Information is very limited and slim about the new 2024 Dodge Durango. But there have been several rumors and information that Durango would share production with the Wagoneer. It should be exciting, knowing that both cars would be sharing construction and foundation. So, what can you expect from it?
About the Upcoming 2024 Durango
The 2024 Dodge Durango would be redesigned, and it would be using a body on frame construction (which is used by Jeep Wagoneer) instead of the unibody construction (which is implemented for Grand Cherokee). The manufacturing production would end in 2023, which means that the Durango should be expected as the 2024 model.
However, the company has to deal with the manufacturing process. The company’s assembly plant of Jefferson North (in Detroit, Michigan) is responsible for the construction of Grand Cherokee and Durango. The plant has been struggling with meeting the Grand Cherokee’s demand although the Detroit Assembly Complex manufacturing plant is sharing production with the Jefferson North.
The company decided to move the production of Durango to Warren Truck Assembly manufacturing plant (located in Warren, Michigan). This is the place where Wagoneer was constructed. And when the production was moved there, it frees up the manufacturing capacity in Detroit. Moreover, Ram 1500 Classic would be discontinued in the following year, meaning that there would be free manufacturing capacity in Warren.
Future Plans for Durango
The Wagoneer has a starting price of around $60,000 which means that there is ample space for full size SUVs that are more affordable (if not cheaper). It would be set to rival against Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Chevy Tahoe; all of which start from around $50,000. This is the segment where Durango is planned to come. Dodge
also makes plan for the second model, which would be coming with plug in hybrid system available as a compact crossover.
The current Durango has been produced since 2011, which makes the Durango to be in the market for quite a while. When first introduced in 2010, the Durango was only the extended wheelbase type of Grand Cherokee, offering Dodge-style and 3 seating rows. That’s why the Grand Cherokee has remained to overshadow the Durango, although Durango is now able to accommodate 7 people and HEMI unit. But in terms of engine performance, the Durango is still far from Grand Cherokee.
The Full Size SUV
The 2024 Durango is set as a full size SUV. It adopts body on frame platform (inspired from RAM DT), which affects the interior cabin (and the space), the haul and towing ability, and more power. For now, Wagoneer is able to pull 10,000 pounds of towing capacity while Durango is 8,700 pounds. This has created more abilities for the Dodge to improve more of the SUVs and the features, which likely includes the towing ability.
Powertrain and Performance
Although there is no official confirmation about the upcoming Durango (in terms of technical and mechanical aspects), it’s highly likely that Dodge pickup platform would be offered for the 2024 model. It means that 2022 Durango would be the last model with aging construction and design. Dodge is following Chevy and Ford with their full size SUV planning and production. Dodge is hopeful that the upcoming Durango would have bigger interior, better hauling ability, and also better towing ability.
In terms of engine, Dodge wants to include Hellcat into the arrangement although it’s unclear whether they are going to do it this year. They did it last year but with only limited production up to 3,000 SUVs. It seems that Dodge is worried about the assemble (where and how long) and also product shuffling. If we know more about 2024 Dodge Durango, including the release date and price, we should provide more update.
