2012 Dodge Durango: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2012 Dodge Durango
3rd generation (2011-2013 pre-refresh), second year after the 2011 redesign.
Dodge positions the Durango as a three-row SUV that blends family space with a more muscular look and stronger towing ability than many car-based crossovers. The big draws are adult-friendly seating in all three rows, a richer cabin than older truck-based SUVs, and the option of real HEMI V8 power. It is the Durango for shoppers who want utility and towing strength without moving to a larger traditional body-on-frame SUV.
The 2012 lineup starts with the seven-seat, V6-powered SXT, while Crew adds everyday conveniences such as a touchscreen, rear camera, premium audio, and a power liftgate. R/T combines a standard HEMI V8 with a lowered sport suspension, while Citadel focuses on comfort with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, navigation, and added driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
2012 Dodge Durango specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD / 2WD | AWD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 16 mpg | 14–16 mpg | 14–16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 20–23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 290 hp | 290–360 hp | 290–360 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–390 lb-ft | 260–390 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 6200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 84.5 cu-ft | 84.5 cu-ft | 84.5 cu-ft | 84.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.5 in | 31.5 in | 31.5 in | 31.5 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Dodge Durango?
The biggest change is a new six-speed automatic transmission for Durango models with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Most of the vehicle otherwise carries over from the 2011 redesign.
How is the 2012 Dodge Durango lineup different from 2011?
The 2012 lineup adds SXT as its main V6 entry trim and drops the Express and Heat names. Crew, R/T, and Citadel remain in the range.
Is the 2012 Dodge Durango a full redesign?
No. The 2012 Durango is the second model year of the third generation introduced for 2011, so it receives a light update rather than a full redesign.
Which 2012 Dodge Durango trim has the HEMI V8 as standard equipment?
The 2012 Durango R/T has the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 as standard equipment. It also has a lowered sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, and more aggressive exterior trim.
Is a 2012 Dodge Durango meaningfully different from a 2011 model?
The difference is modest. The 2012 model brings a six-speed automatic to HEMI V8 versions and reorganizes the trim lineup around SXT, Crew, R/T, and Citadel, but the basic design and three-row layout carry over.