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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $32,791–$43,490 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Dodge Durango at 6.8/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Performance at 7.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.4/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.7/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.8/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $32,791–$43,490, 15 MPG, seating 7, the Dodge Durango sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.4/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Dodge Durango is a passable suv but not a standout one. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Dodge Durango ranks #2205 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 10% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $32,791 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 9%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Dodge Durango scores 6.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 6.8 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.1/10 | $41,189 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.1/10 | $41,189 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.1/10 | $39,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $38,790 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.0/10 | $37,590 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.0/10 | $36,390 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $35,191 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.8/10 | $33,991 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 6.8/10 | $32,791 | |
| 2017 | 6.7/10 | $31,592 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.7/10 | $30,392 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.6/10 | $29,192 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Automatic transmission 01/05/2018 · 18V280000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission. |
|---|---|
| Electrical system / Wiring 17/05/2018 · 18V332000 | 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,… |
| Electrical system / Wiring / Front underhood 09/08/2018 · 18V524000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and… |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 09/06/2022 · 22V426000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the… |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 07/11/2024 · 24V838000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2018 Dodge Durango's reliability 8.4/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
5 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 6.8/10 overall, ranking #2205 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 10% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Dodge Durango starts at $32,791 and ranges up to $43,490 across trims (MSRP when new). At 15 MPG, expect roughly $3,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Dodge models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.