The Dodge Durango’s strengths are towing, a spacious cabin with a third row, and real off-roading capabilities. Many love its distinctive silhouette. The Durango is a mid-size sport utility vehicle that carries over largely unchanged from the 2018 model year. So in this preview guide, we’ll go over the few changes and then show you the things that have made the Durango a favorite for years.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020?

Most of what’s changed only affect certain trims. For example, the Durango GT is now available with a functional SRT hood, with a center duct flanked by two heat extractors. The Citadel, RT, and SRT models are now available with an 825-watt, 19-speaker sound system from Harman Kardon. The Citadel model gets standard second-row captain’s chairs. An optional tow package has an integrated trailer brake. Finally, all Durangos are now available with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection, while the SRT is available with upgraded Brembo brakes with two-piece rotors.

TOWS LIKE A TRUCK

Critics often give mid-size SUVs a pass in the towing department, which is why when we do find a vehicle in this class that tows so well, it feels like gravy on top. There’s nothing mushy about Durango’s towing capability though. When properly configured, this Dodge SUV can tow up to 8,700 pounds. With numbers like that one, you’re looking at towing a few water ski boats, lightweight towable camping trailers, or ATVs for four. That’s not just one of the best in Durango’s class, that’s class-leading. That much-towing capability puts the Durango right up there with compact pickup trucks, like the Chevy Colorado. Point of fact, that’s better than Colorado’s towing capacity.