The new Dodge Durango isn’t expected to arrive until the 2027 model year, but it should compete with a wide range of three-row SUVs, making it formidable.

The Durango has been the original crossover three-row SUV with more power than most others. Although other SUVs tried to match the Durango, when it came to actual horsepower, this brute had everyone licked. The future Dodge SUV won’t bring a Hemi or Hellcat engine but should have impressive 6-cylinder engines and an electric powertrain. It could be good enough to compete with BMW M and Mercedes AMG models while also taking on the likes of the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse.

The new Durango covers the range

Dodge announced the end of the V8 era of vehicles in 2023, and the Durango was due to be replaced by an EV with the Stealth badge on the front. Once the new labor contracts with the UAW were completed, the all-new Durango was announced. This model keeps its name and will have both gas-powered and EV powertrains to give shoppers plenty of great options when they want to pick out the right SUV to drive. The Stealth model will be a year behind the next-gen Durango, adding a two-row model of this SUV to the mix.

Could Dodge be a little apprehensive?

Dodge has very few models in its lineup. Unlike Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, and Ford, this brand is actually part of a four-brand mix from Stellantis that has been struggling in the American market. It’s easy to see that most of the anticipation that came with new EVs has cooled, which might lead to Dodge waiting a little longer to bring an all-electric powertrain to the market. Still, the movement to smaller powertrains has begun, which means we might see the Hurricane 6-cylinder engine under the hood of the new Durango.

The Durango must be successful

Currently, Dodge Hornet compact SUVs are sitting on dealer lots. This small SUV hasn’t been able to break into the market and take anything away from the other compact SUVs that have been popular for years. Additionally, the new Charger hasn’t convinced shoppers that the Hurricane 6-cylinder engine is better than a Hemi or Hellcat V8. The pressure is one for the Dodge Durango to be a big hit when it comes into the market as the next-generation model. That said, there might need to be a market shift for the Dodge name.

Expect a lot less power at the bottom

The base models of the Durango have utilized the venerable Pentastar V6 engine for years. This has been the most popular choice for drivers looking for a three-row SUV with rugged lines and impressive power without adding the gas-guzzling qualities of a V8. The new Durango should either use the Pentastar V6 or the relatively new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the base powertrains. The new Hurricane twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that produces 420 and 540 horsepower at different tune levels will serve as the upgraded powertrain for the new Durango.

When it’s time for the electric version to hit the market, Dodge has a template for that as well. The STLA Large platform allows for gas and electric powertrains to be utilized. The new Jeep Wagoneer S, which is an electric version of the large USV, uses an electric powertrain with two motors that make as much as 600 horsepower. This EV has a 100-kWh battery pack and up to 300 miles of driving range. This is a good foundation for the new Durango EV, but there could be a plug-in hybrid version, which might make much more sense before the EV model arrives.

What does the Durango offer now?

Today’s Dodge Durango has several impressive powertrains, giving you lots of power to carry three rows of passengers wherever you need to go. Unfortunately, the V8 engines are all but gone from the market and won’t be replaced with the same engine sizes again. Still, you might want to enjoy this impressive Dodge SUV.

Muscular styling

The Durango is not a boring and cookie-cutter SUV. It brings macho styling to the market, which matches its performance and expectations. The mean look of the grill and impressive exterior dimensions makes this SUV a head-turner, especially when you see the sporty stipes and the SRT Black package.

The next version of the Dodge Durango is being considered and should be a fitting replacement for the current model. The challenges for this SUV don’t have anything to do with power and performance but market acceptance and desire for a three-row crossover SUV powered by a strong V6 or electric powertrain.