carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $36,390–$46,811 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Dodge Durango at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.1/10, while Reliability at 6.9/10 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.5/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $36,390–$46,811, 18 MPG, seating 7, the Dodge Durango sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.1/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Dodge Durango is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. 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 2021 Dodge Durango ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $36,390 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Dodge Durango scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.0 — 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 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $36,390 | |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $35,191 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.8/10 | $33,991 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.8/10 | $32,791 | Read review → |
| 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.
| Structure / Body 28/10/2021 · 21V842000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use. |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Critical fasteners 22/04/2021 · 21V280000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing. |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 10/03/2022 · 22V140000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC)… |
| Steering / Rack and pinion 14/03/2022 · 22V154000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The steering gear rack bar may have been insufficiently hardened during manufacturing, possibly allowing it to bind within the steering rack, and… |
| Engine and engine cooling / Exhaust system / Emission control / Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) 28/04/2022 · 22V284000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting… |
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Dodge models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
