17 MPG combined won’t win any awards for less gas usage, but that’s what you get with the 2020 Dodge Durango AWD with the 5.7L Hemi V8. This isn’t a vehicle bought for saving money on fuel. People buy it when they want strong V8 power, genuine towing capacity, and the security of all-wheel drive in a family-sized SUV. The Durango 5.7L is for buyers who need to haul kids, cargo, and maybe a boat or trailer, and they accept the fuel consumption as part of the deal.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L are 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects how much gas the engine uses in stop-and-go traffic, which is normal for a large V8 in a heavy SUV. The highway figure is better, helped by the eight-speed automatic transmission’s ability to cruise in a low-RPM overdrive gear. But even on the open road, remember you’re driving a heavy vehicle with permanent all-wheel drive that adds to energy loss.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,100 for the 2020 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs could be higher or lower, based on your driving, the type of driving, and local fuel prices. If you live in a city with high fuel costs and drive mostly in traffic, expect to pay even more.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standard numbers, real-world fuel economy can vary. Owners of the 2020 Durango 5.7L AWD often report numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on the highway. However, aggressive driving or frequent towing will quickly drop fuel economy below the official numbers. Consistent short trips make the low city MPG worse. Remember, this is a performance V8, and fast acceleration will hurt your fuel consumption. Many owners find that careful driving and trying not to let the vehicle idle can help get numbers closer to the EPA estimates. If you are curious about the DURANGO MPG across all years, there is more information. Also, consider browsing all Dodge fuel economy data.

How it compares

The 2020 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect when compared to competitors. A Ford Explorer with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 gets about 20 MPG combined, while a Toyota Highlander with its V6 gets about 23 MPG combined. These offer some utility but can’t match the Hemi’s raw power or towing capacity. A BMW X5 xDrive40i gets around 23 MPG combined with its turbocharged inline-six, but it doesn’t have the Durango’s third-row seating. The Durango’s direct competitor, the Chevy Tahoe 5.3L V8, gets similar MPG numbers, with 16 MPG combined. The Durango buyer isn’t looking at Prius Primes. They’re balancing power, utility, and fuel costs to fit their needs. The trade-off is acceptable for those who want the Durango’s unique mix of abilities.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration. The Hemi V8 responds quickly, but hard starts and constant bursts of speed will greatly reduce fuel economy. Gentle acceleration will keep you in a more efficient part of the engine’s power range, saving fuel.

Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the level on the doorjamb sticker.

Try not to idle. Idling gets you zero miles per gallon. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The Durango’s engine restarts quickly, making this an easy way to save fuel, especially in city traffic.

Service your Durango on time. Regular maintenance, like oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks, keeps the engine running efficiently. A poorly maintained engine burns more fuel.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Keeping a constant speed on long highway drives reduces extra acceleration and deceleration, which improves fuel economy. Be careful to keep a safe following distance and adjust as traffic changes.