2016 Dodge Durango
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD V6, 4dr SUV AWD V8
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 200 in
- Curb weight
- 4,987–5,331 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Dodge Durango is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,987 lb (4dr SUV AWD V6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 10% better than the 2016 standard SUV average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 161 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Durango — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Durango →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD V6 | 200 in | 76 in | 70.9 in | 119.7 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,987 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV AWD V8 | 200 in | 76 in | 70.9 in | 119.7 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 5,331 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durango RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | +10% | $3,200 | 414 |
| Durango AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 427 |
| Durango RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -11% | $4,450 | 524 |
| Durango AWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -9% | $4,450 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Dodge Durango.
Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Dodge Durango (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 GMC Yukon | 19 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2016 Ford Expedition | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Nov 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V814000 · 30,183 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S85.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Mar 23, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V168000 · 21,183 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
- Risk
- A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.
Not every 2016 Dodge Durango is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Dodge Durango buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 51 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 39 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 30 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Durango. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Durango years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Durango | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Durango | 20 | 200 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2025 Durango | 20 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 8 |
| 2024 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2023 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 38 |
| 2022 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 60 |
| 2021 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 205 |
| 2020 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 56 |
| 2019 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 145 |
| 2018 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 233 |
| 2017 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 215 |
| 2015 Durango | 20 | 200 in | Not rated | 4 | 504 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →