Hello I'm a long time Durango owner (98 from new and 01 bought in 2011).... I know what these do for fuel, drink it like mad lol....

I'm looking at buying new(er) Durango and wondering what real world results are with the V6 and the Hemi with its dropping cylinders. I do tow a bit and would like the power but not sure of the fuel difference with the V6 on the highway and everyday driving compared to the Hemi, the window sticker rating shows not much difference on highway at all 9/11ish. Either are going to be a big improvement over what i'm used to lol.
The V6 will pull what i need to so both are a option for me.

Is there any year or option i really need to avoid?
thx
Doug

 

The 2014 update was the biggie. At some point they switched from rotary shifter back to a conventional one. The 2014 transmission upgrade was major. A later improvement was to drop the "ECO" button and add a "sport mode" button.

Make sure you find one with the factory tow package, not an add on. This gets you some extra engine cooling and probably also the self leveling system.

I like the toys and feel the tech package with the advanced cruise control is worth looking for. And to get back to the root of the question, the V8 is worth it and mine gets about 16 to 18mpg most of the time even with my big old lead foot. My RT does not have a roof rack, which i have missed a few times.

 

I know you are asking for 2016-2019 but, the 2013 Crew I have, with the 5.7L Hemi, 6-speed auto, 18" wheels, roof rack and Group IV towing package gets 15-16 mpg in suburban driving and 20-21 mpg highway. It has ECO mode where 4 of the 8 cylinders shut off when cruising.

 

My 2012 Crew V-6 would get 21-plus at 80 mph on the road and around 16-17 in suburban driving. My '17 Citadel V-6 gets around 18 mpg in suburban driving and about 21-plus on the road at 75-80..

 

I have a 2017 RT. I get 22 mpg on highway doing above 65 mph. In the winter in the north east and hilly terrain 13-14 city. Summer around 16.
All 6 cylinder SUVs I've owned no matter what got the same city and no 6 SUV ever got 22 highway.
I love my R/t and have no regrets not having a 6.

 

Get an 8 speed Hemi, to get the best combo. Even without the tow package the R/T or better come with better brakes, the self-leveling shocks and better cooling. A tow package would be best though, because that gets you trailer braking and the tow hitch. It's possible to add them, if you can get a dealer to turn on the trailer braking module after adding it. My 2021 5.7L R/T, a few years outside your preferred year range, gets in the 20s on the highway provided I'm not running 80+MPH. Seems to like 73MPH best for fuel economy. I expect better once the engine fully breaks in, and better still when the warranty runs out and I can start digging into the ECM and adding more efficient parts like headers and an intake. Kinda wish I'd have gotten an SRT sometimes, but I didn't want that insurance bill when I can just add a small turbo after the warranty to get more than SRT power. For what I use mine for, it's sufficient as it is.

 

2020 SXT 3.6 V6 with factory tow . I routinely get 27 mpg at about 72 mph on the freeways . Between 500 - 600 miles per tank . Get the 8 speed tranny which started in 14 and above. This transformed the V6 . I think they put the T shifter in it about 2016 .