21 MPG combined doesn’t sound like much in 2019, but many Dodge Durango RWD 3.6L 6-cyl owners accept it. This isn’t a vehicle bought for fuel efficiency; it’s bought for its muscle-car attitude, genuine three-row usability, and surprising capability. It tows, it hauls, and it looks good doing it, making fuel economy a secondary concern for its target demographic.

City and highway performance

The 3.6L Pentastar V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers a reasonable 19 MPG in the city and a more respectable 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Durango’s weight and focus on low-end torque; it’s a powertrain tuned for confident acceleration rather than sipping fuel at stoplights. Highway performance is aided by the eight-speed’s ability to keep the engine at its best at cruising speeds, but don’t expect miracles if you’re constantly passing or maintaining high speeds against strong headwinds. The DURANGO MPG across all years will vary slightly, but 2019 is fairly representative of this generation’s performance.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Dodge Durango RWD 3.6L 6-cyl at $2,100. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used (regular unleaded is recommended). If you drive aggressively or spend more time in stop-and-go traffic, expect to exceed this figure. However, owners who prioritize highway driving and drive to save fuel may spend slightly less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many Durango owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates, particularly on long highway trips. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and using the Durango for hauling cargo or towing will significantly impact fuel consumption. Add bigger tires or roof racks and the MPG figures will plummet. Durango owners suggest 17-23 MPG is a realistic range, heavily dependent on driving style and conditions.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2019 Dodge Durango’s fuel economy lands somewhere in the middle. A similarly equipped Honda Pilot achieves around 23 MPG combined, a more efficient choice for buyers prioritizing fuel savings. The Ford Explorer, with its optional 2.3L EcoBoost engine, delivers similar MPG to the Durango, but its performance character is very different. The Nissan Pathfinder struggles to match the Durango’s reliable appeal and offers only slightly better fuel economy. Buyers who are considering a Chevy Traverse for its large interior will see MPGs comparable to the front-wheel-drive Dodge. These differences matter to buyers who are cross-shopping for three-row SUVs, but the Durango’s style and HEMI-V8 option (on other trims) often win out over small fuel economy gains.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid aggressive acceleration. The Durango’s weight and relatively high engine displacement mean that every sudden burst of speed will increase fuel consumption. Instead, focus on maintaining a consistent speed and gradually increasing or decreasing throttle input.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature swings, and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to start quickly and efficiently, so there’s no need to let them idle unnecessarily.

Remove unnecessary weight. Hauling extra cargo increases the vehicle’s load, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Clear out any unnecessary items from the cabin and cargo area to improve fuel efficiency. This includes removing roof racks if they are not used frequently.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. However, be mindful of hills and traffic conditions, as the cruise control system may downshift aggressively, reducing some of the fuel savings. See all Dodge fuel economy data for a wide range of vehicles.