2019 Dodge Durango SXT Plus Package (AWD) With 3rd Row $33,990

The R/T doesn't come cheap, but it's the specification that really lets the Durango flex its muscles. With standard V8 power, a 7,400-pound towing capacity and a sporty stance, the R/T is family-friendly transportation with attitude. Go with any number of the interesting paint colors, such as F8 Green, In-Violet or Reactor Blue to shake up the school run. When a car company sells what passes for a family sedan with 707 horsepower, it should come as no surprise that its take on a three-row SUV should be, let's say, a little different from what other manufacturers offer. With its aging platform, the 2019 Dodge Durango remains the stubborn outlier in the ever more car-based three-row SUV segment, offering not just a healthy V6 engine but two stout V8s, class-leading towing capacity and muscle-car styling cues. If the Durango looks familiar, that's because you've seen this current generation on the road since the 2011 model year. That's an eternity compared to nearly every rival, but Dodge has kept this three-row crossover relevant. For 2019, there's even more to like. Changes this year include new exterior styling on the GT trim level, a new 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a new integrated trailer brake that is included with the Trailer Tow package. The Durango's fundamentals — including extraordinary towing capacity, available V8 power, and adult-size space in the third row — are key to its enduring appeal. On the other hand, as one of the most muscular (and oldest) vehicles in its class, the Durango is also one of the heaviest — by a lot. That weight takes a toll on maneuverability, real-world fuel economy, and acceleration with the V6 engine. It also bolsters the argument for choosing one of the exuberant V8 engines, fuel bills notwithstanding. If you can find a powertrain that suits your needs, whether a V6 or a V8, there's a lot to like. Even at this advanced stage in its life cycle, the Durango remains one of the most capable and well-rounded three-row crossovers you can buy.