2011 Dodge Durango: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2011 Dodge Durango is an all-new third-generation model and the SUV’s return after skipping 2010. Its biggest change is a new structure that combines the body and frame, replacing the old truck-style design and adding independent suspension at all four wheels for a quieter, more road-friendly drive.

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About the 2011 Dodge Durango

3rd generation, first year of the redesign after the 2010 model-year gap.

Dodge positioned the 2011 Durango as a three-row SUV that mixed family usefulness with a more polished, driver-focused feel than the old model. The message in Dodge's brochure centers on capability, versatility, and refinement: room for a crew, available V8 towing strength, available AWD, and a more upscale cabin than many buyers expected from a Dodge SUV. Its core draw was full-size family space with more road comfort and style than a traditional truck-based SUV.

The 2011 lineup ranges from the practical three-row Express and well-equipped Crew to the more luxurious Citadel, which has Nappa leather, navigation, ventilated front seats, and added driver-assistance features. The Heat pairs V6 power with sport styling and a two-row cabin, while the R/T adds a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and a lower, firmer sport suspension.

What changed, by category

Structural

The fully redesigned Durango replaces the previous separate body-and-frame construction with a steel unibody structure. It also gains independent suspension at all four wheels, helping create a quieter cabin and a more road-friendly feel.

Powertrain

A new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 becomes the standard engine on every trim except the R/T. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 returns for stronger towing and powers the performance-focused R/T.

Styling

The cabin is completely redesigned with a more upscale look. New Heat and R/T versions add unique sport front ends, side trim, larger wheels, and body-color exterior details.

Tech

The redesigned cabin brings more technology and standard automatic climate control across the lineup. Notable equipment includes a rearview camera and power liftgate on Crew, plus touchscreen navigation and Alpine audio on Citadel.

Safety

The Citadel introduces added driver-assistance equipment, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection.

2011 Dodge Durango specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Dodge DurangoR/T1 in stock	2011 Dodge DurangoCrew0 in stock	2011 Dodge DurangoHeat0 in stock	2011 Dodge DurangoCitadel0 in stock	2011 Dodge DurangoExpress0 in stock
Engine	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD / 2WD	AWD	AWD / 2WD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	14 mpg	14–16 mpg	16 mpg	14–16 mpg	16 mpg
MPG Highway	20 mpg	20–22 mpg	23 mpg	20–22 mpg	23 mpg
Horsepower	360 hp	290–360 hp	290 hp	290–360 hp	290 hp
Torque	390 lb-ft	260–390 lb-ft	260 lb-ft	260–390 lb-ft	260 lb-ft
Max Towing	7200 lb	7200 lb	6200 lb	7200 lb	6200 lb
Trunk/Cargo	84.5 cu-ft	84.5 cu-ft	84.5 cu-ft	84.5 cu-ft	84.5 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	31.5 in	31.5 in	38.6 in	31.5 in	31.5 in
Seats	7	7	5	7	7
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Park Assist
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Roof Rails
Tow Hooks
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Rear Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2012 Dodge Durango compares

The biggest change for the 2012 Dodge Durango is a new six-speed automatic transmission for HEMI V8 models. It is otherwise a light-update year, with SXT replacing Express and Heat as the main entry trim.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Durango a full redesign?

Yes. The 2011 Durango starts the third generation with new unibody construction, independent suspension at all four wheels, a fully reworked cabin, and a new trim lineup.

Did the Dodge Durango return for 2011 after being absent in 2010?

Yes. Dodge skipped the 2010 model year and brought the Durango back for 2011 as a completely redesigned SUV.

What engines does the 2011 Dodge Durango have?

The 2011 Durango uses a new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as the standard engine on every trim except the R/T. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 remains part of the lineup for stronger towing and is standard in the R/T.

Does every 2011 Dodge Durango have three rows?

No. Family-focused versions such as the Express and Crew have three-row, seven-passenger seating, but the Heat uses a two-row, five-passenger layout with underfloor cargo storage where the third row would be.

How are the 2011 Durango Heat and R/T different?

The Heat is the sport-styled V6 model with two-row seating, while the R/T is the performance-focused version with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a lower sport suspension, and unique interior and exterior details.