17 MPG combined is what you can expect from a 2022 Dodge Durango AWD with the 5.7L HEMI V8. This isn’t a fuel-sipping crossover; it’s a powerful, capable SUV built for hauling people and gear, and often for towing. The fuel economy reflects this, and many buyers willingly accept the trade-off of MPGs for the distinctive rumble and readily available power of a V8.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for city and highway driving, at 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, reflect the Durango’s weight and engine characteristics. Stop-and-go traffic in city environments forces the engine to work harder, leading to lower MPG. The jump to 22 MPG on the open highway shows the impact of consistent speed and less frequent acceleration. Understanding these numbers is critical, especially if you drive mostly in urban areas or on long highway journeys.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $3,100 for the 2022 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year at a national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, and higher-than-average fuel costs will all increase that annual figure. This is a significant expense to consider when calculating the total cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

Official EPA numbers are a useful baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Many Durango owners see MPG close to the EPA estimates, but fluctuation is normal. Driving style matters. Hard acceleration and frequent braking will decrease fuel economy, while a more relaxed style will help you stay closer to the estimates. The vehicle’s load also contributes, a fully loaded Durango with passengers and cargo will use more fuel than an empty one. To see MPG across model years, check out DURANGO MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2022 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L’s fuel economy is on the lower end of its class. A 2022 Ford Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine gets around 23 MPG combined, while the V6 version gets 21. The Toyota Highlander manages around 24 MPG combined with its V6 engine, and the hybrid versions do even better. Choosing V8 power means accepting a fuel economy penalty that these competitors often avoid. The Durango isn’t for buyers prioritizing fuel savings, but for those who value its distinctive styling, ample power, and towing capability, the fuel economy trade-off can be worthwhile. Review all Dodge fuel economy data to compare models and powertrains.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2022 Dodge Durango AWD 5.7L isn’t known for its fuel efficiency, but you can maximize your MPG. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The HEMI V8 responds well to a smooth and steady driving style, so take it easy on the throttle to save fuel.

Regularly check and maintain your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. The sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb shows the recommended tire pressure for your Durango.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove items you don’t need from your vehicle. Extra weight puts strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use, as they create aerodynamic drag.

Use cruise control on the highway when possible. Keeping a constant speed can improve fuel economy, especially on long journeys. Be mindful of using cruise control in hilly terrains, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating some fuel savings.

Consider the drive mode. The Durango may offer different driving modes, potentially including an “Eco” or “Fuel Saver” mode. Experiment with these modes to see if they improve fuel economy without impacting performance too much.