The 2017 Dodge Durango AWD with the 5.7L Hemi gets 17 MPG combined. Buyers who want towing capacity, interior space, and a V8 engine sound expect this fuel consumption. This vehicle prioritizes capability and a bold presence over fuel efficiency, and the fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Durango gets 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure is affected by the engine’s large size and the vehicle’s heavy weight, so stop-and-go driving uses more fuel. The 22 MPG on the highway is better, but requires consistent speeds and avoiding rapid acceleration. This 8 MPG difference between city and highway shows that driving style greatly affects the Durango’s actual fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L is $3,100. This assumes 15,000 miles driven per year and the national average fuel price for regular gasoline when calculated. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your annual mileage and local fuel prices. Even with stable gas prices, the Durango’s thirst makes the $3,100 a large expense.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world fuel economy often differs. Durango owners often report numbers slightly below the EPA estimates, especially in mixed driving. Expect city figures closer to 12-13 MPG if your commute has heavy traffic. Highway figures in the high teens to low twenties are possible with careful driving, but aggressive driving will quickly use the fuel. Knowing these things is important when budgeting for ownership.

How it compares

The 2017 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L has lower fuel economy than other three-row SUVs. A 2017 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L V6 and AWD gets 19 MPG combined, which is better. A V8-powered Toyota 4Runner often achieves similar or slightly better numbers in real-world driving, even though it has less interior space. The Durango’s more modern 8-speed transmission helps, but can’t completely compensate for the engine’s size and the vehicle’s weight. Someone considering all Dodge fuel economy data may still choose the Durango for its specific combination of space, towing, and available power, but they’ll pay more to fuel it. You can find more DURANGO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating quickly. The 5.7L Hemi responds easily, but every quick start or unnecessary burst of speed burns more fuel. Gently use the gas pedal, and you’ll see an improvement, particularly in city driving.

Use the 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s designed to keep the engine in its most efficient range at cruising speeds. Avoid shifting down manually unless needed, let the transmission do its job, and those top gears will help you get closer to 22 MPG on the highway.

Make sure your tires have the correct amount of air. Tires with low air cause more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes, and keep the pressure at the level listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Don’t idle. Letting the Durango sit and idle for a long time, like when warming it up on a cold morning or waiting in a parking lot, wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Think about what you’re carrying. Carrying extra weight in the Durango, like tools, sports equipment, or other items, lowers fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency.