2025 DODGE DURANGO R/T – MUSCLED UP

2025 DODGE DURANGO R/T

MUSCLED UP

With the attention paid  to all-electric vehicles these days, it’s nice that normally aspirated engines haven’t totally disappeared from dealer showrooms.  Yeah, yeah, I know that electric cars and hybrids turbocharged small blocks are more earth-friendly and efficient and more blah-blah-blah, but there’s nothing like driving a vehicle with a real V8 under the hood.  Hit the ignition, hear and feel the V8 roar and, suddenly life is just more fun.  

I recently had the opportunity to test a Destroyer Gray 2025 Dodge Durango R/T 20th Anniversary Premium AWD, powered by a 360 horsepower, 5.7 liter V8 HEMI MDS VVT engine.  Along with delivering 390 lb-ft of torque, it’s the real deal offering genuine V8 power and performance.  Mated to an 8-speed transmission, the Durango delivers EPA estimated fuel ratings in city driving of 14 mpg.  However, on the highway the Durango delivers 22 mpg, respectable for such a large vehicle.  

To celebrate the twenty years of HEMI power under the hood of the Dodge brand’s three-row muscle SUV, the Durango R/T 20th Anniversary model is equipped with an array of features special to this year’s model.  

Just to make sure your neighbors know you’ve got an Anniversary Edition Durango, Dodge has outfitted the big SUV with distinctive features to let everyone know how cool you are.  First, there’s the black HEMI hood graphic​ along with “345 HEMI” fender badging with Brass Monkey accents to make sure everyone knows there’s a HEMI under the hood. The wheels are 20-by-10-inch Y-spoke forged lightweight alloys with the same Brass Monkey color.  The Tow-N-Go package adds performance-tuned steering, adaptive damping suspension, Black six-piston Brembo brakes, an active exhaust, along with a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs!

In the interior, the seatbacks feature distinctive Tupelo bronze-like stitching accents and, of course, they are embroidered with a can’t miss “345”.  The instrument panel is wrapped in leather and there are forged carbon-fiber accents neatly placed.  The second row comes with captain’s chairs, while the third row is slightly cramped.  

The Durango I test drove was equipped with the Premium trim option which included a power sunroof, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with an 825-watt amplifier, heated first- and second-row seats, vented first-row seats, suede headliner and black roof rails.  All the desired safety tech features were included such as Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-spot Monitoring with Trailer Detect, Advanced Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning Plus along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  

I see the 2025 Dodge Durango as a full-size SUV that makes no excuses for itself. This is a big vehicle with a big, burly engine that’s loud, proud and powerful. Yeah, it’s a normally aspirated V8 that recalls a last-century V8 with the appropriate exhaust notes.  This is not an electric car that emanates unworldly alien noises as it creeps along. Instead, this is a massive SUV with a Detroit motor that you’ll feel and hear, giving you the full measure of its $72,000 MSRP. And if your day is long and you need a little pick-me-up, it just might make you smile…until it’s time to refill the gas tank.