The Durango is one of the more important models in Dodge’s lineup and even though it still makes decent sales numbers, it’s time for changes. From what we know so far, it won’t share parts with Grand Cherokee anymore. The two models will go in separate ways and while the Jeeps icon has already moved to Alfa Romeo’s Giorgio platform, the 2023 Dodge Durango is expected to get back to its roots.
In other words, it will get back to the body-on-frame, which characterized the original model. Simply, the company wells there’s enough room in Stellantis lineup for another full-framed SUV, which would compete with key players in the segment, such as Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Simply, the new Wagoneer costs mode and feels more premium and can’t be considered as a direct rival to these two. This is where Dodge sees its chance.
At this point, it’s hard to talk about a more precise launch date, but presume this redesign is about to happen in a year or two.
2023 Dodge Durango Redesign
Although we still don’t know the exact time of Durango’s redesign, we know what to expect. The new model is about to switch to a body-on-frame platform once again and as you may presume, the platform will be shared with Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. This refers to pretty much everything, starting from engines, suspension setup and overall dimensions.
Speaking of dimensions, the new 2023 Dodge Durango will get bigger. While the current generation is a mid-size crossover, the new one will be a full-size SUV. At this point, it’s still early for the exact measurements, but we are pretty sure that the wheelbase will go over 120 inches.
Exterior
When it comes to the exterior design, the 2023 Dodge Durango is a bit of a mystery. Of course, we know it will be a pretty big SUV, with a boxy shape and rugged appearance. However, the catch with this one is that Dodge hasn’t been releasing new models for a very long time and that we don’t really know what’s the brand’s latest design language.
Of course, the most intriguing is the front end, and while it’s hard to talk about details, we may see a scenario where the grille and headlights would look quite similar to the ones on Ram 1500. The rest of the SUV, though, would be a classic wagon layout, which would provide plenty of room on the inside.
Another thing that comes to mind is the suspension setup. As this model is about to be notably cheaper than the Wagoneer, we believe it could come with a simpler suspension setup. We could easily find a setup that’s very similar to the Ram 1500’s one, which offers a great balance between comfort and capability.
Interior
This is another aspect of the vehicle that should bring more simplicity compared to the Wagoneer. We presume the dashboard would look way more conventional, as well as that less upscale materials would be used. In some odd scenario, the dashboard design could feature the same design as the pickup styling, which wouldn’t be a bad thing at all, considering that the current generation of Ram’s half-ton pickup looks really impressive from the inside.
What’s more important, this SUV would have to offer a lot in terms of interior space and practicality, in order to be competitive. Therefore, we count on three very spacious rows of seats, with a seating capacity for 8 passengers. The cargo area should offer respectable numbers as well, and that would be over 120 cubic feet of the total cargo volume.
2023 Dodge Durango Engines
Under the hood, we count on at least two engine options on the offer, while three seem like the most probable number. Base models would probably come with a 3.6-liter V6, which features 305 horsepower and which would make this SUV more affordable compared to rivals that start with either turbo V6 or V8 units.
Still, we are pretty sure that most drivers would rather choose a 5.7-liter V8, which puts out around 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Finally, there is the possibility to see a diesel option on the offer, equipped with a familiar 3.0-liter V6 that puts out around 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.
All engines would come in pair with 8-speed automatic transmission. Also, both gasoline units will probably come with the eTorque mild-hybrid system.
A high-performance version with a Hellcat engine is also possible.
2023 Dodge Durango Release Date and Price
The 2023 Dodge Durango will probably come in about two years, sometime in the second half of 2023. When it comes to the price, we believe that the base versions could go around 50.000 dollars. Key competitors would be models like Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia etc.
