Dodge Durango: The Last Traditional V8 Three-Row SUV for Ontario Families

The automotive industry has shifted toward smaller turbocharged engines and electrified powertrains across most segments. Three-row SUVs that once relied on naturally aspirated V8 engines now predominantly feature turbocharged alternatives. This transition delivers improved fuel economy but eliminates the straightforward mechanical character many buyers prefer.

The 2025 Dodge Durango maintains its position as the final three-row SUV offering genuine V8 power without hybrid systems or forced induction complexity. For families in Sundridge who tow larger boats to Magnetawan, need confident passing power on Highway 11, or value proven powertrain technology, the Durango's available 5.7L HEMI V8 provides a traditional approach that the segment has otherwise abandoned.

Durango GT: V6 Foundation

The GT establishes the lineup with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 producing 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.

GT Standard Features:

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 hp / 260 lb.-ft.)
• All-wheel drive with three-row seating for seven
• Uconnect 5 with 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Starting MSRP: $38,495 CAD (excluding destination)

The GT Plus Package adds navigation, Alpine premium audio, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, power sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and trailer tow group with blind-spot monitoring.

Intended Audience: Budget-conscious families needing three rows and all-wheel drive without requiring V8 power.

Durango R/T: Traditional V8 Power

The R/T delivers the 5.7L HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. This naturally aspirated engine uses variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation to balance performance with efficiency, operating on four cylinders during light loads and activating all eight when acceleration demands increase.

R/T Key Features:

• 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp / 390 lb.-ft.)
• All-wheel drive with seven-passenger seating
• Maximum towing: 3,946 kg (8,700 lbs) with Tow N Go Package
• Performance-tuned exhaust and 20-inch wheels
• Starting MSRP: $49,995 CAD (excluding destination)

The Tow N Go Package adds electronic limited-slip differential, SRT active damping suspension, performance exhaust, and increased top speed of 233 km/h. The combination suits families who regularly tow larger boats to Lake Muskoka, Lake of Bays, or Magnetawan.

The naturally aspirated V8 provides linear power delivery without turbo lag. Peak torque arrives at 4,150 rpm, with horsepower reaching maximum at 5,150 rpm. This power band delivers strong mid-range acceleration for highway merging and passing.

Intended Audience: Families requiring proven V8 capability for towing boats over 3,000 kg, frequent highway travel with passengers and cargo, or preference for traditional engine architecture.

Durango SRT Hellcat: Maximum Performance

The SRT Hellcat features a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h.

SRT Hellcat Specifications:

• Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 (710 hp / 645 lb.-ft.)
• Performance-tuned all-wheel drive with Brembo brakes
• Adaptive damping suspension
• SRT Performance Pages with Launch Control
• Starting MSRP: $84,995 CAD (excluding destination)

Drive modes include Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Eco, and Custom. Each mode adjusts throttle response, transmission shift points, suspension damping, and all-wheel-drive torque distribution.

Intended Audience: Performance enthusiasts who want three-row practicality without compromising acceleration capability.

Comparing Durango Trims

The R/T occupies the middle position, providing V8 character and serious towing capability at a price point below $50,000 CAD—making it the most accessible three-row V8 SUV currently available in the Canadian market.

Why V8 Technology Still Matters

Modern turbocharged engines deliver comparable power while achieving better fuel economy ratings. However, these systems introduce complexity through additional components: turbochargers, intercoolers, wastegates, and higher-pressure fuel systems.

The 5.7L HEMI uses proven architecture that has powered Ram trucks and Dodge vehicles for two decades. The engine features chain-driven dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and straightforward port fuel injection. Maintenance requirements remain conventional: regular oil changes, spark plug replacement at specified intervals, and standard cooling system service.

For buyers who tow regularly, the V8's torque curve provides consistent pulling power across the rev range without requiring boost buildup from turbochargers. This characteristic proves useful when pulling away from boat launches, merging onto Highway 11 with a loaded trailer, or maintaining speed up grades while towing.

Interior and Technology

The Durango provides three-row seating with flexibility across 50 configurations. Maximum cargo capacity reaches 85.1 cubic feet with second and third rows folded. All models include seven airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control.

Available driver assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, park assist, and 360-degree surround-view camera. The Uconnect 5 system provides wireless connectivity, voice recognition, and over-the-air updates.

The R/T with Tow N Go Package includes integrated trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, and trailer tire pressure monitoring.

Your New Durango is Waiting

The 2025 Dodge Durango remains in production with continued V8 availability throughout the 2025 calendar year. For families in Sundridge who need three-row capacity backed by proven V8 power, the window to purchase this configuration remains open while inventory lasts.

Contact our sales team at Mac Lang Sundridge to secure your Durango. We maintain stock of GT, R/T, and SRT Hellcat configurations and can discuss how each trim level matches your towing requirements and performance preferences.