2021 Dodge Durango Will Switch to Body-On-Frame Platform

According to the latest reports, the Durango is coming back to its roots, as the new generation is about to ride on a more conventional body-on-frame platform. This SUV has been around for almost 22 years. The initial models were typical body-on-frame SUVs. On the other side, the current model rides on a more modern, unibody platform and shares most of its design characteristics with the Grand Cherokee. Unfortunately, it turned out that the two models actually compete between themselves. So, Dodge is about to bring back the new 2021 Dodge Durango to a more conventional design.

Interestingly, it will get even bigger and practically become a full-size SUV and compete with models like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Besides the new platform, this SUV will also come with a completely new styling. It will be based on the company’s latest design language. Also, count on some interesting novelties under the hood. Expect to see it sometime in the next year.

Platform

Redesign always bring significant changes, but this time we are about to see something really significant. At the time when most SUVs are switching to a unibody platform, the 2021 Dodge Durango is going come back to its roots, to a conventional body-on-frame layout. The reason for such a move is because the company doesn’t want this model to compete with Grand Cherokee anymore. While Jeep’s famous mid-size SUV will get an Italian platform with the upcoming overhaul, the 2021 Dodge Durango redesign will bring this model much closer to the Ram’s lineup.

Along with a new architecture, this model will also get bigger. It will compete with other full-size SUVs like Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Most of the mechanics will be shared with the new Ram 1500. Still, various reports suggest the new Jeep Wagoneer will come with a similar design as well.

2021 Dodge Durango Exterior

When it comes to the exterior design, we have no doubt that the company will accentuate its body-on-frame character. Of course, we will have to wait for some more time to get 2021 Dodge Durango spy photos, but we can presume some of the main styling characteristics. Despite that Dodge and Ram are now separate brands, we are pretty sure that the new Durango will share design language with its truck sibling. Front ends of these two models should look pretty much the same.

This means that we won’t be seeing the famous crosshair grille design anymore. The rest of the vehicle should come in a typical SUV manner, with a wagon-like body and pretty large dimensions, on par with future rivals from Chevy and Ford. Finally, count on a couple of distinctive details, though we can’t predict them at the moment.

Interior

Of course, this aspect is still a mystery. At this point, we can only speculate about most basic things, such as the overall cabin layout. Of course, you can count on a typical three-row design, with a large cargo area as well. When it comes to the dashboard design and overall styling of the interior, many parts should be borrowed from the new Ram 1500. The new generation of the famous truck comes with a very upscale cabin and it definitely features the finest materials in the class. The 2021 Dodge Durango should come even better in this aspect, with a little bit different dashboard layout.

Besides plenty of style and luxury, we count on a long list of standard equipment as well. Count on the company’s latest, super-intuitive infotainment system, as well as on numerous gadgetry, driving aids and other kinds of hi-tech systems.

2021 Dodge Durango Engines

When it comes to the engines, we are pretty sure that the 2021 Dodge Durango will share the powertrain with the new Ram 1500. That means that base models should come with a familiar 3.6-liter V6 engine. In this case, it delivers around 305 horsepower. We count on a familiar 5.7-liter V8 unit as well, which now comes with the eTorque system and a max output of 395 horsepower. A larger, 6.4-liter Hemi engine is expected to be in the offer as well, just like a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine.

Finally, some reports also suggest a hi-performance 2021 Dodge Durango SRT version as well, with a mightful 707-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine.

2021 Dodge Durango Release Date and Price

The 2021 Dodge Durango is still under development and it will probably come sometime in the second quarter of the next year. When it comes to the price, keep in mind that the new model will be bigger. This indicates a significantly higher price tag as well.

That would mean somewhere between 45.000 and 50.000 dollars for base versions. As we already mentioned, key competitors will be Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Still, count on other full-size SUVs as well, such as Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada etc.