Think you need a massive, body-on-frame SUV like a Chevy Tahoe or Suburban to tow serious weight? Think again. Dodge’s unassuming family hauler — the Durango — quietly outmuscles some of America’s biggest SUVs when it comes to towing.
Yes, the Durango — a unibody crossover, not a truck-based brute — can actually tow more than many Tahoes or Suburbans. Sounds impossible, right? But the secret isn’t magic. It’s Mopar engineering, HEMI power, and a little something called Tow N’ Go.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: 8,700 Pounds of Towing Muscle
Let’s start with the facts. When properly equipped, the Dodge Durango can tow up to a staggering 8,700 pounds. That’s not a typo — this midsize, three-row SUV out-tows a lot of full-size SUVs that cost more and weigh more.
The secret weapon lies in the Tow N’ Go package, available on V8-equipped Durangos. It’s the perfect combination of brute strength and smart engineering, allowing this SUV to flex its muscle in ways few expect.
Here’s what makes it possible:
- Engine Options:
- The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (360 horsepower, 390 lb-ft of torque)
- The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (475 horsepower, 470 lb-ft of torque) — shared with the SRT 392
- Reinforced cooling systems and heavy-duty suspension upgrades
- Performance-tuned all-wheel drive and an enhanced 8-speed automatic transmission
- Integrated trailer brake controller and factory tow hitch
That combination gives the Durango its class-leading tow rating — and a serious advantage over its competition.
Tahoe vs. Durango: The Surprising Comparison
Now, let’s talk about the usual suspects — the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban.
Both are built on the Silverado’s rugged body-on-frame platform, which you’d assume gives them the upper hand in towing. Yet, most V8 Tahoes and Suburbans are rated for around 8,200 to 8,400 pounds, depending on engine and drivetrain configuration.
That means the unibody Durango — yes, the one based on a car-like structure — can actually out-tow these truck-based SUVs by 300 to 500 pounds.
Even the Tahoe’s most powerful setup, the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, only slightly edges the Durango SRT in straight-line speed — not towing capability. The Durango’s HEMI torque curve and tow-tuned gearing make it a more effective hauler where it matters most: real-world performance.
How an “SUV” Beats a “Truck” at Its Own Game
So how does Dodge pull this off? The key is in the Tow N’ Go engineering philosophy.
Unlike most crossovers that simply add a hitch and call it a tow package, Dodge completely reworked the Durango’s hardware. The suspension, cooling, transmission, and even the exhaust were optimized for heavy hauling.
Here’s what sets the Durango apart:
- Performance-Tuned Suspension: Borrowed from the SRT lineup, the Tow N’ Go setup keeps the SUV planted and stable under load.
- Active Damping and Stiffer Springs: Improve control when towing near maximum capacity.
- Upgraded Braking System: Massive Brembo brakes ensure confident stopping even with a full trailer.
- Rear Load-Leveling: Keeps the vehicle balanced and reduces rear-end sag when towing.
Even though it rides on a unibody platform, the Durango’s structure is remarkably stiff — a product of its roots shared with performance cars like the Charger and Challenger. It’s more “muscle SUV” than family crossover.
The Power of the HEMI: Why It Still Matters
In an era dominated by downsized turbo engines and hybrids, the HEMI V8 remains a dying breed — and a beloved one.
The 5.7-liter offers a perfect blend of strength and reliability for long-term towing, while the 6.4-liter SRT 392 version turns the Durango into an animal. With 475 horsepower, it not only hauls boats — it hauls tail.
The sound, the torque, the effortless power — this is the kind of engine that doesn’t need boost or batteries to get the job done. And when paired with that 8,700-pound rating, it proves that old-school displacement still has a place in the modern SUV world.
Why This Matters: The Sleeper Tow Pig Nobody Talks About
The Dodge Durango doesn’t get nearly enough credit. It’s overshadowed by newer, flashier SUVs with digital dashboards and marketing buzzwords. But when it comes to real-world utility and power, it’s one of the most capable vehicles on the market — and easily the most surprising.
Whether you’re towing a camper, car trailer, or a couple of jet skis, the Durango’s combination of muscle, stability, and comfort makes it an unexpected champion. It’s proof that you don’t need a massive, heavy, body-on-frame SUV to handle serious work.
And in a time when Dodge is transitioning toward electrification, the HEMI-powered Durango stands as a final salute to pure American muscle.
Verdict: The Unibody That Can Tow Like a Truck
The 2025 Dodge Durango proves that numbers — and engineering — don’t lie. With 8,700 pounds of towing capacity, an available 6.4-liter HEMI, and the Tow N’ Go package, it punches far above its weight class.
Sure, it might not have the truck-based architecture of a Tahoe or Suburban, but in the real world, it out-tows, out-sounds, and outperforms many of them.
It’s not just a family SUV. It’s a muscle-bound hauler that can handle your trailer, your toys, and your daily commute — all with the attitude only Dodge can deliver.
