2018 Dodge Durango R/T: How to Make a Boring SUV Sing

There’s an old hot-rod car culture adage, “there’s no replacement for displacement.” The Dodge Durango is one of the most mundane, boring, average and unremarkable SUV’s on the market and it’s one of our least favorite in the segment. So what happens when you replace the boring V6 with a snarling 5.7-liter V8? Well, it goes from zero to hero, that’s what happens!
Rated at a modest 360hp, the telling 390ft-lb of torque means that it actually feels quicker than advertised. Torque is what you really feel leaving a stoplight and this R/T leaves stoplights with authority and the accompanying V8 rumble is music to our ears.
Even with such a glorious engine, this Durango is not without its faults. We’ve never been a fan of the design, but the R/T treatment makes things a bit more appealing to look at. Inside, there are some nice materials and touches, but thin plastics give it an overall cheap feel. With a starting price of over $46,000 for the AWD version, there’s room for interior improvement. We dig the available red leather seats, but the embroidered ‘R/T’ on the seatback is a bit much. The plastic “aluminum” trim on the dash not only feels low-end, it just looks cheap. There’s also a mashup of too many different textures and finishes.
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[@mpsangha]

Most underrated and under appreciated vehicle in the FCA lineup.

[@neilreid9005]

Agreed. I have a '16 R/T which is pretty much the same thing. Second Durango I've owned, 3rd hemi. I love this machine- not really a tire smoker but a terrific daily driver and in sport mode gets around most cars quite well. A lot to really like about this machine.

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[@sambologna5443]

Neil Reid I will blow you away with my stock 2018 RT. Just by MY stare. Then the 18s performance. You have NO CHANCE BROTHER!!

[@tacticalbt1023]

Yep we have a 14 limited V6 it's been so great has 130k n she runs like new. Its held up great

[@cababy1296]

I'm an old-school semi retired Street racer and mainly have been a Chevy guy I couldn't make up my mind between the new Chevy Traverse or the Arcadia A co-worker said test drive the Durango RT and make sure it's in sport mode, I'm in love❤ had to have it can't wait to put the borla exhaust on. nothing sounds like a Hemi!

[@TheCondoInRedondo]

I test drove Explorer, Pilot, Pathfinder, 4Runner and Highlander. Only the Explorer's ride came close to the R/T in terms of sporty feel suspension-wise. And the turbo lag of the Explorer (plus that primitive six-speed transmission) pushed me to the R/T. No regrets. What a fun car to drive on winding roads. This is my first FCA vehicle after having driven BMW for 20 years and then Jaguar for 10 years. I look for excuses to take the R/T on the road, even in dense NY metro area traffic. It's also large on the inside, but is "small" in terms of parking. Ideal combination. In fact, it's only two inches longer than the XJ6. Even with the R/T's firmer sport suspension (compared to the other Durango flavors) it is a civil ride. Very controlled body roll on curves. On the highway, the engine loves to live at 1400 RPM. Yet, acceleration is instant when you want to pass, even at those modest revs. It's as if the transmission reads your mind and knows when to downshift. I've never noticed any issue closing the doors. And it is winter here. All windows are up.

[@luigynkaren062011]

Do a mid muffler delete sounds just as great, and no need to spend over 1,000 dollar's.

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[@Winglet520]

I took a 2020 R/T 5.7 on a 2000 mile trip recently. 4 adults with a suitcase each. On cruise control at 62MPH It was steady at 30MPG.. Stop and go highway doing 65MPH with some passing it was averaging 21MPG. In City 16MPG.

[@BreckoniousMaximus]

Good review. My only critique, as with most reviews, is the subjective nature of the reviewers perspective. For example, if one buys a Durango after owning a full size truck, the Durango would feel as if it corners very well compared to a full size truck. The Durango would essentially feel like a nimble and agile vehicle. Just the opposite is true if one comes from owning a BMW sedan. It would be nice for the reviewers to note this in their reviews.

[@SolidCuerno]

My durango rt be making tahoe dad's look neutered

[@benniebenson5786]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Sour_Milk332]

Lol love this! Me to! I did a full muffler delete and straight pipe with magnaflows when I open it up it literally says move b**** get out the way... Tahoe dad's be like WTF!

[@aalvarado4459]

Traded my 2015 Ram 1500 5.7 4x4 for a more "family " vehicle last month. Didn't want to get rid of my hemi for something mediocre. Found a solid 2019 Durango R/T and it's powerful and smooth. Didn't notice I was hitting 90 and climbing in a 75 zone. Oops. The tech side of it is rather impressive as well. Kids and wife love it.

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[@sambologna5443]

Yo bro. Have an RT as well! Yes! Fast as balls! What should I add to it?? I want this thing to operate and look like a beast!!

[@aalvarado4459]

@@sambologna5443 yes it is. I kinda don't want to mess with it. But, who knows later down the line.

[@sambologna5443]

@@aalvarado4459 Bro, lol, you'e my bro. This is more than an SUV. This is a performace beast!! And you and I have to start Mod-ing", is that the phrase. Mod this bad boy. Starting with the exhaust, it's a must. Adds more horses and incredible sound. Oh, you hear me, and I'm coming!! THATS A MUST. i need you to join me. I have the blacktop package. And im reading that GORilla nuts, no joke, is a solid buy for the black rims. I want more. What else!?

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[@tarikebarrett2804]

I purchased a 2018 GT about a month ago now, and I’m loving it so far. Yep, that front door requires a lot of motivation to close properly, and I am averaging 21-22 mpg in the All wheel drive V6 on the highway.

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[@sambologna5443]

John Pierce GT?? Seriously? You spend that much money and don’t splurge more for the RT? You need to see a doctor immediately. My RT will BLOW YOU AWAY AND aLeave YOU FILTHY IN DUST!!!!

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[@brucec43]

The Durango was already better handling than many.

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[@yuzeyang8847]

Pretty good review, a lot of detail info that others don't mention. I bought 18 rt new and the mpg is actually very accurate. I got 14mpg for pure city driving if I don't smash the gas pedal, 6 miles route with multiple red lights. But I can get 23mpg avg on a road trip. I live near the ocean so I guess that's why the mpg is accurate. I have driven to Colorado and the mpg is horrible over there.

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[@nyxsyn]

Great review! I really like what they've done with the '18 R/T. I really do wonder why they skimped on the auto-dimming side mirror? Not that it's that big of a deal but My grand cherokee trailhawk has it on both driver and passenger as well as power folding mirrors. Even the driver door on that thing takes a real commitment when closing. I also have the hemi...love that engine over the pentastar. Not that it's a bad engine but it doesn't move 5k lbs of vehicle the same.

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[@sambologna5443]

Hemi or go home!

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[@mpdonohue7]

Wondering about your gas mileage averages because this is my 3rd RT(2013,2014 & 2018) and none have gotten the mileage you spoke of & I have added Flowmaster exhaust to this one which makes me put my foot down heavier than the others and still get 15.7 mpg city. Vents at the door closing have not let down my experience but I did notice it more compared to my others. Your review is very thorough but I think I would be pissed for spending 53K instead of buying the SRT model, glad mine was only 41K

[@daryllnikkikuli9752]

how did you get 41k for a 2018 RT?

[@mpdonohue7]

daryll nikki kuli that was the price, this dealer always has the best prices around.

[@mambisquickRob]

Bought my 2018 R/T on a Friday night and Saturday morning drove it on a 3 hour trip. Averaged 24 mpg, no cruise control and NOT in eco mode. Mine is the 2 wheel drive version which makes a difference. Coming back home in traffic I averaged 21. This is going off the dash gauge and I'm sure if I hand calculated it would be a little less but I'm still impressed.

[@phillipzamora865]

I avg 9.5 -10 city driving

[@chrgav1286]

Im looking at a New 18’ RT w/ Tech Grp package and it’s going for $38k($48k minus $10k since it’s one of the last 18’ RT in the lot)

[@snowman3232]

I thought I was crazy when I had to keep slamming my doors on my 2019!

[@mtk2fitness208]

I have a 2016 rt and I've wondered what the difference between the 18 and 16 were besides the scoop. This review definitely answered my questions

[@TheCondoInRedondo]

There are more subtle changes for the 2019 model which began August. Trim differences, they also took away the awesome Granite Crystal wheels in favor of (gasp) shinier "Satin Carbon" wheels - not as nice. If I wanted shiny wheels, I'd have gotten a Citadel instead of the R/T. But if you want the tow package, the 2019 now includes a trailer brake control on the dash. And the infotainment has a few refinements over the 2018s... at least compared to the early 2018s.

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[@gabrieljordan9977]

This truck should be a sweetie a little lifted and offroading

[@PJ-yc2kb]

Im a pretty heavy footed driver. I get 17 average and 22 highway.

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[@RoommateWiLLE]

Seriously?!

[@PJ-yc2kb]

Thekev166 absolutely.

[@RoommateWiLLE]

@@PJ-yc2kb I have been considering one of these. I have an old Murano and I get barely 17 mpg. I maybe get 280 on full tank. I was concerned about the gas with an R/T. I know I have a heavy foot.

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[@tyrekforrest1295]

i got the 2020 RWD and i’d be scared to take that turn goon dat fast 😭😭

[@valeriaf6316]

Why only show Dodge Durango V8 vs any another suv? V8 vs v6 or 4 cil

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[@sambologna5443]

Valeria F RT OR NOTHING. Go hone with your v6!!

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[@ben_park]

11mpg / 14mpg?? too low...

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[@Supreme_Sicario]

Buy a Prius then lol

[@ben_park]

@@Supreme_Sicario Have Durango R/T observed MPG is about 17mpg combined. What were you thinking???

[@Supreme_Sicario]

Ben P I actually get 22 on the highway but about 15 city. I think the power and comfort is worth it.

[@Winglet520]

I took a 2020 R/T 5.7 on a 3000km trip recently. 4 adults. On cruise control at 62MPH It was steady at 30MPG.. Stop and go highway doing 65MPH with some passing it was averaging 21MPG. City 16MPG.

[@The570Experience]

You can make it sound better..but it's still slow..they should discontinue the RT and just go with the SRT and the SXT

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[@Tac_T85]

I disagree, everyone can't afford the SRT but want a little power.

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[@ericperry72]

So no v-8 option is your solution? You would lose about 40% of your customers. Most people can't or do not want to spend 70k or more. And it's still just an SUV and moves better than any other 3rd row SUV.

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