The 2017 Dodge Durango AWD with the 3.6L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. It’s no Prius, and no Durango owner expects it to be. This is a three-row SUV with available all-wheel drive, designed for hauling kids, cargo, and even towing trailers. Durango buyers prioritize space, capability, and a touch of American muscle over lower fuel costs. Within that context, 21 MPG is acceptable, if not awe-inspiring.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2017 Durango AWD 3.6L are 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. That city figure reflects stop-and-go driving in a vehicle weighing over 4,700 pounds. The eight-speed automatic transmission works hard to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but that much mass takes its toll. The highway figure is more respectable, highlighting the benefits of the aerodynamic shape and efficient gearing at cruising speeds. Long road trips will yield closer to the 25 MPG mark, a welcome respite for families covering vast distances.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Dodge Durango AWD 3.6L at exactly $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and factoring in national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel cost will vary depending on your driving habits and the price of gasoline in your area. However, $2,100 provides a useful benchmark for budgeting and comparing fuel expenses with other vehicles. Owners should remember that opting for premium fuel, although not required, will likely increase this annual cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and frequent towing will all negatively impact MPG. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and meticulous maintenance can help you approach or even exceed the EPA estimates. Durango owners report averaging around 19-20 MPG in mixed driving, the inherent variability of fuel consumption makes that a realistic expectation. Checking DURANGO MPG across all years forums and owner reviews can provide a more nuanced understanding of what to expect in different driving scenarios.

How it compares

The 2017 Durango’s fuel economy stacks up against its competitors in interesting ways. The Toyota Highlander AWD with its V6 engine manages a slightly better 22 MPG combined. A Honda Pilot AWD comes in around 21 MPG combined as well. The Ford Explorer with its base engine, an inline-4, gets around 22 MPG combined in real world usage scenarios. For Durango buyers, however, these small differences might not be the deciding factor.

The Durango offers a more rugged appearance, available V8 power, and a higher towing capacity than many of its rivals. Examining individual vehicle pages for all Dodge fuel economy data reveals that the Durango’s character is unique.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Tire pressure plays an important role in fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease MPG, so make it a habit to check them regularly, especially during periods of temperature change.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Durango is a large vehicle, and rapid acceleration burns significant fuel. Gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will help conserve fuel and extend the life of your brakes.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items from your Durango that you don’t need. Extra weight adds to the engine’s workload, leading to decreased fuel efficiency. This includes anything stored in the cargo area or on the roof rack.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can translate into noticeable fuel savings on long highway drives.

Consider using different drive modes if your Durango is equipped with them. Some models offer an “Eco” mode that adjusts engine and transmission settings for improved fuel efficiency. While it may slightly reduce performance, it can be beneficial in certain driving conditions.