For some, 17 MPG combined will immediately disqualify the 2016 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L 8-cyl. This isn’t a hypermiler’s vehicle, nor is it for people who put fuel efficiency first. It’s made for families who need three rows of seats, the ability to tow a substantial trailer, and the strong responsiveness of a V8 engine, even if that means higher gas bills. The Durango 5.7L is a deliberate choice; its thirst is a known and generally accepted consequence of its capabilities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway for this Durango configuration. The city figure reflects the engine’s natural consumption during stop-and-go driving, which is made worse by how much the vehicle weighs. The highway number, while better, still isn’t as good as smaller crossover SUVs. The eight-speed automatic transmission tries to optimize fuel economy at cruising speeds, but it can’t defy the laws of physics. These numbers make one thing clear: this Durango is most efficient on long highway stretches and less economical in cities.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L at $3,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, the EPA’s combined MPG rating, and current national average fuel prices. Actual fuel cost can change a lot based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and fuel type. For example, aggressive driving and using higher-octane fuel often will make this number much higher. This figure is a standard baseline for comparing vehicles, but users should take it carefully, combining their driving data with all Dodge fuel economy data to calculate more accurate estimates.

Real-world expectations

Owner reports generally match the EPA estimates. Drivers who spend most of their time in the city often report MPG around 14 MPG, while drivers with more highway miles often see figures between 20-22 MPG. Towing drops fuel economy, sometimes into the single digits depending on trailer weight and terrain. Keeping that in mind, it’s clear why people check DURANGO MPG across all years to see what this vehicle can do.

How it compares

Compared to others in its class, the 2016 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L’s fuel economy is on the low end. A 2016 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L V6 gets about 20 MPG combined, while a 2016 Toyota Highlander V6 gets about 21 MPG combined. The Durango’s V6 version delivers much better fuel economy, about 21 MPG combined. These differences show the trade-off between power and efficiency. Buyers who want better fuel economy than raw towing capacity and V8 performance might like those alternatives. The Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L HEMI gets similar fuel economy but is slightly smaller, another comparison point for buyers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 5.7L HEMI engine delivers power quickly, but each press of the accelerator wastes fuel. Accelerate gently, letting the transmission shift smoothly and early, to see a difference over time.

Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct tire pressure, listed on the doorjamb sticker, reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Don’t idle. Letting the engine idle wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Anticipate traffic. By looking ahead, you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration making your driving smoother and more fuel-efficient. This is especially effective on the highway.

Remove extra weight. Carrying too much weight impacts fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the cargo area to reduce load.