2023 Dodge Durango R/T: A Luxury Mid-Size Three-Row SUVs

1,983 3 minutes read

2023 Dodge Durango R/T: A Luxury Mid-Size Three-Row SUVs

2023 Dodge Durango R/T – The Dodge Durango has become a three-line midsize SUV, but all that may be changing. Or not. The 2023 Dodge Durango may undergo a complete redesign.

But it does not rule out the possibility that the current generation will continue to live or be stopped altogether. Dodge has not officially confirmed any of this.

2023 Dodge Durango R:T

From our point of view, the new generation seems reasonable since Durango was last redesigned in 2011.

There are several routes Durango next, if it survives, can be taken. That could follow precedent and share its platform with the recently redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee, which seems most likely to us.

This scenario is expected to get more muscle car styles to distinguish it from other SUVs in its class. On the other hand, it could adopt the body-on-frame chassis of the new Jeep Wagoneer, which will improve towing and off-road capabilities but may affect behavior and comfort on the road.

Then again, considering the last two years of the pandemic, Durango may have only seen minor changes in existing conditions.

If the 2023 Dodge Durango sticks with its Grand Cherokee roots, it is expected to compete with Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot.

If you take the Wagoneer route, it is estimated that the price will rise to an almost luxurious level.

For the 2021 model year, Durango received a slight slippage on its front and rear bumpers. Also new this year, the headlight elements, grille texture, and the addition of six new alloy wheel designs are also unique.

Dodge also gave the SUV the only new instrument panel, and the high-spec model got a much larger Uconnect touchscreen. However, Dodge didn’t stop there because they also had something prepared for the 2022 model year.

Dodge will soon add another trim level to the Durango lineup. It’s called the R/T Plus and adds a few more luxuries and technological features to this ‘sporty’ model.

The R/T Plus is built on the success of the GT Plus model introduced not long ago. Perhaps sales of that model encourage automakers to give R/T a little more to earn money.

2023 Dodge Durango R/T Interior

Designers prioritize ergonomics, material quality, and overall comfort, but other competitors offer more second-and third-row passenger space—gauges featuring red and white on a black background facing the driver.

The steering wheel has thick rims and is wrapped in leather and trim visible from metal. In R/T vehicles, paddle shifters mounted behind the wheel are operated with a satisfactory click. Which can fit 30 carry-on suitcases in Durango cabin with all seats folded flat.

Durango has one of the best infotainment systems perched on top of its sculpted dashboard. The basic mid-range SXT and GT models come with an 8.4-inch screen, while a 10.1-inch screen is optional on the GT and standard on the Citadel and R/T.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with both screens. The rear-seat entertainment system, also optional, adds a dual-screen and provides HDMI and RCA ports to connect more devices.

We noted the excellent audio quality for Bluetooth phone calls, and one caller even commented that he could hear the roar of the V-8 engine.

2023 Dodge Durango R/T Engine

The optional 360-hp V-8 Durango significantly increases towing capacity (up to 8,700 pounds), while the 295-hp V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are more efficient pairing.

Of course, Durango’s fuel economy doesn’t beat its four-cylinder competitors, but the exchange for the more entertaining V-8 and its burly towing capacity may be worth it for some buyers.

Dodge’s suspension runs a fine line between sport and comfort, but the feel of steering and braking performance reminds you that you’re driving an SUV.

Although not very sporty, Durango’s rear-wheel-drive platform gives Durango an athletic sense, and its muscle car persona shines in everyday use.

It can still provide a comfortable ride, making it a family-friendly SUV that is fun to drive and comfortable to live in.

Safety

Standard-mounted active safety systems on R/T Plus include Blind-Spot Detection, Forward-Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function, Advanced Brake Assist, and Lane Departure Warning-Plus.

Features

Other improvements make the Durango R/T feel like a high-end SUV with this Plus version. If you choose this model, you get a sunroof, Harman Kardon’s 19-Speaker 825-Watt audio system, an improved instrument panel, a suede headliner, and Nappa leather seats.

The rear entertainment system remains an option. You might say that some of these features sound familiar. That’s because some of them have dripped from the Citadel model.