Shopping for a long-lasting SUV in Westchester County? The Dodge Durango is a powerful, three-row SUV that’s built to go the distance. But just how far can it go — and what does it cost to keep it running strong? Though the Durango debuted in ’97, it remains a popular and trusted choice for first-time and experienced drivers. A great SUV for families and adventurers alike, the Dodge Durango is comfortable, spacious, and powerful. Here’s what Westchester families need to know before making the investment.

How Long Does the Durango Last on a Single Tank of Gas?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, like the engine you choose, the trim levels you select, and ultimately, your driving style and lifestyle. Many drivers around Cortlandt or Yorktown log heavy commuter miles — the Durango’s strong lifespan makes it ideal for those long-term driving needs. If you drive the Durango primarily in the city, you can expect to get 16 to 24 mpg. In contrast, if you use it primarily for highway and intercity drives, you can push the mileage up to 23 and 30 mpg.
So, if you do a lot of city commutes, you can expect to refill the Durango’s tank once every 240 to 330 miles, depending on your driving style. In contrast, if you do a lot of highway driving, you can expect it to go even further. However, note that these numbers vary depending on your driving style, the vehicle’s engine, trim levels, and other factors.
How Large Is the Dodge Durango’s Gas Tank?
The Dodge Durango has a 24.6-gallon gas tank. This is a reasonably large tank for an SUV, and it should give you plenty of range between fill-ups. However, you can do a few things to improve your Durango’s fuel economy. These include:
- Drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
- Avoid idling and turn off the engine when you stop at intersections.
- Keep tires properly inflated.
- Use cruise control on the highway.
- Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle.
Following these tips can help your Durango get the best possible fuel economy.
How Many Miles Does a Dodge Durango Last?
If you’re looking to buy a midsize SUV in Cortlandt, New York, you probably want to know the vehicle’s life expectancy. Let’s explore the durability of a Dodge Durango compared to a couple of its rivals:
The Dodge Durango usually lasts from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Data from the Department of Transportation reveals that, on average, car owners in the U.S. drive 13,476 miles per year. That suggests your Durango could last 14 to 18 years, depending on your driving style and range. Those are some pretty impressive numbers for a midsize SUV. They demonstrate that the Dodge Durango can be a reliable car for families and young drivers, as it can last them for a decade or more.
Let’s take a closer look at the performance, durability, and expected lifetime of different parts of a Dodge Durango:
Brakes
The Durango’s brakes can last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. The life of your brakes depends on several factors, such as road conditions and driving habits. For example, if you tend to stamp down on your brakes hard, it could accelerate wear and tear, damaging the brake pads. Watch out for squeaking noises, pedal vibrations, burning smells, and haphazard braking responses, as they’re early indicators of faulty brakes.
Tires
On average, your Durango’s tires can last anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 miles, after which you’ll require a new set of rubber. Rotating your tires frequently and maintaining proper inflation can make your tires last longer than the average two to four years. We highly recommend checking your tires with a trusted mechanic to spot signs of wear and tear, especially if you drive in extreme weather conditions, such as snow and rain.
Transmissions
The Durango is sturdy, and the transmission can last over 180,000 miles. However, we recommend checking your transmission once every 100,000 miles.
Spark plugs
The factory-designed spark plugs on a Durango can easily last 100,000 miles or even more, and you shouldn’t have to worry about them before that point. However, we recommend replacing all spark plugs once every 100,000 miles.
How Much Does It Cost To Maintain a Durango?
According to Your Mechanic, Durango’s average annual maintenance and repair costs are $929 and vary depending on your service provider. The estimated costs to repair and maintain the vehicle range from $95 to $4,482, depending on the type of repair, model, vehicle age, and driving habits. Compared to other SUVs, this is a reasonable maintenance cost, and you can further reduce it by taking proper care of your vehicle. Here are a few tips to extend the life of your Dodge Durango while lowering costs:
- Follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule.
- Regularly monitor and top-up fluids, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and other lubricants, to ensure your vehicle’s parts operate smoothly without extra friction.
- Changing the oil reduces the likelihood of engine damage and keeps it running smoothly.
- Dirty air filters decrease fuel efficiency and hurt engine performance. Make sure to check and replace air filters as needed.
- Inspect the tires for signs of wear and tear and keep them inflated at the recommended pressure.
- Regular washing and cleaning of the vehicle’s exterior and interior cabin help to prevent rust formation.
- Excess cargo or passengers beyond the recommended capacity damage the vehicle’s suspension, brakes, and other critical components. Ensure that you stay within the manufacturer’s recommended weight limits.
- Improve your driving habits. Avoid rapid acceleration, hard braking, and aggressive driving, as they put an extra strain on your vehicle’s internal parts, accelerating wear and tear and reducing life.
Schedule a Service To Extend the Life of Your Dodge Durango
By catching and fixing minor issues, you can prevent more significant troubles and keep your Dodge Durango in perfect condition for years. At Bill Volz Westchester, our team of trained and talented technicians will provide you with the best recommendations to keep your Durango in great shape. Reach out to us today to schedule a service appointment online. If you want to buy a Dodge Durango, check out our available new vehicles and used Dodge inventory to find the perfect model that fits your budget and driving requirements.
Photo Credit: Image via OEM


