The 2018 Dodge Durango AWD with the 5.7L Hemi gets 17 MPG combined, which isn’t great fuel efficiency, but it’s the price you pay to get serious towing capacity, confident all-weather traction, and the sound of a real American V8. People don’t buy this vehicle expecting hybrid-like efficiency; they choose it for its power and utility, and usually know they’ll compromise at the gas pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects how much gas the engine uses during stop-and-go driving. This is made worse by the Durango’s weight and all-wheel-drive system. The highway number is better, but still behind many competitors because of the engine’s size and the aerodynamics of a large SUV. The eight-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine working efficiently and performing well, but ultimately, physics wins.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Dodge Durango AWD with the 5.7L Hemi is about $3,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. How much you actually pay will depend on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. This is a lot of money. Potential buyers should consider this as part of their long-term ownership costs. Buyers can find all Dodge fuel economy data here on FuelEconomyHub.com

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides an estimate, but real-world fuel economy can change. Owners report getting numbers close to the EPA estimates when driving gently on the highway in good weather. If you drive aggressively, tow things, or take frequent short trips, your average will probably be lower. Expect numbers closer to the city rating if you often drive in heavy traffic, or even lower if you regularly tow trailers. The 5.7L Hemi responds well to a light touch on the gas pedal but it’s always ready to unleash its power, which can be tempting. See DURANGO MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Durango 5.7L AWD’s fuel economy is not as good as some competitors. For example, the Ford Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine gets around 22 MPG combined. The V6-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee, a similar vehicle, usually gets slightly better fuel economy, around 21 MPG combined. The Toyota Highlander with its V6 engine also does better, getting around 23 MPG combined. None of these competitors offer the same towing capacity or V8 sound. The Chevrolet Traverse, a larger crossover, gets around 20 MPG combined, but doesn’t have the Durango’s tough image or available V8 power. In the end, the Durango 5.7L AWD buyer values power and capability more than fuel efficiency, and the competition shows that tradeoff.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly and avoid accelerating quickly. The Hemi V8 responds quickly, but using its full power often will reduce fuel economy.

Anticipate traffic and keep a steady speed when you can.

Make sure your tires have enough air. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and increase it to the pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Remove extra weight. Carrying extra cargo in the trunk or on the roof rack adds weight and increases drag, both of which reduce fuel economy. Remove anything you don’t need.

Consider using the Durango’s Eco mode, if equipped. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission to focus on fuel efficiency instead of performance. The difference might not be huge, but it can save gas over time.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combining errands into one trip instead of making several short trips can help save gas. A warm engine is more efficient than a cold one, so fewer cold starts will improve your overall fuel economy.