17 MPG combined defines the 2025 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L V8 not as an economical family hauler, but as a deliberate statement of muscle and capability. This is a vehicle for those who demand an SUV with the soul of a performance car, a growling V8 under the hood that plants its rear wheels firmly on the pavement. The Durango’s mission has never been to sip fuel; it’s always been about delivering a driving experience, towing prowess, and a certain unapologetic American swagger that few rivals can match. This specific configuration, with its legendary Hemi engine and rear-wheel drive, highlights that very character, appealing to buyers who prioritize raw power and undeniable presence over penny-pinching at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA’s breakdown of 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway for the 2025 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L V8 paints a clear picture. In urban environments, where stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration are the norm, that big Hemi engine is working hard, and its thirst is evident. The 8-speed automatic transmission does an admirable job of managing power and attempting to optimize efficiency, but the sheer displacement and power output are simply not designed for maximum frugality. Drivers choosing this powertrain understand this trade-off. They enjoy the immediate, authoritative surge of acceleration when navigating city streets, the confidence that comes with abundant power on tap, and the unmistakable rumble that accompanies every push of the pedal. On the open highway, the picture improves significantly. 22 MPG is a respectable figure for a large, V8-powered SUV. Here, the transmission can lock into taller gears, and the engine often operates in its cylinder deactivation mode, effectively running on four cylinders to conserve fuel. Long-haul trips become more efficient, allowing that powerful V8 to cruise effortlessly, maintaining speed without stress. It’s on these stretches that the Durango feels most at home, devouring miles with a relaxed competence that reinforces its grand touring capability.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,100 for the 2025 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L V8. This figure is based on a standardized calculation, assuming an average of 15,000 miles driven per year and national average fuel prices. For buyers of this specific Durango, plumbing the depths of all Dodge fuel economy data, this $3,100 represents a known quantity, a line item in the budget for the privilege of driving a powerful V8 SUV. It’s a cost accepted by those who value the Hemi’s performance, its towing capacity, and its distinctive sound. This demographic isn’t necessarily looking to minimize every operational expense; rather, they’re choosing a vehicle that delivers a specific experience. They understand that opting for a high-performance, large-displacement engine will naturally incur higher fuel expenditures than a four-cylinder compact crossover. The $3,100 figure serves as a transparent benchmark, allowing potential owners to factor this into their overall cost of ownership without surprises.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, owners of the 2025 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L V8 will likely see numbers that closely mirror the EPA estimates, assuming they drive with a reasonable foot. However, the allure of the Hemi engine is its immediate and thrilling power delivery, and those who frequently exploit that power will absolutely see their fuel economy dip below the 14 MPG city and 22 MPG highway marks. This vehicle, regardless of the Durango MPG across all years, is built for spirited driving. Every hard acceleration from a stoplight, every strong surge to pass on the highway, every pull of a heavy trailer, these actions tap directly into the engine’s considerable reserves and, naturally, its fuel tank. The typical owner of this Durango isn’t buying it for its parsimonious fuel use; they’re buying it for its grunt, its ability to muscle through tasks, and its distinct character. They are often individuals with families who need three rows, but refuse to compromise on a powerful, engaging drive. They frequently tow boats, campers, or utility trailers, for which the Hemi’s 8,700-pound maximum towing capacity is a critical asset. For these buyers, the impressive capability and an exhilarating exhaust note are part of the value, and the fuel cost is simply part of the cost of admission to that experience.

How it compares

When stacking the 2025 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7L V8 against its closest competitors, its fuel economy figures serve as a distinct point of differentiation. Consider a direct rival like the Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L V8 RWD, which typically achieves around 17 MPG combined (15 city/20 highway). While the Tahoe’s highway number might be slightly lower, its city figure is often on par or marginally better, but the Durango’s 5.7L Hemi offers a more visceral, aggressive driving feel that many find superior. Similarly, the Ford Expedition EcoBoost V6 RWD averages around 19 MPG combined (17 city/23 highway). The Expedition offers better fuel economy, because of its turbocharged V6, but it lacks the raw, naturally aspirated V8 sound and response that is a hallmark of the Durango’s powertrain. Some buyers simply prefer the traditional burble and linear power delivery of a V8. Even full-size pickups with similar engines offer insight: a Ram 1500 Tradesman 5.7L V8 RWD, with similar Hemi power, also averages around 19 MPG combined (17 city/23 highway) when unladen. This highlights that for a large, heavy vehicle with a traditional V8, the Durango’s figures are competitive within its performance-focused niche, even if they aren’t class-leading in absolute fuel efficiency. The Durango’s buyer isn’t cross-shopping a Toyota Highlander Hybrid; they’re weighing the pure, unadulterated power and distinctive character of the Hemi against other V8-equipped or high-output V6-powered large SUVs, willing to accept a slightly lower MPG for that unique feel.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Despite the Durango’s inherent thirst, there are pragmatic steps owners can take to nudge its fuel economy closer to the EPA estimates, especially on long trips. Maintaining steady highway speeds is critical. The 8-speed automatic is designed to find its highest gears at cruise, allowing the cylinder deactivation system to work more frequently, effectively turning your V8 into a V4 much of the time.

Smooth acceleration and gentle braking make a significant difference. Avoid jackrabbit starts and aggressive braking; these actions force the large engine to burn more fuel to quickly build momentum or dissipate it. Think of driving the Durango like piloting a large ship, deliberate movements are more efficient.

Regular maintenance, particularly ensuring correct tire pressure and clean air filters, plays a vital role. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder, and a dirty air filter can restrict airflow, impacting combustion efficiency in any engine, especially one as powerful as the Hemi.

Minimize unnecessary weight. While the Durango is designed to haul, regularly driving around with heavy, superfluous items in the cargo area adds to the vehicle’s mass, requiring more fuel to move. Every pound counts, particularly when accelerating from a stop.

Plan your routes to avoid excessive idling. If you know you’ll be waiting for an extended period, it’s often more fuel-efficient to shut off the engine and restart it rather than letting it idle, slowly consuming fuel without moving. This is especially true for a large displacement engine like the 5.7L Hemi.