about achieving the EPA numbers. With the 5.7L Hemi, especially in AWD form, you’re probably going to see a combined MPG in the low to mid teens in mixed driving. Hard acceleration, towing, or frequent short trips will lower that number. People who drive mostly on the highway might get closer to the EPA’s 22 MPG, but don’t expect it. The Durango’s computer shows a running MPG estimate, but be careful relying on it. The enjoyment of fast acceleration can only be justified so far when you think about the poor fuel economy. For a broader view of DURANGO MPG across all years, examine driver-submitted fuel logs to obtain a more realistic picture.

How it compares

The 2016 Durango 5.7L AWD’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect for a large SUV. A similarly equipped 2016 Ford Explorer with its 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine gets around 19 MPG combined, which is slightly better but it lacks the Hemi’s power. The Toyota 4Runner, known for off-road driving and not efficiency, gets around 18 MPG combined with its 4.0L V6. Even the smaller Jeep Grand Cherokee, which uses the same platform as the Durango, only gets marginally better fuel economy with its V8, around 17-18 MPG combined in AWD configuration. A 2023 Kia Telluride gets about 21 MPG combined, but it offers a different driving experience and doesn’t have the Durango’s acceleration and towing capacity. If fuel cost is your main priority, looking at all Dodge fuel economy data might be necessary to see if other models meet your needs.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The Hemi responds well to a gentle foot. Smooth acceleration and avoiding heavy throttle will improve your fuel economy, especially in city driving. Try not to show off the V8’s power all the time. Learn to predict traffic to avoid braking and accelerating unnecessarily.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and make sure it matches the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Reduce wind resistance. Remove any extra items from the roof rack, because it increases wind resistance and lowers fuel efficiency. Even removing a roof-mounted cargo carrier when you aren’t using it can make a difference, particularly on the highway.

Consider cruise control on the highway. It helps keep a consistent speed, which minimizes unnecessary changes in speed, and this improves fuel economy. Watch out for road conditions and traffic, and turn off cruise control when needed.

Regular maintenance is important. Make sure the engine is properly tuned and that all fluids are at the right levels. Replacing air filters, spark plugs, and doing other routine maintenance items as recommended by the manufacturer will help the engine run efficiently and save fuel. For some, the performance is worth the fuel costs, while others may prefer smaller vehicles.