17 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but the 2020 Dodge Durango RWD with its 5.7L HEMI V8 isn’t about winning awards. It’s about hauling people and cargo with authority, delivering a driving experience that few modern SUVs can match, and projecting a certain image. For those who prioritize these qualities, the fuel consumption is an acceptable trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Durango RWD with the 5.7L V8 break down to 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst when dealing with stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration. The highway number, while still not outstanding, shows that the Durango can be reasonably efficient during steady cruising. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps here, keeping the engine in its most efficient rev range when possible. Few Durango buyers are hypermilers. They appreciate the HEMI’s readily available power and the authoritative sound it produces. This engine is a big part of the Durango’s appeal, and fuel savings are often secondary.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for this Durango configuration is $3,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. The HEMI V8 is engineered to run on regular unleaded gasoline. Dodge recommends premium fuel for optimal performance in other applications of the 5.7L, but there is no such recommendation for the Durango. Sticking with regular will help minimize the pain at the pump.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, towing, and even weather conditions can all affect mileage. Expect to see figures closer to the EPA’s estimates if you primarily drive on the highway and maintain a moderate pace. City driving, especially with a heavy foot, will likely result in lower numbers. Durango owners often average around 15-16 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Understanding this reality is critical for anyone considering a Durango with the 5.7L HEMI. Check out DURANGO MPG across all years for user-submitted data.

How it compares

The Durango’s fuel economy puts it at the lower end of the spectrum compared to other three-row SUVs. A Toyota Highlander with its standard V6 engine achieves around 24 MPG combined, a significant improvement. The Ford Explorer with its turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost engine manages around 23 MPG. Even the V8-powered Chevrolet Tahoe, with its more advanced powertrain, can achieve around 18 MPG combined in RWD configuration. The Durango RWD 5.7L’s direct competitor is the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the same engine and drivetrain, which also sees an EPA combined rating of 17 MPG. This limited efficiency is a key reason why buyers might consider competing SUVs. However, the Durango offers a unique blend of muscle-car attitude and family-hauling capability that some find irresistible, despite the fuel consumption. You can browse all Dodge fuel economy data to see how other models stack up.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Durango 5.7L RWD isn’t designed for maximizing fuel economy, but simple adjustments can help you get the most out of each gallon. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The HEMI V8 responds well to a gentle touch, and smooth driving can make a noticeable difference in fuel consumption.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo adds strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the vehicle to lighten the load.

When possible, use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can improve fuel economy compared to constantly speeding up and slowing down. But avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating any potential gains.

Consider using the Durango’s available Eco Mode. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency. It may slightly reduce performance, but it can help save fuel in certain driving situations.