2021 Dodge Durango: A Trim Comparison
The 2021 Dodge Durango is the last SUV currently made by Dodge as they begin their announced pivot to a performance-focused brand. That pivot included dropping the Dodge Journey (the other SUV offering) and the historic Dodge Caravan.
With an expansive 8 trims to choose from, the Durango certainly occupies a unique position in the mid-size SUV segment by featuring powerful engines and racing-inspired design flourishes. Here’s a quick look at each option and its price points.
SXT
The 2021 Dodge Durango SXT is the base model and comes in rear- and all-wheel-drive. The rear-wheel-drive starts at $33,090, and all-wheel-drive has an MSRP of $34,595. It comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces up to 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine can also tow up to 6,200 pounds. That’s perfect for a weekend trip to the lake or pulling a trailer across the country. The SXT can get up to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
The exterior has few notable features, but drivers will be happy that an acoustic windshield with deep-tint sunscreen glass is standard. On the inside, the SXT has cloth seating and a folding front passenger seat for even more space.
The multimedia system is Uconnect 4. The equipment standard with this package includes a seven-inch touch-screen display, six speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity with voice command, and a media hub with two USB ports and an auxiliary jack.
SXT Plus
The 2021 Dodge Durango SXT Plus also comes as a rear-wheel-drive standard, but you can upgrade to all-wheel-drive for an extra cost. RWD starts at $35,990 while AWD has an MSRP of $38,590. This trim comes with everything the SXT has and more, but the best upgrade is ParkSense Rear Park Assist System. This helps you back up your Durango without any issues.
If you need to haul stuff, you can fold the third and second row down along with the front passenger seat. The addition of SiriusXM Satellite Radio with one year of free service just puts a cherry on top of this trim. The final upgrade to the SXT Plus is the addition of bright roof side rails.
GT
The 2021 Dodge Durango GT starts at $36,095 for RWD and $38,695 for AWD. It features a new performance front fascia and has the option of an available performance hood. There are also body-color rear fascia, shark fin antenna, and still molding. Even the wheels have an upgrade. The GT rides on 20-inch fine silver aluminum sets. The steering wheel even has a unique flat-bottom design.
GT Plus
The Dodge Durango GT Plus trim is a relatively new addition to the lineup. It has a starting MSRP of $40,095 for RWD and an MSRP of $42,695 for AWD. This trim level steps up the luxury features by offering a heated steering wheel and heated first- and second-row seats. There is also a power liftgate and a remote vehicle start system. Additionally, passengers will find a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet and dual remote USB port in the cabin.
R/T
If power is what you crave, the 2021 Dodge Durango R/T is perfect. This is the first trim that has an engine upgrade to a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that’s capable of 360 horsepower. This also increases the towing capability to a robust 7,500 pounds. This larger engine does drop the fuel economy to an estimated 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The multimedia system is similar to the Citadel, but the R/T comes with Beats Premium Audio rather than Alpine.
You can buy an RWD R/T for $45,345 and an AWD for $47,945. With the (for an additional cost) Super Tow Package, towing capacity rises to 8,700 pounds.
Citadel
If the Citadel sounds like an elite trim, you’ve made a correct assessment. Premium doesn’t even begin to describe the features this trim is equipped with. It starts at $47,845 for RWD and $50,445 for AWD.
The exterior of the 2021 Dodge Durango Citadel has a few changes, like integrated roof rail cross bars. In addition to this, the wheels are replaced with 20-inch satin carbon aluminum wheels. However, the interior is where you’ll find most of the glamor.
The seating is wrapped in Nappa leather trim with second-row fold and tumble captain’s chairs. The multimedia system also improves significantly with Uconnect 4C NAV. It comes with an 8.4-inch display that allows you to control everything. SiriusXM even offers more trials with one year of its Guardian Service, five years of Traffic Service, and five years of Travel Link. Finally, the Citadel has an Alpine Premium Audio System with nine amplified speakers and subwoofer.
SRT
Lastly, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT is the best you can buy and has the best engine and the highest towing capacity in its class. It comes as an AWD with a starting MSRP of $63,995. The motor is a massive 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that gets 475 horsepower and goes 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds. The SRT can tow more than any Durango on the list with a maximum of 8,700 pounds. Whether you use the SRT for work or fun, it’s definitely fun to drive.
On the inside, the SRT resembles the Durango R/T with a Beats Premium Audio sound system. However, this trim also features an active noise cancellation system for crystal clear audio quality.
SRT Hellcat
Lastly is the SRT Hellcat trim. Like the regular SRT trim, the 2021 SRT Hellcat is only offered with an all-wheel-drive powertrain. It starts at $80,995, so it’s definitely not an everyday family hauler.
In fact, it has the most horsepower of any SUV ever, according to Dodge. It features a standard supercharged 6.2L HEMI SRT V8 sport engine that produces 701 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. It’s also able to tow 8,700 pounds. The 2021 SRT Hellcat Durango also has the same 6-piston high-performance brakes, active-dampening suspension, and SRT drive modes that are found on the lower SRT trim.
(Featured image via Facebook.)