Dodge Durango Discontinued. Since 1997, the Dodge Durango has been a go-to SUV. It is known for off-road adventures, strong performance, and a powerful V8 engine, making family trips extra thrilling. In the past, the Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee used to be buddies on the same platform. But now, the Grand Cherokee has its own thing going on.
Surprisingly, Durango is still doing well and is looking to hit 60,000 sales in the US in 2021. People like it, and it makes good money. But hold your horses; there’s talk about a brand-new Durango coming up. Some rumors say it might skip 2023 but come back all fresh and new for 2024.
After 24 years of changes and upgrades, there’s talk of the Durango discontinuing. It is making way for Dodge’s futuristic electric muscle cars in 2024.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Replacing The Dodge Durango?
Dodge will discontinue its Durango SUV production after 2024 and replace it with a new SUV that looks different. It’s going to be a bigger car with three rows of seats. They’re bringing back an old name for it: the Dodge Stealth.
The old Stealth was a cool sports car from 1991 to 1996. It was like a Mitsubishi 3000GT but with a Dodge logo. They want to use the Stealth name for a new SUV that will share a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Later, they might make an even bigger SUV like the Jeep Wagoneer and call it the Durango.
People have mixed feelings about the current Durango. Some experts rate it low, but many regular folks like it. Dodge is known for powerful cars, and the Durango is no exception. The Durango SRT Hellcat model can have a strong engine of up to 710 horsepower.
Even though the Durango used to be popular, it didn’t make it to the list of the top 25 best-selling SUVs in America last year. Dodge is changing things because two other cars, the Charger and Challenger, won’t be around after 2023. They are making a new electric car, but the Stealth will still use a gas engine, not electricity. Instead of a big V8 engine, it will have a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 machine. This is Dodge’s way of moving forward and making cars for the future.
Why Was Dodge Discontinued?
The Dodge Durango is a cool SUV, but it has not had a makeover since 2011. Some folks thought it might be discontinued because the current version will stop being made in 2023.
Durango has been around since 2011, with a little facelift in 2021. So, it’s not outdated. However, it’s been facing tough competition from its pals, the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, sharing the same platform.
Dodge’s big boss, Tim Kuniskis, hinted that the wild Dodge Challenger Demon might not stick around for long. He thinks all the gas-powered engines might go away soon. It is because the future is leaning towards electricity. But don’t worry; the fun, fast days aren’t over.
Speaking of fun, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the super powerful version, was initially supposed to be rare, but Dodge changed its mind. They’re bringing it back for the 2023 model year. Some folks who bought the 2021 version aren’t happy because they think it might make their SUVs less special.
The Evolution Of The Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a big SUV that Dodge made in three different versions, starting in 1998. The first two versions were much alike, based on the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram trucks. They were built in Delaware until 2009.
The third version started in 2011 and was made on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This one was built in Detroit.
The first version, from 1998 to 2003, was a sturdy SUV meant for seven people and could tow heavy things. It had a special design with a back row facing backward. Later, they changed it to have a more useful forward-facing third row.
The Durango had different options, like engines. In 2000, they replaced the 5.2-liter motor with a 4.7-liter one. There was even a high-performance version called the R/T with a powerful 5.9-liter engine.
Over the years, they made changes like new paint colors and better sound systems. In 2002, they added a new version called SXT, and in 2003, they improved the brakes.
The 1999 models with 4WD and 5.2-liter or 5.9-liter engines did well in crash tests.
There were different trims like SLT and SLT Plus with various features. Engines included the 3.9-liter V6, 4.7-liter V8, and 5.9-liter V8.
The second version, from 2004 to 2009, was bigger and shared similarities with the Dodge Ram. It had a new rear suspension design for a smoother ride and a third-row seat for more passengers. Trim levels included ST, SXT, SLT, Adventurer, and Limited.
In 2007, they refreshed the design, added stability control, and introduced a new Chrysler Aspen model. But it was discontinued in 2009.
Engines included a V6 and V8 options, with a hybrid version in 2009.
The third version, from 2011 until now, is built in Detroit. It shares a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has three rows of seats and different trims like Express, Crew, SXT, SXT Plus, Crew Plus, Limited, GT, GT Plus, R/T, Citadel, Pursuit (for police), SRT, and SRT Hellcat.
Engines include a V6 and V8, with a high-performance 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT version. 2021, they introduced a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the SRT Hellcat, but it was discontinued in 2022.
Over the years, they made updates like a new design in 2014, new packages, and better technology. In 2021, they changed the exterior and interior and added more technology. In 2023, they restructured the lineup with Base, Plus, and Premium trims.
The Dodge Durango has undergone different versions, getting bigger and more advanced. It has been offering various options for engines and trims.
Is Durango Worth Buying?
The Dodge Durango is like a superhero SUV, known for being super strong and versatile for over 20 years! People liked the 2022 version because it’s great at towing heavy stuff, has easy-to-use tech, and powerful V8 engines that make it go vroom.
But here’s the thing – the Durango you can buy now will keep being made until 2024, and no new model is coming after that. So, if you’re looking for a tough SUV with big towing power and easy-to-use gadgets, the 2022 Durango is a good choice. But if you’re into more eco-friendly rides, you should try other options.
Exploring the 2024 Dodge Durango: What You Need to Know
The 2024 Dodge Durango is back with six cool models to choose from. There’s one for every taste: the SXT if you’re budget-conscious, the sporty GT, the fancy Citadel, the tough R/T with a HEMI engine, the performance-focused SRT392, and the super powerful SRT HELLCAT.
Let’s talk about how it looks. The outside of the 2024 Durango is pure Dodge, with strong lines and cool features. It takes inspiration from the Charger Widebody. Also, you’ll notice the awesome LED lights, a sculpted hood, and various wheel options depending on the model.
Inside, the 2024 Durango is spacious and filled with cool tech. It has heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a stylish cockpit inspired by the Challenger. The touchscreen is big, and everything is designed to make driving easy and fun.
Now, let’s talk power. The 2024 Durango has different engine options. The SRT HELLCAT is a beast with a supercharged HEMI® V8 engine that gives it 710 horsepower! The SRT392 is slightly tamer but still strong with a 6.4-liter HEMI® V8. The R/T models have a 5.7-liter HEMI® V8, and the SXT, GT, and Citadel models have a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. They all have smooth 8-speed automatic transmissions.
The Durango is not just about looks and power; it’s a great towing vehicle, too. The SRT HELLCAT, SRT392, and R/T models can tow up to 8,700 lbs! Even the fancy Citadel can tow if you add the Tow N’ Go Package. This package boosts towing power and adds cool features like Drive Modes and performance upgrades.
What Security Features Can You Expect in the Upcoming Durango?
Safety is crucial, especially if you’re carrying precious cargo. The Durango has seating options for seven or six passengers, depending on the model. Many safety features include Blind-Spot Monitoring, airbags, and trailer-sway control. You can also get extras like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
Now, let’s talk colors and style. The 2024 Durango comes in eight cool colors, and you can add exterior stripes for a unique look. There are also special black-out packages for a sleek, dark style.
If you want to grab one, ordering starts soon, and production begins in November 2023. Pricing details are still a mystery. Get ready for a new adventure with the 2024 Dodge Durango!
What Is The Most Expensive Durango
The most expensive Dodge Durango is the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. It was priced at $80,995 and went on sale in November 2020.
The Durango SRT Hellcat is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine that produces 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. This makes it the most powerful SUV on the planet. It can sprint to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and has a top track speed of 180 mph. The Durango SRT Hellcat was produced only for the 2021 model year and was limited to 2,000 models.
Bottom Line
Say goodbye to the Dodge Durango! After over two decades of being a powerful SUV, Dodge has decided to retire it after 2024. But don’t be too sad – there are exciting plans for a new SUV to take its place, bringing back the cool name “Dodge Stealth.” It’s like saying farewell to an old friend but getting ready to meet someone new and exciting in the world of SUVs!
