A combined fuel economy of 15 MPG isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2019 Dodge Durango SRT AWD packing a 6.4L HEMI V8, it’s the price of admission to a very specific club. This isn’t your neighbor’s grocery-getting SUV. This is a three-row muscle machine that prioritizes raw power and a throaty exhaust note over trips to the gas station. The target demographic isn’t worried about squeezing every last mile from a gallon; they crave acceleration, towing capacity, and the aggressive styling that sets the SRT apart.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2019 Durango SRT achieves 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the realities of a large, heavy SUV powered by a naturally aspirated V8. Stop-and-go city driving will heavily penalize fuel consumption as the engine works harder to move the substantial curb weight. Open highway cruising, while better, still suffers from the Durango’s aerodynamic profile. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to manage the engine’s output efficiently, but ultimately, physics plays a role.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 Dodge Durango SRT is $3,850. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. The actual cost may vary depending on individual driving habits, fuel prices in your area, and the grade of fuel used. Since the Durango SRT has a performance engine, you will likely need premium-grade fuel.

Real-world expectations

Forget chasing those EPA numbers in the real world, especially if you enjoy the Durango SRT’s performance capabilities. Expect to see figures closer to the city estimate, or even slightly below, if you frequently use the vehicle’s acceleration for merging or passing. Highway trips can yield closer to the 19 MPG figure, but aggressive driving or towing will quickly erode that. Consider this: every hard acceleration is essentially pouring money directly into the fuel tank. Most owners of the Durango SRT understand and accept this tradeoff, knowing they are paying for the performance experience. Check out DURANGO MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to other performance SUVs, the 2019 Durango SRT’s fuel economy tells a clear story. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, another high-performance SUV, achieves around 15 MPG combined. A BMW X5 M fares similarly, hovering around 16 MPG combined. Even slightly less powerful SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (which shares its engine with the Durango SRT) yields similar figures, around 15 MPG combined. The key takeaway is that extracting high performance from a large SUV inherently compromises fuel efficiency. For buyers considering alternatives with improved efficiency, a non-SRT Durango with the V6 engine achieves a much more respectable 21 MPG combined. Choosing between lower fuel costs and the SRT’s performance is the central dilemma.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Durango SRT is not designed for hypermiling, some techniques can help improve fuel economy marginally. The most impactful is to resist the urge to use the vehicle’s immense power frequently. Gradual acceleration and maintaining a steady cruising speed can dramatically improve fuel consumption. Every time you bury your foot in the accelerator you are dumping fuel into the engine, so avoid aggressive driving as much as possible.

Proper maintenance is critical for any vehicle, and the Durango SRT is no exception. Regularly check tire pressure, as properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. Also, ensure the engine is tuned properly and that the air filters are clean. Even small maintenance items can have a cumulative effect on fuel economy over time.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any items from the vehicle that aren’t essential, especially heavy objects. While the Durango SRT is designed to carry a lot, leaving that extra weight at home will save fuel.

Take advantage of the Durango SRT’s Eco mode, if equipped. Eco mode adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance, though the impact will be subtle. While it won’t transform the Durango SRT into a fuel sipper, it can contribute to a slight improvement in mileage during steady-state cruising. Explore all Dodge fuel economy data.