The 2025 Dodge Durango lineup: three trims with different power and features

The 2025 Dodge Durango comes in three main configurations: SXT, R/T, and Limited. The SXT is the base model with a V8 engine and standard three-row seating for up to seven passengers. The R/T adds performance upgrades and a more aggressive exterior. The Limited sits at the top with premium interior materials, additional safety technology, and more comfort features. All three share the same platform and basic structure — the differences are in engine tuning, interior trim, and what technology comes standard versus optional.

Engine choice is the biggest dividing line. The SXT and R/T both use a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Limited can be ordered with the same V8 or with a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 260 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is lighter on fuel consumption but noticeably slower off the line and on the highway. Most buyers choose the V8 across all trims because the fuel economy difference is smaller than the performance gap.

Key Takeaways

  • The SXT is the entry point with a V8 engine, three rows of seats, and essential features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
  • The R/T adds a more powerful suspension tuning, sport-styled exterior, and upgraded interior materials compared to the SXT.
  • The Limited is the premium trim with leather seating, a power liftgate, and additional driver information features, available with either the V8 or V6 engine.
  • All three trims can be equipped with all-wheel drive, which increases fuel consumption by roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon but improves traction in snow and loose terrain.
  • Dodge offers factory packages that bundle popular options together at a lower price than buying them individually.

SXT: The base three-row SUV with V8 power

The SXT starts with a 5.7-liter V8, eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive as standard. It seats seven across three rows, with the middle row using a bench seat that can fit three passengers or a captain's chair setup that fits two. The third row is tight — it is designed for children or occasional adult use, not daily commuting. Cargo space behind the third row is 17 cubic feet; fold the third row and you get 43 cubic feet; fold both rear rows and the number climbs to 84 cubic feet.

Standard features on the SXT include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. Safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The SXT does not come with leather seats, a power liftgate, or a panoramic sunroof — those are optional upgrades or available on higher trims. Towing capacity is 6,200 pounds with the V8 and rear-wheel drive.

R/T: Performance tuning and sport styling

The R/T uses the same 5.7-liter V8 as the SXT but with a different suspension calibration tuned for tighter handling. The exterior gets a more aggressive front grille, unique badging, and a darker appearance package. Inside, the R/T includes leather-trimmed seats (not full leather), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded interior trim pieces. The infotainment system is the same 7-inch touchscreen, but the R/T adds a 9-speaker audio system versus the SXT's standard system.

The R/T also comes standard with all-wheel drive, which the SXT offers as an option. This increases the curb weight and reduces fuel economy slightly, but improves traction in wet and snowy conditions. Towing capacity on the R/T is 6,200 pounds with rear-wheel drive or 6,000 pounds with all-wheel drive — the all-wheel-drive system adds weight that slightly reduces the towing rating. The R/T is the middle ground: more capability and style than the SXT, but less luxury than the Limited.

Limited: Premium interior and advanced technology

The Limited is the top trim and the only one that offers the 3.6-liter V6 as an alternative to the V8. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, full leather seating, a power liftgate, and a 9-inch touchscreen (larger than the SXT and R/T). The Limited also includes a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support.

Safety and driver information features expand on the Limited. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle when parking. The Limited can be ordered with a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens. If you choose the V6 engine on the Limited, towing capacity drops to 5,600 pounds; the V8 on the Limited tows 6,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.

All-wheel drive, engine choice, and fuel economy trade-offs

All-wheel drive is standard on the R/T and Limited but optional on the SXT. Adding all-wheel drive to an SXT increases the price by roughly $2,000 to $2,500 (exact pricing varies by dealer and current incentives) and reduces EPA-estimated fuel economy by 1 to 2 miles per gallon. The V8 engine in rear-wheel drive is rated around 19 miles per gallon combined; with all-wheel drive, expect 17 to 18 miles per gallon combined.

The V6 engine on the Limited is rated for roughly 21 to 22 miles per gallon combined in rear-wheel drive, but the Limited comes standard with all-wheel drive, so real-world numbers are closer to 19 to 20 miles per gallon combined. The V6 is slower — 0 to 60 mph takes roughly 8.5 seconds versus 6.5 seconds for the V8 — but the fuel savings over a five-year ownership period can add up to $1,500 to $2,000 depending on driving habits and fuel prices. Most buyers find the V8's performance worth the extra fuel cost, especially since the Durango is a large vehicle that benefits from the extra power when merging and towing.

Factory packages and option bundles

Dodge bundles popular options into packages to reduce the total cost compared to ordering items individually. The SXT can be equipped with a Technology Package that adds the 9-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The R/T offers a similar package. The Limited does not need a technology package because most of those features come standard.

A Towing Package is available across all trims and includes a heavy-duty transmission cooler, integrated trailer brake controller, and upgraded rear springs. This package costs between $500 and $800 depending on the trim and is worth considering if you plan to tow regularly. An Off-Road Package on the R/T and Limited adds skid plates, all-terrain tires, and suspension upgrades for roughly $1,200 to $1,500. These packages are priced lower than buying the same items separately, so comparing the package price to the sum of individual options is worth doing before you order.

Seating configurations and cargo flexibility

All three trims offer a choice between a three-passenger bench seat in the middle row or two captain's chairs. The bench seat is cheaper and allows three people to sit in the middle row, which is useful if you regularly carry six or seven passengers. The captain's chairs cost roughly $500 to $800 more but provide more comfort and easier access to the third row because there is no seat in the middle to climb over.

The third row is the same across all trims — it is narrow and best suited for children or short trips. If you need to carry five adults regularly, the captain's chair configuration in the middle row is the better choice because it gives you four comfortable seats plus a tight third row. If you need maximum passenger capacity and do not mind a tighter middle row, the bench seat configuration gives you seven seats total. Cargo space does not change based on seating configuration; what changes is how many people you can fit comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the SXT and R/T engines?

Both use the same 5.7-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The R/T has a different suspension tuning for tighter handling and comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the SXT offers rear-wheel drive as standard. The engine performance is identical between the two.

Should I get the V6 on the Limited to save fuel?

The V6 saves roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon combined, which amounts to $1,500 to $2,000 over five years of typical driving. However, the V6 is noticeably slower and reduces towing capacity. If you tow or want quicker acceleration, the V8 is worth the extra fuel cost. If you drive mostly on highways and rarely tow, the V6 makes financial sense.

Can I get the R/T features on an SXT?

You can order an SXT with many R/T features through the options menu — leather seats, upgraded audio, and the larger touchscreen are all available. However, you cannot get the R/T's suspension tuning or exterior styling on an SXT. If you want the R/T look and handling, buying the R/T trim is more cost-effective than loading up an SXT with options.

Is the third row usable for adults?

The third row is tight and designed primarily for children or occasional use by adults on short trips. Legroom is limited, and the seat is narrower than the other rows. If you need comfortable seating for five or more adults regularly, a different vehicle with a larger third row would be a better choice.

What is the real-world towing capacity I should plan for?

The EPA ratings are 6,200 pounds for the SXT and R/T with rear-wheel drive, 6,000 pounds for the R/T with all-wheel drive, and 6,000 pounds for the Limited with V8 all-wheel drive. In practice, plan for 5,500 to 5,800 pounds if you are new to towing, because actual capacity depends on your trailer's weight distribution, hitch setup, and driving conditions. Consult the owner's manual for your specific configuration before purchasing a trailer.