2027 Dodge Durango: What We Know About the High-Performance 3-Row SUV

As Dodge moves into a new era, the 2027 Dodge Durango is poised to carry forward the brand’s legacy of bold styling and impressive performance, albeit with some significant changes. With the end of the V-8 era and a shift toward electrification, the Durango will maintain its place as a high-performance SUV that offers both practicality and power. This fourth-generation model, codenamed D6U, is designed to compete with luxury and mainstream SUVs, delivering a range of engine options for diverse buyers. Here’s everything we know about the 2027 Dodge Durango and why it matters to Dodge enthusiasts and families.

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What Is the 2027 Dodge Durango?

The 2027 Dodge Durango will be a high-performance, three-row SUV that continues Dodge’s tradition of muscular, aggressive vehicles. However, unlike its predecessors, this next-gen Durango will not feature the iconic Hemi and Hellcat engines that defined the brand’s recent performance models. Instead, it will offer a mix of combustion and electric powertrains, setting a new standard for Dodge in the high-performance SUV space.

Dodge aims to keep Durango relevant in a market that includes top competitors like BMW’s M series and Mercedes’ AMG division in the luxury segment. It also holds its own against family-focused SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Chevy Traverse. This approach broadens Durango’s appeal, ensuring it can serve performance enthusiasts and everyday families.

In a move that may surprise some, Dodge originally planned to replace the Durango with an electric SUV under the resurrected Stealth nameplate. However, the automaker is moving ahead with a new Durango and the Stealth, offering combustion engines, hybrid options, and electric powertrains. The Durango will serve as the three-row option, while the Stealth will be a two-row model, making the two vehicles similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L lineup.

Why the 2027 Durango Matters

The upcoming Durango holds excellent significance for Dodge, especially as the brand transitions away from its V-8 legacy. The previous Durango SRT Hellcat, with its jaw-dropping 710 horsepower and 3.4-second 0–60 mph time, clearly stated that Dodge could combine family-friendly utility with heart-pounding performance. While the next-gen Durango won’t offer the same V-8 power, Dodge intends to stay true to its performance roots with the new model, ensuring it remains a practical hauler with exhilarating capabilities.

Dodge’s success in the performance SUV segment has set the Durango apart from other family crossovers that prioritize cargo space and comfort. While those aspects are essential, Dodge understands that time-pressed parents also appreciate a vehicle that can quickly get them from point A to point B. The Durango’s high-performance heritage ensures it won’t lose sight of this crucial appeal.

Moreover, the next-gen Durango is crucial for Dodge’s overall sales strategy. As other models, such as the Hornet compact SUV, struggle to gain traction in the market, the Durango needs to serve as a sales leader. With the Charger moving to smaller engines and electric options, the Durango will help maintain Dodge’s reputation for delivering vehicles with serious performance credentials. By offering internal combustion engines and electric options in a market shifting toward electrification, Durango could become a key player in Dodge’s lineup.

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Platform and Powertrain Options

The 2027 Durango will be built on the same STLA Large platform as the 2024 Dodge Charger and the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S. This platform will enable Durango to offer various powertrain options, catering to different types of buyers. For those who prefer traditional combustion engines, Dodge will provide several options, including:

  • Hurricane Twin-Turbo Inline-6: This engine will be available in a 420-horsepower base model and a 540-horsepower high-performance variant. It is expected to deliver excellent power and performance, making it a fitting replacement for the outgoing V-8 options.
  • Base Engine Options: The Durango may also feature more accessible engines, including the well-known Pentastar V-6 or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which iscommon in Dodge’s current lineup.

For those interested in electric power, the Durango will follow a similar path to the Jeep Wagoneer S, offering an electric version with dual motors that deliver up to 600 horsepower. The electric Durango will likely feature a 100-kWh battery pack, providing more than 300 miles of range on a full charge. This combination of power and range will ensure that the Durango remains competitive in the growing electric SUV market. A plug-in hybrid version could also be in the works, giving buyers another option for a more eco-friendly powertrain with added versatility.

Expected Features and Design

While performance is a significant selling point, the 2027 Durango will not skimp on modern tech and comfort features. Like its competitors, the Durango will offer various high-tech systems to enhance the driving experience. Expected features include:

  • Advanced Infotainment System: Dodge is likely to equip the Durango with a large touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced navigation.
  • Driver Assistance Technologies: To compete with other family SUVs, the Durango must offer a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
  • Premium Interior Materials: Even the base Durango models are expected to offer high-quality materials and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, with higher trims incorporating more luxurious touches like leather upholstery and upgraded audio systems.

In terms of design, the 2027 Durango will continue to showcase Dodge’s aggressive styling cues, with muscular lines, a bold front grille, and a sporty stance. Subtle updates will keep the look fresh while maintaining the vehicle’s signature appearance.