When this generation hit the market, it was available in 5 trims. The trims you can look for are the Express, Crew, Crew Plus, R/T, and the Citadel.
The engines from the beginning of the generation are the 3.6L V6, and the 5.7L Hemi V8. While the smaller engine is on the earlier trims, sitting at 290 horsepower, it is still strong. But if you want something with more power, then the Hemi is what you want. This engine can make 360 horsepower, which at the initial launch of the Durango, this was a ton of power.
Over the course of the next few years some new trims joined. These trims were the SXT, SXT Plus, Limited, GT, GT Plus, SRT 392, SRT Hellcat, and a police model named the Pursuit. Thanks to the new trims joining the lineup, some new engines also joined. The new engines are the 6.4L V8 Hemi that makes 475 horsepower, and the 6.2L V8 Supercharged Hemi that makes 710 horsepower.
The first changes outside of new trims came out for the 2014 models. This new design came with a sportier look, and came with an 8 speed automatic transmission. When 2017 came around, so did its next major changes to the lineup. The GT and SXT trims now offered three-row seating, allowing up to seven passengers.
For the 2018 models, all trims now come with the new Uconnect radios. The interior also saw some other changes, these were to the rotary transmission gear shifter changing to the T-Grip handle, and the steering wheel changing to one that is similar to the Charger.
When the GT Plus trim came out in 2019, it added great features to the lineup depending on trim level. These were heated seats for the first and second row, as well as a heated steering wheel.
When the 2021 update happened it brought new features to most of the lineup. The SXT, and GT trims now come with 8.4-inch screens, while the R/T, and Citadel trims now come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. This was the year that the SRT Hellcat was introdced, and subsequently discontinued.
In 2023, the lineup saw some changes, now catergorizing trims into three levels. These are the Base, Plus, and Premium levels. Thanks to this restructure, there is less options to pick from on all trims as some are reserved for their designated level.
If you’re looking for the trims with the strongest engines after this restructure, then you’ll need an SRT Hellcat, or an SRT 392. If you want something that has better efficiency, then you’ll need an Express, Crew/Plus, SXT/Plus, Limited, GT/Plus, ot a Citadel.
Not all of these trims were around at the same time with some of the trims being introduced later, while others were discontinued. These trims do share the same engine, though. This engine is the 3.6L V6, it has an EPA rating of 21 MPG combined.
If you’re wanting something that can tow the most, then you’ll want a trim that is equipped with the 5.7L V8 as it is able to tow 7,200-pounds. If you’re wanting even more, then look for one with the Tow and Go package as it pushes this number to 8,700-pounds.