With only small updates announced for the 2022 YM, expectations from the 2023 Dodge Durango are bigger and bigger. The redesign is now more likely than ever. The current model will receive tech updates for the upcoming season, and then comes the work under the hood and on styling. The Durango is one of the last Dodge vehicles and the company is still trying to elbow its way in this tough market. The SUV is based on the same platform as the Grand Cherokee. However, buyers are buying more Jeep SUVs. That caused a lot of rumors mentioning Dodge vehicle is moving to a ladder frame.
This has sense. The 2023 Dodge Durango can draw a lot more attention if it becomes the body-on-frame SUV. It will improve its off-road skills. But, we doubts this version can keep a mighty Hellcat engine, which debuted recently. Furthermore, the new SUV is going to bring changes in the trim levels. It takes away the SRT version from Grand Cherokee.
The upcoming Durango is going to introduce a fresh styling, that is for sure. Not only the exterior but also the interior is going to suffer a lot of modifications that will make the SUV more attractive. Inside, the Uconnect 5.0 is coming, with more advanced systems and features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, on a larger 10-inch screen.
2023 Dodge Durango Redesign Details
The current generation is quite old. The company is producing Durango for 10 years and fans want changes. Plus, other companies are updating their mid-size SUVs, so the FCA will have to do the same with Dodge. For a long time, Durango was the only three-row model in the family. But now, the Grand Cherokee introduced the L version, Wagoneer is a full-size SUV, while even Grand Compass (also called Commander) might debut as a seven-seater.
So, the seating capacity is not going to be the advantage of the 2023 Dodge Durango over its siblings. But, the mid-size SUV might bring a new platform, built on the ladder frame. This is not a new rumor and it seems the COVID-19 pandemic caused the delay in development. The new 2023 Durango would become the BoF vehicle with improved off-road skills and durability. On the other hand, it means the price goes up.
Trim Levels and Options
Definitely, the offer heavily depends on the new platform. A few things are already certain. First of all, the company withdrew the SRT version from Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup. This remains an exclusive trim for Dodge vehicles. The 2023 Durango is going to have two SRT versions. The first one is a usual model we used to see earlier with a 6.4-liter V8 engine. Now, the SRT Hellcat tops the output of the lower-tier motor, thanks to a 6.2-liter supercharged drivetrain with 710 hp. Durango beats Grand Cherokee once again, overtaking the place of the most powerful SUV in the market.
We already know the new 2023 Dodge Durango is getting a fresh look, updated interior, new infotainment system. Everything seems like the new generation is on sight. So, if engineers want to move the SUV to another platform, this is the right moment. With the BoF mid-size SUV, the FCA would have a complete lineup of vehicles.
2023 Dodge Durango Engines, Specifications
The SUV survives thanks to its versatile offer. Under the hood of the 2023 Dodge Durango you will find a variety of engines. Then, you can combine them with more than 10 packages and trim levels. But, the base offer includes a V6 plant, capable of producing 300 horsepower. The company might add a diesel, with 260 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. But, it doesn’t seem necessary, since there are two more V8 units available. A 5.7-liter eight-cylinder mill can deliver 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, while a 6.4-liter engine was the most powerful one, with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. But now, the 6.2-liter Hellcat delivers 710 horsepower, 3 ponies more than Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A V6 is the least thirsty drivetrain. On the other hand, V8 plants won’t return 20 mpg. A diesel could save the day, especially if the 2023 Dodge Durango starts using a ladder frame. All-wheel drive is optional, while the rear-wheel drive is part of the standard offer.
2023 Dodge Durango Release Date and Price
The MSRP of the 2023 Dodge Durango will go up, since there will be a lot of novelties. Still, the base cost depends on the architecture. Another reason for the price increase is the new platform. The ladder frame is more expensive than the unibody chassis. High-end models will end up above $85,000. Even the mid-range offer is pretty expensive thanks to V8 engines. So, most experts recommend a V6 and some of richer trim levels. Fans of high outputs will be interested in SRT and Hellcat editions.
