2017 Dodge Durango: What's Changed

CARS.COM

• Most significant changes: The GT model replaces the Limited series. Three rows of seats are optional on SXT styles instead of standard. The rearview camera shows view of trailer when vehicle is moving on models with 8.4-inch dashboard screens.
• Price change: Base prices are $500 lower on the base SXT model and $100 higher on the Citadel and R/T trims. The destination charge rises $100 to $1,095.
• On sale: Early September
• Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2016

Related: 2015 Dodge Durango: Road Trip

A new GT model replaces the Limited in the Durango SUV lineup and Dodge expects it will be the highest-volume model. The GT comes with a monochromatic exterior, leather seats, a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

Three rows of seats were standard on all versions of the Durango last year but, for 2017, two rows of seats that hold five passengers will be standard on the base SXT and a two-seat third row will be optional. A third row remains standard on the GT, Citadel and R/T models, and they seat six or seven, depending on whether the middle row is a bench seat or two captain’s chairs.

Also new is that on models with the 8.4-inch Uconnect touch-screen, the rear camera can show a view of a trailer being towed while the vehicle is moving. A rearview camera is optional on the SXT, standard on the other trims.

The 3.6-liter V-6 is standard on the SXT, GT and Citadel, and a 5.7-liter V-8 is standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel. All come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive.

As a unibody SUV that can tow up to 7,400 pounds, the Durango has more muscle than most SUVs that come with three rows of seats, though the available V-8 engine that provides that muscle gulps gas. Without the V-8, the Durango doesn’t offer much that makes it more compelling than its many rivals, including the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner and Ford Explorer.

Editor’s note: This post was updated Sept. 30, 2016, to correct an incorrect description of the Durango’s platform.