2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD Review: An Oldie but a Goodie

Before I undertake this review, let’s address the detractors. Yes, the Dodge Durango is old. The current generation of the SUV has been on sale long enough now that it could apply for a driving learner’s permit in most states. But just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s past its prime. Vehicles don’t have expiration dates, and the fact is, there’s still a lot to like about the Durango: not just the ridiculous torque monster V8 engines. To prove this point, I grabbed a 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus (with the V6) for a week’s worth of evaluation.

Size-wise, the Dodge Durango is 200.8-inches (5,101 mm) long, 72.1-inches (1,831 mm) tall, and 75.8-inches (1,924 mm) wide. It slots in between the big body-on-frame SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and the smaller so-called compact SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4.

In my humble opinion, the latest generation Durango has always been one of the better-looking three-row SUVs on the market. Over the years, Dodge has tweaked the vehicle’s looks and the 2026 still stands out. I also like that it’s possible to dress up and add style to near any Durango, even ones with the V6.

The V6 engine in the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus remains the 3.6-liter Pentastar. It generates an acceptable 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired up to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it sends power to all four wheels via a single-speed transfer case. If one wants a two-speed transfer case, they will need to step up to the 5.7-liter V8 option.

Although it has been around for plenty of years now, the 3.6-liter is an underrated engine. The Durango’s trio of V8 upgrades steal all the attention and praise. Compared to other entry-level engines in the Durango’s competitors though, the Pentastar is wholly capable. It delivers smooth, linear power that’s enough to move this three-row rig.

That stated, in the Eco drive mode, the engine is really held back by the gears. In the name of better fuel consumption, the computer does its darndest to keep the SUV in the highest possible gear, which at times limits power and caught me out more than once when I required a quick burst of speed.

Press the Sport mode button on the dashboard and the Durango’s drivetrain mapping completely transforms. Suddenly it feels like there’s 50+ more horsepower. Response is quick and plentiful. The downside is it holds gears too long at times, inducing prolonged high revs that hurt fuel economy, which is an issue as the Durango isn’t exactly efficient to begin with, rated at 17 mpg (13.5 L/100 km) city and 24 mpg (9.9 L/100 km) highway.

Handling and Drivability:

The Durango’s presence can be deceiving. It gives the SUV an appearance of being heavier than it is. But, with the 3.6-liter V6 installed, even with all-wheel drive, it weighs just 4,875 pounds (2,212 kg), which is within the realm of most of its competitors.

Featuring a 16.7:1 steering ratio, an aging platform, as well Dodge’s entry-level Eco suspension III, the vehicle is competent on the road, but not much more. It never feels out of sorts at any speed and does drive straight on the freeway. Just don’t expect rapid reflexes when attacking tight bends, even with the upgraded 265/50R20 all–season performance tires. Granted, no SUV in this class is going to rival a Corvette through a canyon, but the Ford Explorer ST-Line does feel a bit livelier in comparison.

The fixed suspension is compliant enough on most road surfaces, delivering a pleasing ride. I do find the front seats are a bit stiff, especially the back support. That stated, the two front buckets are power-operated and include both heat and ventilation. There’s also a heated steering wheel and the outboard second row seats also include heat functionality.

Space-wise, front seat occupants get 39.9-inches (1,013 mm) of headroom and 40.3-inches (1,025 mm) of legroom. Those in the second row get a decent amount of room, with 39.8-inches (1,011 mm) of headroom and 38.6-inches (981 mm) of legroom. The third row is obviously the smallest, offering space most suitable for adolescents, listed at 37.8-inches (960 mm) of headroom and 33.5-inches (850 mm) of legroom.

All three rows of the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus come covered in Nappa leather. The interior as a whole is quite stylish and modern-looking. The brand has done a good job with the updates over the years, and I’d go on the record that it’s more stylish than some much newer vehicles.

That stated, the vehicle’s age does seep through in some places despite these updates. For example, the driver information center is only partially digital and there’s a sea of hard buttons in the center of the dashboard. The latter though, I actually like. Give me more buttons. It’s not out of date or old school, its functional and welcome.

Technology:

Included on the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus are features like a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a remote starter, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, a 7-inch digital screen in the gauge cluster, three-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an Alpine 9-speaker sound system, as well as a wireless charging pad.

On a safety front, the SUV has adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, trailer sway control, automatic high–beam headlamp control, park–sense front and rear park assist system, blind–spot and cross–path detection, trailer detection, and more.

Value Dollars and Sense:

Folks like us in the industry get caught up sometimes on trivial things that don’t actually matter to consumers nearly as much as we think they do. A vehicle’s platform age is a prime example. No manufacturer does a better job of squeaking out every ounce of life from a chassis than Dodge. How old were the basic underpinnings when the previous generation Charger and Challenger were finally discontinued? Yet, those two cars were still selling like crazy right up to the end.

The Durango is another prime example. For a vehicle that some think should have been shelved years ago, the constant updates, tweaks, and improved content have kept this mid-size SUV appealing and relevant. The 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD has more going for it than not, offering presence and style in a capable family hauler.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.