Dodge Durango: What Do its Safety Ratings Look Like?

Mar 5, 2021

Silver Dodge Durango in parking lot with palm trees - Vehicle History

If you’re after safety, a used SUV is usually a good bet. The Jeep Grand Cherokee-based unibody Dodge Durango might not be top ten, but it’s roughly on par with your average SUV, which is the safest class of vehicles available.

How safe is the Dodge Durango?

The 2020 Dodge Durango received a 4-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA and was granted an overall score of “Marginal” by the IIHS. Combine that with 4.85-Star Owner and 3.2-Star Expert Review Ratings from Vehicle History, and you’ve got a pretty safe SUV.

With these ratings, you can see that there are safer SUVs out there, but the Durango should be safe enough for most drivers. Let’s dig into what these numbers actually mean, as well as the safety features and common questions on the 2020 Dodge Durango.

Dodge Durango Crash Test Rating

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Test/Results

The 2020 Dodge Durango earned a Marginal overall rating from the IIHS. The IIHS has four ratings: Poor, Marginal, Acceptable, and Good, with extra “Superior” points being added for exceptional features. Marginal then would be sort of like a C-.

This sounds dire, but the Durango actually earned a Good rating in almost every category. The one major exception was a Poor rating for the structure and safety cage.

Note that the IIHS mainly grades crash test results. So the Marginal rating isn’t taking into account safety features that have been added since they tested the Durango in 2015.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Test/Results

The 2020 Durango earned a 4-Star overall rating for safety from the NHTSA. Three stars for front driver side impact, four for front passenger side, three for rollover, and five stars across the board for side crash ratings.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a very similar SUV to the Durango, has a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA. If you have both SUVs on your shopping list and can’t make up your mind, that extra safety star may serve as your tiebreaker.

Other Reputable Test/Results

The 2020 Durango holds an 83/100 overall score with J.D. Power, placing it in the top five for vehicles in its class. Quality & reliability earned an 86/100.

Euro NCAP has yet to crash-test the Dodge Durango, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee earned a 4-Star overall crash rating from the group, and the 2020 Grand Cherokee and Durango are both based on the same 2011 platform that was tested by the group.

Dodge Durango Available Safety Tech

ParkSense With Stop Front and Rear Parking Sensors

The Durango’s ParkSense system is designed to eliminate the guesswork of parking. It will let you know via audiovisual instructions whether you have space to park and if you’re about to bump into anything.

It even takes control of the vehicle if you’re about to crunch somebody’s fender. It’s not quite an auto-parking robot valet, but it’s the next best thing with the technology available.

Electronic Stability Control and Roll Stability Control

ESC and RSC are a must for top-heavy SUVs. ESC checks the speed of the wheels against the speed of the vehicle so that if you’re losing traction, the system will kick in and control the wheels as necessary to prevent spinouts.

RSC works with ESC to identify any conditions where the SUV is liable to roll over and works to adjust your speed to prevent it.

911 Call Emergency SOS

In the event of an accident where your airbags deploy or the fuel pump automatically shuts off, 911 Call Emergency SOS will use your phone to make a call to 911.

The system will give the operator the details of the accident, and then open the line so that you can speak directly with the operator. So if you’re in an accident where you can’t access your phone, SOS has you covered.

ParkView Back-Up Camera

Back-up cameras are pretty much standard on newer vehicles, especially larger autos like full-size trucks and SUVs.

For the most part, ParkView back-up camera technology isn’t any different from a video camera plugged into a TV. The main difference is just that the image is mirrored so that anything on your right appears on your right.

Drive Smart and Drive Safe

If you want to be as safe as possible on the road, you don’t need to be an expert, you just need to know enough to fake it. Safety is priority number one when buying a used SUV, so check the Vehicle History and know what you’re getting.

Owner Reviews

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Bruh M on April 3, 2021

Highlights of Durango and why you should buy it.

This dodge SUV is far from perfect, though. Its weaknesses include dull handling and poor safety scores for the class. It also has less cargo space and worse fuel economy than many of its rivals, and its interior quality is subpar as well. You should consider the Durango if you are in the market for a comfortable, family-friendly SUV that rates well for predicted reliability. It should shoot to the top of your list if the thought of a muscular hemi v8 under the hood excites you.

Susan R on March 30, 2021

Mommy friendly dodge Durango.

He car has a ton of room. We love folding down the third row seating to fit extra strollers or groceries in the back. We have a child in a car seat and there is plenty of legroom for the baby and we do not have a problem getting the car seat in and out of the backseat (in our other car we had to move the front seat up to get the car seat out) we love every feature about the car including the front and rear a/c, gas mileage and touch screen features.

Ilona A on June 7, 2021

Durango gt blacktop package.

2020 Durango gt, with added features. Blacktop package. Navigation, remote start, backup camera, sunroof, heated leather seats, second row heated leather seats, dual climate control, Sirius XM plus guardian sos & roadside assistance, uconnect includes wireless start, lock and unlock from phone. I absolutely love it. Very comfortable to drive, fully adjustable seat (front to back, up and down, lumbar can go up and down and in and out).

Julie Z on August 6, 2021

Sleek vehicle, scary ride.

I like the way my car looks, it is sleek and a solid looking vehicle. My transmission has already gone out so it makes me not trust the car as much. The company did replace it, but it was an ordeal and the car shifts weird ever since. The seats are comfortable and the technology is easy to use. I love the features like smart phone connection and heated steering wheel that automatically comes on if it is 30 degrees or lower.

Lav D on April 22, 2021

Great car: loving the muscle look on the car. Heated chairs - lovely for winter!

Though it is already a high tech car, it would be better if it has a lane assist and a blind spot alarm. A free net cargo will come in handy too. For SUV 7 seater an LCD in the back would be great for kids. Headlights are halogen not led. I liked the high tech chairs and the fact that it has memory recall very good for families that are sharing cars.

Floyd G on March 21, 2021

Great mid size SUV with great features and good mpg.

No problems. Vehicle rides nice, is comfortable and quiet. It tows a 5000 lb travel trailer with no problems and handles well. The gas mileage is great for this size SUV. I get 26 highway, 21 city and 14-15 towing. I love the cargo space with the third seat down and love that the third seat can fit adults when needed. The controls are well laid out.

Emily R on April 22, 2021

My very new vehicle. My 2020 dodge Durango.

I have no problems. The performance is outstanding! It works very well and now it is perfect. The reliability is very nice too. The comfort is very cozy. I can sleep in this. The features are very new. It is Wi-Fi stuff. With more features it is very nice. I can now take this car everywhere I go and be very proud of it.

Billyo on June 26, 2021

Gettin better all the time!

Traded a 2016 Limited on a 2020GT Plus. The 16 was a great vehicle. Never any problems. The GT is quicker and more responsive at every level. Like the floor shifter way better than the dial a gear in the 16. The performance hood confirms that this is not a soccer mom suv. The Durango just keeps getting better with age.

Juan C on September 15, 2021

The dodge Durango is an amazing family car.

This car is absolutely great for the family, especially for the kids. The performance is great and runs smooth. I bought it and January and it still has not had any complications or problems. Very comfortable and safe car for new learning drivers and the family. I got mine in a dark grey which I absolutely love.

Rena R on August 19, 2021

Great purchase my family made. Most reliable and comfortable.

Great family car. Lots of extra storage for family trips or even daily commute back and forth to work. Comfortable SUV. We are high enough to feel safe from other cars and trucks especially diesel trucks that are scary to be next to on the freeway. Wish I would have gotten then car sooner for my family.

Ashley S on April 26, 2021

I fell in love the moment I sat in it.

I absolutely love my dodge Durango. It fits my family comfortably and on trips it's amazing. My vehicles performance handles very well in snow storms and has kept me safe. The heated steering wheel is definitely a must have well played dodge! Also knowing that this car gets up and goes much better.

Matt S on September 3, 2021

Built like a tank but drives like a stealth fighter.

Love the bucket seats in the back. A comfortable ride all the way to the beach. Love the black rims. Great sound system. Smooth drive and great pick up speed on the highway. Excellent rear camera and blind side detection. Nice and big car that feels very safe for our 2 young children to ride in.

Valerie M on May 15, 2021

Beautiful color Durango 'rejector blue'.

Just bought it but so far very nice ride. It has power and is very dependable. The color I have is absolutely beautiful. It is a rejector blue. Getting on highway is much safer for me. I had a 4 cylinder before and it was very scary. Now I have a very good comfort level driving my Durango.

Brittany M on July 10, 2021

2020 dodge Durango gt plus.

I have had my Durango for almost a year now and I haven't had any problems with it. My leather seats are very comfortable and I love the heated seat option I added. I love the bigger touch screen that I added and I especially like the CarPlay feature. It's been a great SUV thus far.

Tyler J on May 18, 2021

This is one of my favorites.

I love the vehicle for its utilitarian features as well as lots of space for lots of family fun. Its spacious but not overwhelmingly large, being behind the wheel you get a sense of fun. The seats in the back fold for more space, and the vehicle has lots of compartment for storage.

Anthony M on March 16, 2021

A great new experience for me.

Only two weeks in but no problems to speak of as of yet. The seats are incredibly comfortable and the ride is very smooth. Wish it came with cooling seats and the lane assist (the green/yellow character on the dashboard) but overall it is a great car that I would highly recommend.

Duane F on April 13, 2021

Good car, needs more ergo features, and more luxury, along with convenience.

The Durango is a pretty good vehicle, but it fails to perform in convenience area. I would prefer more ergonomic features, and more luxury. I think the power is great, and adequate. The best thing they could do is to add better controls. Better lighting would also be appreciated.

Domingo C on June 25, 2021

5.7 engine hemi the way to go.

I love the performance and comfort is like no other vehicle, really good features, drive forward with back up camera on, Wifi hotspots, 5.7 hemi engine can tow 7400 pounds, 3 row 7 seater, red leather seats, a lot of room, super fast love the car everyone should buy a dodge.

Genesis T on May 12, 2021

Controls are easy to understand.

My car is actually really comfortable. I feel safe and secure. The behind the camera is actually really helpful especially when it comes to parallel parking. It was expensive but it was worth it. So far there has not been any bad experience with this car because it is new.

Dana G on June 2, 2021

Leather heated and air conditioned seats also comes with heated steering wheel!

Reliable, looks nice, drives smooth. Safety is a plus in the Durango especially if you have children. All passengers in the back are comfortable. A lot of trunk space to fit what you need. Nice SUV for people with children or people who have to drive others around.

Travis T on July 10, 2021

The performance of the car and ways to prevent wear and tear.

It is fast and smooth and does not wear and tear quickly. It is the best brand car to have. I would drive this car everyday as a job. If you take care of the car you will have no mechanical issues. Drive at moderate speed to save tires and prevent wear and tear.

Tami J on August 10, 2021

This vehicle is good for winter months or bad terrain also luxury and comfort.

Great features and wonderful control. Has good suspension and tires. 4 wheel drive is great for snow and rough terrain. Has a am/ FM radio, with charger plug ups and smart console for easy GPS readings. Huge trunk storage and plenty of legroom for passengers.

Jayden C on March 15, 2021

2020 dodge Durango is amazing, show stopping and fantastic!

Leather interior with seating heating and steering wheel heating. 6 seats with adjustable headrest. No blind spots. Great backup camera. It also has a decent sized cargo space if you put the back 2 seats down. Speedometer is digital which is more efficient.

Amy L on August 30, 2021

Durango handles well on the road.

My Durango handles well on the road. It is very good on gas. The seats are comfortable and there is seating for 8 people. It has Bluetooth and nice 8' display for radio with good speakers. It has many airbags and is one of the safest SUVs on the road.

Rebecca P on July 28, 2021

It's my first car has beautiful interior and sturdy frame.

It is a great car has no issues really I like the size of the vehicle along with a crash test ratings. As well as the color and the way the interior is made. Would recommend to anyone trying to buy a car.

Gilbert Smith

Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.