The Dodge Durango is Dodge’s V8 SUV, being a long-term contender in this class with its most exciting feature no doubt being its extra powerful V8. The Durango is back for one last ride this year, and in this 2025 Durango R/T V8 specs review, we’ll be going in depth on all the latest and greatest from the R/T trim of the Durango, giving you the scoop to ensure you have all the tools you need to make an informed decision this year.
Key Takeaways
- The Durango R/T is the mid-level tier of the Durango lineup, adding some much appreciated features over the base trims.
- The Durango is a blast from the past, keeping things simple and effective this year.
- 2025 marks the final year of this Durango generation, with the V8 being shelved after this year.
Will Dodge make the Durango in 2025?
For 2025, Dodge expands the Durango lineup with several eye-catching special editions that blend performance with bold styling. The new Durango SRT Hellcat Hammerhead Edition features the familiar supercharged V-8 powertrain but stands out with dark blue Night Shift paint, a matte black hood, satin silver 20-inch wheels, and a light Laguna Gray leather interior accented by sepia logo embroidery.
Also joining the lineup is the SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet Edition, finished in sleek Triple Nickel silver with black exterior trim, a black hood, dark 20-inch wheels, and red leather seats inside. Rounding out the updates is the R/T 20th Anniversary model, which includes a black-painted hood, bronze wheels, “345” exterior badging, and bronze stitching throughout its Alcantara-trimmed interior.
What does RT mean on a Dodge Durango?
R/T, short for Road/Track, has been Dodge’s hallmark of performance since the 1960s—akin to Chevrolet’s Super Sport (SS) designation. Vehicles bearing the R/T badge typically feature enhanced suspension, brakes, tires, and often more powerful engines, along with unique styling cues like monotone paint, stripes, and aggressive body kits.
In the Durango lineup, the R/T represents the performance-focused middle trim, starting at around $50,000. It blends everyday utility with muscle car-inspired driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts who need space but crave speed.
How much horsepower does a 2025 Durango have?
The Durango’s standard 295-hp V-6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission offers a solid balance of capability and efficiency that should satisfy most everyday drivers. For those needing more muscle, the available 360-hp V-8 delivers a notable increase in towing power—up to 8700 pounds when properly equipped—but at the cost of lower fuel economy. On the road, the Durango strikes a pleasing balance between sportiness and comfort, though its steering and braking retain a traditional SUV feel.
While not a true performance SUV, its rear-wheel-drive platform gives it an athletic edge, and its muscle-car character is evident in daily driving. Thankfully, its suspension tuning avoids harshness, making it a versatile family SUV that’s both enjoyable and practical.
Summary
The Durango R/T is a solid mid-tier option, and is a fun choice amongst the lineup if you’re looking to celebrate the final year of this generation of Durango in style. It’s amongst the better SUVs if you’re thinking of value, too, as it brings some solid improvements over the base Durango to keep the R/T competitive in what can be a really tight class. If you’re looking for excellence in v8 execution, the Durango R/T has your back.