Real 4WD or AWD
Grand Champion
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 721
From: S.W. Indiana
Being based on the Dakota pickup, I would say it has high low 4X4. Keep in mind though, if you want the lever to shift into and out of 4X4 as well as high low, it's all electrical shift on the fly. I had an Expedition that had that and it worked okay, but isn't as reliable as the lever.
Now, I've thought about a Durango in case my current daily driver gets wrecked and there is a forum just for the Durango;
https://www.dodgedurango.net/
You can probably find out more than you really want to know about the truck there. I know some of the new ones have issues with the oil coolers on police models. I don't think the older ones have that problem.
Last edited by ol' grouch; Oct 10, 2025 at 11:25 AM. Reason: i kant spel wurth a durn
Professional
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 191
Likes: 10
From: Lake Zurich, IL
Download the owner's manuals from the internet for the models you are interested in and read about the AWD system. I have a 2013 Durango that has a **** to switch from automatic AWD on demand to a "Low" setting, which then engages full time 4-wheel drive for low speed use where needed. I believe much newer models rely on sensors and automatically engage the drive needed based on road type/conditions and probably the setting that the transmission is on, such as D or one of the lower settings. Again, reading the owner's manuals about the driving modes should provide the info as to whether the Durango will meet your needs.
Amateur
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
Hello,
I have a 2011 Durango RT AWD model that has a MP3023 transfer case. It is a full time AWD system that uses the brakes for the LSD function. The transfer case does offer an AWD "low" mode that works pretty well (fooled around in some dirt with mine and pulled a friend's 1500 out of a ditch). This LOW mode does lock the front and rear driveshafts. If you want a more robust system, consider the Grand Cherokee which up until the "L" model is basically a Durango but the "L" is a Durango via a stretched Grand Cherokee. You get MORE options on how you can use the 4WD system in the Jeep variants. None of them offer 2WD functionality as far as I am aware.
-A-
I have a 2011 Durango RT AWD model that has a MP3023 transfer case. It is a full time AWD system that uses the brakes for the LSD function. The transfer case does offer an AWD "low" mode that works pretty well (fooled around in some dirt with mine and pulled a friend's 1500 out of a ditch). This LOW mode does lock the front and rear driveshafts. If you want a more robust system, consider the Grand Cherokee which up until the "L" model is basically a Durango but the "L" is a Durango via a stretched Grand Cherokee. You get MORE options on how you can use the 4WD system in the Jeep variants. None of them offer 2WD functionality as far as I am aware.
-A-