The official EPA fuel economy rating for the 2016 Dodge Durango RWD with the 3.6L V6 is 21 MPG combined. Nobody buys a Durango expecting Prius-like fuel efficiency. This is a big, capable SUV designed to haul families and tow boats, not to win fuel economy contests. The 21 MPG is simply what buyers accept for the Durango’s combination of ruggedness, interior space, and American muscle car style.

City and highway performance

The EPA further breaks down the Durango’s fuel economy, rating it at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows how the Durango’s weight and larger engine are affected by stop-and-go traffic. The highway number is surprisingly respectable, thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. This highway efficiency makes the Durango a decent road trip vehicle, even if its around-town gas consumption is less than stellar.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Dodge Durango RWD 3.6L is $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel cost will vary depending on how much you drive and the price of gasoline in your area. The $2,100 estimate provides a benchmark for comparing the Durango’s fuel expenses to other vehicles. A good way to compare this to other Dodge vehicles is to review all Dodge fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world MPG for the 2016 Durango can change based on driving habits, load, and terrain. Aggressive acceleration and heavy braking will lower fuel economy, as will carrying heavy loads or towing. Driving in hilly or mountainous areas increases fuel consumption. If you frequently drive in these types of situations, expect to see numbers slightly below the EPA estimates. But if you drive conservatively and stick to mostly highway miles, you may be able to match or even slightly exceed the EPA’s 26 MPG highway rating.

How it compares

The Durango’s fuel economy is what you might expect for a three-row SUV. The Toyota Highlander, for example, equipped with its 3.5L V6 and front-wheel drive, achieves a combined 23 MPG, making it a slightly more efficient choice. The Ford Explorer with its 2.3L EcoBoost engine is similar. Fuel economy drops noticeably when you get into larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe. The Tahoe’s V8 manages around 18 MPG combined. For some buyers, the slightly better gas mileage of competitors is less important than the Durango’s styling, available V8 engine, and more truck-like character. Drivers should compare DURANGO MPG across all years before deciding.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Durango’s eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy, but only if you let it do its job. Avoid aggressive acceleration that forces frequent downshifts. Smooth and steady acceleration is key to saving fuel.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Make sure your Durango’s tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo in your Durango adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, and that decreases fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to carry regularly, especially heavy objects.

Proper maintenance is essential for good fuel economy. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements ensure that the engine is running efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed helps minimize fuel consumption. Cruise control is effective on long, flat stretches of highway. Cruise control is not as efficient when climbing and descending steep grades.