Dodge Durango: Should You Buy The GT Plus Over The R/T?

In today's video I take a short step away from my usual Porsche content (don't worry there will be more Porsche videos soon) and I experience a V6 powered 2022 Dodge Durango GT Plus Blacktop Edition and try to find out if the GT Plus is all you need or if you should upgrade to the HEMI V8 powered Dodge Durango R/T instead. Of course if you have money for an SRT or outgoing Hellcat that would be the way to go, but for the rest of us, the GT and R/T are within reach and make fun to drive family vehicles.
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See our merchandise at: ourridelife.com/
Filmed with an iPhone 12 Pro
Edited using Adobe Premier Pro
Some footage and images courtesy of Wiki Commons and Dodge.

[@OurRideLife]

One correction, the R/T doesn’t require premium, Dodge recommends mid-grade fuel. The source for my initial research was incorrect, but checking the Owner’s manual confirms that 89 octane is recommended.

[@cliffklimas8324]

According to the owner’s manual for my 2022 R/T, regular gas is acceptable and mid grade is recommended. Running fine with 87 octane.

[@OurRideLife]

@@cliffklimas8324 after doing additional research, mid-grade is recommended to ensure the best performance, but you can run 87 and it shouldn’t cause any issues.

[@stanlast9423]

I have a 2022 Durango GT blacktop, gt premium and tow package V6, I find it has enough power for city and highway driving, no issues at all with the performance.

[@OurRideLife]

I agree, on the regular the V6 will be enough for most people. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@motobikerider9896]

I just Purchased the 2024 GT blacktop edition, I Love it

[@etothej]

I would LOVE to have gotten the RT, but my budget does not allow it. I am quite happy with my GT Blacktop/Launch Edition, so far.

[@mpresto15]

I came from a scatpack to an rt awd durango for family reasons. Compromise was i get to keep a v8 around but im enjoying the awd system. Based on that im sure the awd v6 is still very reasonable.

[@dariussosa9982]

I do own a gt plus and I must say I love it alot especially with the sport mode on and traction off

[@josemontano7767]

I have a GT V6 and I love it aside from the crappy radio and water getting in the track light it’s awesome.

[@OurRideLife]

Yes they do have a few issues, but overall they seem to be minor at least until they get high in the mileage. Enjoy it as often as you can. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.

[@Robbydhjr]

Been watching this video for three minutes and you've already said the RT requires premium which is untrue and has 330 horsepower which is untrue. People are probably watching this video because they're not sure exactly which one they want and now because of misinformation they may make the wrong decision. The biggest reason someone would buy the RT is because of the motor and you just said the wrong type of fuel and the wrong horsepower number. Good job!!

[@OurRideLife]

For the premium fuel, that was due to using Edmonds as the source which was incorrect (it had the SRT fuel grade listed for the R/T). I didn’t catch this before the video was published, but have a pinned comment with a correction that the recommended fuel is 89 octane (many use 87, but Dodge recommends 89 for the R/T). For the 330 horsepower, I caught that I had said the wrong number during editing, so there is a correction in the upper right corner of that portion of the video. Sometimes you do the research, but the source is wrong or sometimes you say the wrong thing during filming, but I always try to do what I can to correct it when caught. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@AG-yv8yb]

We have a rt would say do what your budget allows and dont go over. The feel of the hemi is great but im pretty sure the v6 will do just fine. Also take care of it youll be fine

[@alanserwan19]

I've got 2018 GT Awd Double exhaust model . And man it feels so good and comfortable to drive . And its really quick for a big size suv . Although I've got this weird problem idk if its from manufactur or its malfunctioning . The paddel shifters have a sec or two delay when shifting

[@OurRideLife]

I didn’t notice that, but I only used them briefly, so may not have paid full attention. I’ll have to try again and see if I have the same issue. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.

[@oakensoul1620]

The only question that I couldn't find a clear answer for. Is the GT suspension system and comfort are the same as the RT ?

[@OurRideLife]

I’m having trouble finding the hard information myself. However, from a forum of someone that drove back to back they claim that the GT was more comfortable on a bumpy road and the R/T was a more harsh ride. They were older models, but I believe the suspension is largely the same. Here is the thread if you want to read it yourself: www.dodgedurango.net/threads/my-impressions-of-rango-2016-r-t-blacktop.23982/page-3#post-502505 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@MadClowdz]

What's so funny about the break in is every salesperson who takes a customer for a test drive tells them to floor it because they're trying to upsell that HEMI power. I did the same thing, lol, then I bought my R/T and babied it thinking "God, I hope I didn't F up my engine".

[@TheCondoInRedondo]

The Hemi 5.7 does not require premium. 89 Octane is recommended in the documentation. "Premium" conjures up 91 or 93 Octane. Those are mandated for the SRT's 6.4 Hemi or the SRT Hellcat's 6.2 supercharged Hemi.

[@OurRideLife]

Thanks for the correction, was meaning to pin a comment about that. I had done the research for the video and trusted a Google search and the first result from a reputable source was incorrect. I later checked my owners manual and saw that it was 89 as you said. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@malnadgowda_inusa3734]

Thanks for mentioning. I’m planning to buy RT in couple of weeks.

[@TheCondoInRedondo]

@@malnadgowda_inusa3734 Don't forget about the R/T tow-n-go option. It has the SRT suspension with Bilstein dampers, SRT brakes, SRT rear differential, the SRT transfer case, SRT 295-width tires and wheels and a much more aggressive exhaust. It is basically an SRT with the 5.7 instead of the 6.4. You will lose gas mileage compared to the regular R/T mostly due to the full-time AWD, the wider tires and the limited-slip differential. But, the handling on tight mountain curves is even better than the SRT because Tow-n-Go is lighter up front so is closer to 50-50. That said, I have a 2019 regular R/T and the 2021 Tow-n-Go. Trust me, the regular R/T is no slouch! It is absolutely a hoot to drive. It is great in snow, even with the Ecopia all-seasons from the factory. MPG is better because the regular R/T uses an "on-demand" transfer case. Under favorable pavement conditions, the regular R/T AWD behaves like a RWD, releasing the front which saves fuel and gives the regular R/T a more classic RWD feel. BOTH the R/T and R/T tow-n-go are "supposed" to use 89 octane. However, you can use 87 octane in a pinch without hurting the engine. Just be sure your next fillup is 89 again. I've also used 91 and 93 with no ill effects. The 5.7 is very forgiving when it comes to fuel. What you MUST watch out for is the oil. The 5.7 Hemi is FUSSY when it comes to oil. Use a synthetic 5W-20. USE NO OTHER WEIGHT! This has to do with lubrication when the engine is running on four cylinders.

[@malnadgowda_inusa3734]

@@TheCondoInRedondo thank you so much for all details

[@crunchmaneslice276]

93 makes v8s run beautiful

[@gordoeastlos323]

I have a 21 GT blacktop version we love the truck but getting a headache with my driver side daylight running light going out. I see it’s a common issue on all durangos

[@OurRideLife]

I wonder if it’s wiring or if water is gettign in there. I know the rear tail light strip is known to let water in.

[@joehiatt1992]

Just got the V6 & my avg. is only 14mpg city with eco off & engine off /off ,I think I should of got the Hemi

[@OurRideLife]

Well that isn’t good. I’m getting 20 mpg currently in mine with mainly city driving. I turn off the auto stop / start, but usually have the eco on. If I was just getting 14 mpg I would think I should have gone with the HEMI as well. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.

[@jasonpetsul2523]

Sure dissing the V8!! RT and trims above is the way to go!! Gas mileage is actually pretty good in the v8 and can use regular gas if needed

[@OurRideLife]

Fair points. Although, dissing the V8 wasn’t the intent of the video. It was more that you should think if you really need the V8 versus V6 and if you are towing then the answer is yes (also if you like a better exhaust note). My neighbor has the R/T and he loves it, but he does use it to tow his boat. The sound is a lot better than tbe V6 for sure. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@freedomfighter9046]

Today November 14th I just purchased the same exact gt plus 2022 Fully loaded some roof toepackage leather seas etc we LOVE IT

[@OurRideLife]

Nice. Enjoy it as often as possible. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@freedomfighter9046]

@Our Ride Life thank you I sure will / and you welcome

[@solitatorres3682]

I have a dodge Durango 2018 gt and it’s given me issues since the first year til now 😢

[@OurRideLife]

Sorry to hear that.

[@lancesmith-em9tp]

Just leased a 23 GT plus... destroyer grey... heavy on power... heavy on price....

[@powerwagonsnob]

You forgot the most important reason to buy an R/T over a GT is the fact that you get a real transfer case with low range with the R/T

[@OurRideLife]

That is a good point. It certainly depends on how you plan to use it what to go for, but if you need that it does make a difference. Now, if you are just taking the kids to soccer, then it the GT may be the better option. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@MrAndrewz1]

I don't know where you got your numbers but my R/T has 360HP

[@OurRideLife]

Correct, I said 330 horsepower, but didn’t catch it until editing and put the text in the top right corner with 360 hp. Funny I didn’t catch it as earlier I mentioned that the R/T has 65 more horsepower than the GT. 295 + 65 does NOt equal 330, so you would think I would have at least though about that. I also got the fuel grad off. I did a Google search for research on that and Edmonds came up first which has the fuel grade as premium. I have since checked my owners manual and the recommended fuel grade is actually 89 octane. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@easonshih4818]

How about the resale value?

[@OurRideLife]

A V8 will usually do a bit better there, so that would be a reason to buy one. Although, you do pay more initially for the V8. It still works out slightly better for the V8 for resale all things considered, but not as big an advantage as it would otherwise be. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@stevewenzel3855]

Rt has 360Hp am I wrong?

[@OurRideLife]

Yes 360 horsepower for the R/T. I said it wrong in the video, but put a correction in the upper right corner if you watch it back. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@Blace5]

i got the HEMI in destroyer grey what a beast!!! Once you drive one you will forget about the GT hahahah We know what RT & SRT stands for.... what about GT??? lol

[@jrperez4082]

Grand Touring if im not mistaken lol

[@RamiroHernandez-ht5ht]

I have a V6 and it has lifter problems at 50k miles , seems to be a common issue , I am Disappointed in the reliability of this “suv” , I still like the looks but that will not help once the engine blows

[@OurRideLife]

You are correct. It looks like if caught early enough it is possible to fix it yourself if you are mechanically enclosed. However, if the cams are affected then it gets very expensive and can blow the engine. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@Slickjfootlong]

It’s almost $15k more for hemi bro

[@MikeLee-eb4yp]

Can't buy the v8 used. i love my v6 doesn't really great in the snow !

[@hellexb]

Good points. Here's my real world assessment. In my opinion, the GT line-up offers plenty of power for everyday driving and if you want to tow something light. Plus it looks great. If you're NOT looking to do some serious towing and are considering an RT with 360hp (at the crank) just so you can race the person in the next lane from traffic light to traffic light, then you really need to think about how foolish that is and do some growing up. Now, if you have aspirations of going to the Track to really show what you and your ride can do, then what you should do is grab your checkbook and consider the SRT models. Tell me I'm wrong.

[@OurRideLife]

Very good points. The SRT is another level for performance driving. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@ssj02]

I won't say you are wrong, but probably you missed a factor. It is not always about racing. A person going for the RT could drive exactly at same speeds and acceleration momentum as he would have had he gotten a GT. What matters for car lovers is torque and the feel of the gas pedal. Accelerating with a light touch as opposed to a slightly deeper throttle in the GT and feeling the torque (which by the way doesn't necessarily mean going faster) is what matters for a car person. The sound is another factor as well. On top of all this, nothing with being able to go faster. Keep in mind though that the major difference isn't in 65 hp more, but in about 130 lb-feet of torque more.. that's where you feel the difference. HP is felt more as you get on it so you are right, if you are driving normally which is what people do most of the time, it won't matter much. However, torque difference is felt more when you aren't driving fast and here is where the RT shines. With SRT or hellcat you are getting into a different league altogether with huge price premiums while RT and GT are more comparable.

[@mickeymcintire7621]

Holy shit did you do any research before recording this.

[@OurRideLife]

Yes I did, but I found out after posting that my sources were incorrect. For example I got the information about the premium gas requirement from Edmonds, but have since checked the owners manual and Dodge recommends 89 octane and many people us regular on the R/T. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@chrisdejong2481]

I dont hear the rumble on my phone but if i watch this on my home theater there is a constant rumble like wind throughout the video

[@OurRideLife]

Thanks for letting me know. I’ll have to see what I can do to help that for future videos. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@ezurmnd]

V6 its a scam itll need more power to move that vehicle, which you'll burn more fuel. Coming from experience

[@getback133]

Great video. No need for a hemi unless you go all out on the 392 SRT model. Daily driving GT is far better than RT

[@OurRideLife]

Glad you liked it and agreed that the SRT is an entirely different animal. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@Slimothy]

Stop the cap

[@OurRideLife]

@@Slimothy is there a particular part that you are referring to so that I know what part is incorrect?

[@Slimothy]

@@OurRideLife Nah not you I’m referring to @Getback’s comment 😂

[@OurRideLife]

@@Slimothy ah thanks for the clarification. You know how it isn’t always clear on KZbin if you look at a notification quickly.

[@michaelcollins7321]

Rt doesn’t require premium 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@OurRideLife]

Thanks for pointing this out. I have a pinned comment stating the correction as unfortunately, you can’t upload a new edit as the same video in KZbin (you can only cut out or mute a part which wouldn’t make sense in this case). The way the misinformation happened is in my research for this video I used Google for the gas grade and Edmonds was the first result stating that the R/T required premium. I should have used the owner’s manual instead which clearly stated that mid-grade fuel was recommended for the best performance, but many use regular without issue. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@karandeol6710]

Who know what is Hemi power they don’t need to part of these 🐀 ratrace😂

[@OurRideLife]

Fair point. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@madbutcher9158]

Any seat noises or interior problems?

[@OurRideLife]

@@madbutcher9158 I have had any issues like that yet myself in about 30K miles. However, I do know sometimes things like that may be an issue on one car, but not another. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@Slickjfootlong]

It’s almost $15k more for hemi bro