2020 Dodge Durango R/T: V8 Muscle Meets Three-Row SUV Practicality

Key Takeaways

• The 2020 Dodge Durango R/T combines three-row family practicality with the performance and character of a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

• Its engine produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

• When properly equipped with the factory Trailer Tow Group IV package, rear-wheel-drive models can tow up to 7,400 pounds, while all-wheel-drive models can tow up to 7,200 pounds.

• The Durango R/T offers seating for up to seven passengers, making it a practical choice for families who still want an engaging driving experience.

• Available comfort features include leather and suede seating, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and remote start.

• The 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

• Buyers should consider the trade-off between V8 performance and fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 14 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.

• Before purchasing a used Durango R/T, shoppers should inspect for unusual engine ticking, test the infotainment system, examine the rear LED taillight, verify towing equipment, and confirm that applicable recalls have been completed.

• The Durango R/T is best suited for buyers who want strong towing capability, three-row seating, bold styling, and genuine V8 performance in one versatile SUV.

• Auto Solutions Motor Company in Fairview Heights helps used vehicle shoppers from Belleville, Collinsville, Granite City, East St. Louis, Swansea, Millstadt, Columbia, Smithton, Freeburg, Caseyville, and Cahokia find vehicles that match their driving and family needs.

Finding a three-row SUV that can handle family transportation, weekend towing, daily commuting, and genuinely entertaining driving is not always easy. Many midsize SUVs are designed primarily around comfort, fuel economy, and practicality. Those qualities are important, but they can leave drivers who enjoy performance wanting something more.

The 2020 Dodge Durango R/T takes a different approach.

With a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a rear-wheel-drive-based platform, performance-oriented suspension tuning, and substantial towing capability, the Durango R/T combines the attitude of an American muscle car with the usefulness of a family SUV.

For used SUV shoppers in Fairview Heights, Belleville, Collinsville, Swansea, and surrounding Illinois communities, the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T offers a rare combination. It can carry up to seven people, provide the technology and comfort families expect, and deliver the unmistakable sound and personality of a V8 engine.

At Auto Solutions Motor Company in Fairview Heights, we understand why the Durango R/T continues to attract shoppers who do not want to choose between practicality and performance. It is an SUV designed for people who need space but still want to enjoy the drive.

Why the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T Still Stands Out

The used SUV market includes plenty of practical choices. What makes the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T different is the way it brings several desirable characteristics together in one vehicle.

It offers three-row seating for family transportation, strong towing capability for recreational needs, an upscale and comfortable interior, and a V8 powertrain that gives the SUV a distinctive driving character.

That combination is becoming increasingly uncommon.

Many newer SUVs rely on smaller turbocharged engines and front-wheel-drive-based platforms. The Durango R/T instead uses a naturally aspirated V8 and rear-wheel-drive-based architecture. This gives it a different feel from many conventional midsize crossovers.

The Durango R/T is not simply a family SUV with an appearance package. Its engine, suspension tuning, braking system, exhaust note, and towing capability all contribute to a more performance-focused personality.

For shoppers visiting Auto Solutions Motor Company from Granite City, East St. Louis, Caseyville, Cahokia, or elsewhere in the Metro East, the Durango R/T may be especially appealing when an ordinary crossover does not feel exciting enough.

The Sweet Spot in the 2020 Dodge Durango Lineup

The 2020 Dodge Durango was offered in five trim levels:

SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT.

The lower trims focused more heavily on comfortable everyday transportation and used Dodge’s Pentastar V6 engine. The high-performance SRT sat at the top of the lineup for buyers seeking the most aggressive performance available.

The R/T occupied an appealing position between those two ends of the range.

It gave shoppers access to Dodge’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 without requiring them to move all the way into the higher-performance SRT model. That made the R/T an attractive choice for drivers who wanted V8 power, confident towing capability, and a sportier driving experience while maintaining the everyday usability expected from a three-row SUV.

Many enthusiasts view the R/T as the lineup’s ideal balance.

It delivers the recognizable HEMI exhaust note, smooth power delivery, muscular exterior design, and rear-wheel-drive-based driving dynamics that performance-minded buyers appreciate. At the same time, it remains practical enough for school transportation, commuting, grocery runs, family trips, and other daily responsibilities.

For shoppers comparing used Dodge Durango models near Fairview Heights, the trim level matters. Someone who mainly needs basic transportation may be satisfied with a V6 model. Someone seeking maximum performance may prefer the SRT. The R/T is designed for the buyer who wants a little of everything.

A Legendary 5.7-Liter HEMI V8

The centerpiece of the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T is its 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine.

It produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. This combination gives the Durango R/T smooth, confident acceleration while preserving the relaxed driving manners needed for everyday use.

The naturally aspirated engine responds in a direct and predictable way. Instead of waiting for a turbocharger to build boost, the driver receives smooth power delivery as the accelerator is pressed.

The sound is also an important part of the experience.

The HEMI V8 provides an exhaust note that helps the Durango R/T feel more distinctive than the average three-row SUV. It gives the vehicle a sense of character whether the driver is accelerating onto the highway, passing slower traffic, towing a trailer, or simply leaving a stoplight.

Dodge also equipped the engine with a Multi-Displacement System. Under light-load driving conditions, the system can deactivate four cylinders to improve highway efficiency. When additional power is needed, the engine returns to full V8 operation.

The result is an engine that can feel calm and composed during ordinary driving while still delivering the strength and sound buyers expect from a HEMI.

That flexibility is one reason the Durango R/T can work well for drivers throughout Fairview Heights, Belleville, Columbia, Millstadt, and surrounding communities. It can handle daily transportation during the week without losing the capability needed for weekend recreation.

Performance That Goes Beyond Straight-Line Power

A powerful engine is only one part of a satisfying driving experience. The 2020 Dodge Durango R/T also includes several features intended to improve handling, stability, and driver confidence.

Although the Durango R/T weighs well over 5,000 pounds, it is designed to feel controlled and responsive for a vehicle of its size. Its sport-tuned suspension, responsive steering, larger brakes, and rear load-leveling shocks help it manage its weight during acceleration, braking, cornering, passenger transportation, and towing.

The rear-wheel-drive-based platform also contributes to the Durango’s driving character.

In many front-wheel-drive-based SUVs, the front wheels are responsible for both steering and delivering most of the engine’s power. A rear-wheel-drive-based design separates those responsibilities more naturally, helping the Durango feel balanced and composed.

This does not turn the Durango R/T into a small sports car, nor is that its purpose. It remains a substantial three-row SUV. However, its platform and performance-oriented equipment give it a more engaging personality than many family crossovers.

Drivers should still take the vehicle’s size and weight into consideration, especially when braking, parking, or traveling through tight spaces. During a test drive at Auto Solutions Motor Company, shoppers should evaluate how comfortable they feel with the Durango’s dimensions, visibility, steering response, and ride quality.

The right SUV should not merely look good in photographs. It should feel comfortable and manageable from the driver’s seat.

Serious Towing Capability for Weekend Adventures

One of the most impressive qualities of the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T is its towing capability.

When equipped with the factory Trailer Tow Group IV package, rear-wheel-drive models can tow up to 7,400 pounds. All-wheel-drive models can tow up to 7,200 pounds.

That capability can make the Durango R/T a useful choice for drivers who need to pull a camper, boat, utility trailer, or other recreational equipment.

The Trailer Tow Group IV package includes equipment designed to support towing duties, including:

• A Class IV receiver hitch

• An integrated trailer brake controller

• Heavy-duty engine cooling

• Trailer wiring

• Rear load-leveling suspension

• A full-size spare tire

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The rear load-leveling suspension is especially helpful because it assists the SUV in maintaining a more stable stance when carrying passengers, cargo, or trailer tongue weight.

Towing capacity should never be evaluated by the engine alone. Buyers should confirm that the individual vehicle has the correct factory equipment and inspect the hitch, wiring, cooling components, tires, brakes, and suspension.

The trailer’s weight, passenger load, cargo, and equipment must also be considered. A vehicle’s maximum rating does not mean every trailer below that number is automatically suitable under all conditions.

When considering a used Durango R/T for towing in Smithton, Freeburg, Collinsville, or elsewhere in the region, ask Auto Solutions Motor Company to help you review the vehicle’s equipment. Confirming the installed towing package is an important step before making a purchase based on towing capability.

Aggressive Exterior Styling With a Purpose

The 2020 Dodge Durango R/T does not hide its performance-oriented personality.

Its exterior styling is more aggressive than many conventional family SUVs. The design includes a functional hood scoop, an SRT-inspired front fascia, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, dual exhaust outlets, and Dodge’s signature full-width LED racetrack taillight.

Together, these features give the Durango R/T a wide, planted appearance.

The hood scoop and performance-inspired front fascia create a muscular first impression, while the dual exhaust outlets reinforce the presence of the HEMI V8. At the rear, the full-width LED taillight provides a recognizable nighttime appearance.

Available Blacktop and Brass Monkey appearance packages give buyers additional ways to personalize the vehicle’s exterior. Equipment may vary from one used Durango to another, so shoppers should review the actual vehicle rather than assuming every R/T includes the same appearance options.

That is particularly important when shopping online. Vehicle photographs, window information, and a physical inspection can help confirm which wheels, trim details, lighting features, and appearance packages are present.

At Auto Solutions Motor Company, we encourage local shoppers to look beyond the model name and examine the individual vehicle. Two Durango R/T models from the same year can have different equipment, cosmetic details, condition, and ownership histories.

A Comfortable Interior for Everyday Family Use

The 2020 Dodge Durango R/T may look aggressive on the outside, but the interior remains designed around passenger comfort and everyday usability.

Available cabin features include leather and suede seating, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, remote start, and seating for up to seven passengers.

These features can be especially valuable during changing Illinois weather.

Heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start can make cold mornings more comfortable. Tri-zone climate control allows different areas of the cabin to maintain separate temperature settings, which can reduce arguments among passengers during longer drives.

The three-row design gives families additional flexibility. Depending on the seating configuration and passenger needs, the Durango can be used for transporting children, relatives, friends, sports equipment, groceries, luggage, or other cargo.

As with any three-row SUV, buyers should personally test the seating layout.

Sit in all three rows. Check access to the rear seats. Fold and raise the seats. Make sure child safety seats, sports gear, work equipment, or other frequently carried items fit comfortably.

A specification sheet can tell you how many people the SUV is designed to hold, but only a hands-on evaluation can show whether the layout works for your household.

Uconnect Technology and Everyday Connectivity

The 2020 Durango R/T includes an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Premium audio options were also available.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow drivers to access compatible smartphone functions through the vehicle’s display. Depending on the connected phone and applications, drivers may be able to use navigation, music, calls, messages, podcasts, and other supported features.

Bluetooth provides additional options for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

The Uconnect system is generally straightforward to operate, but technology should always be tested when purchasing any used vehicle.

Before buying, connect your phone and verify that Apple CarPlay or Android Auto works properly. Test the touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, speakers, steering-wheel controls, USB connections, backup camera, and any other electronic features included in the vehicle.

Technology problems may not appear during a quick walkaround. Spending several minutes testing the infotainment system can help identify concerns before the purchase.

Fuel Economy and the Reality of V8 Ownership

The 2020 Dodge Durango R/T has EPA ratings of 14 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined.

Those figures reflect one of the main trade-offs of choosing V8 performance.

Shoppers considering the Durango R/T should think honestly about how they drive. Someone with a long highway commute may experience different fuel use than someone who makes mostly short city trips. Towing, passenger weight, weather, traffic, driving habits, and vehicle condition can also affect real-world results.

The Durango R/T is not designed to be the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class. Its appeal comes from its power, towing strength, sound, rear-wheel-drive-based platform, passenger capacity, and distinctive personality.

For many buyers, the right question is not whether the Durango R/T uses more fuel than a smaller crossover. The better question is whether the additional capability and enjoyment are worth that trade-off.

Auto Solutions Motor Company encourages shoppers to consider the complete ownership picture. Fuel expenses, insurance, maintenance, tires, brakes, intended use, and financing should all be evaluated before choosing any performance-oriented SUV.

What to Inspect Before Buying a Used 2020 Dodge Durango R/T

A thorough inspection is important when purchasing any used vehicle, and the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T has several specific areas buyers should review.

Listen for Unusual Engine Noise

Buyers should listen for the commonly discussed HEMI tick.

Not every engine sound indicates a serious problem, and fuel injectors or other normal components can create clicking noises. However, any persistent or unfamiliar ticking should be evaluated by a qualified technician.

Listen during a cold start and after the engine reaches operating temperature. A professional inspection can help distinguish normal operating sound from a potential mechanical concern.

Test the Infotainment System

Verify that the Uconnect touchscreen responds correctly and that the system does not freeze, restart unexpectedly, or fail to connect with a smartphone.

Test the navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, audio system, backup camera, and physical controls.

Inspect the Rear LED Taillight

Check the full-width rear LED racetrack taillight carefully.

Confirm that all sections illuminate correctly and inspect the housing for moisture, damage, or inconsistent lighting. Because the taillight is one of the Durango’s signature exterior features, it deserves more than a quick glance.

Confirm Recall Completion

Ask whether applicable factory recalls have been completed.

Recall status can often be verified using the vehicle identification number. Recall completion is an important part of evaluating a used vehicle’s history and safety-related maintenance.

Verify Towing Equipment

When towing is part of your purchase decision, confirm that the Durango has the correct factory towing equipment.

Inspect the hitch, wiring, trailer brake controller, cooling equipment, spare tire, brakes, suspension, and tires. Do not rely solely on the presence of a hitch, since a hitch may have been installed separately and does not by itself confirm the full factory towing package.

Complete a Thorough Test Drive

Drive the vehicle at different speeds and on different types of roads when possible.

Evaluate acceleration, braking, transmission operation, steering, suspension behavior, cabin noise, climate control, and electronic features. Make sure there are no warning lights or unusual vibrations.

A used vehicle should also be inspected for tire condition, fluid leaks, body damage, interior wear, and evidence of previous repairs.

Who Should Consider a 2020 Dodge Durango R/T?

The Durango R/T may be a strong match for shoppers who need three-row seating but do not want a traditional family SUV experience.

It may appeal to:

• Families that need seating for up to seven

• Drivers who enjoy naturally aspirated V8 performance

• Buyers who plan to tow recreational equipment

• Shoppers who prefer a rear-wheel-drive-based SUV

• Drivers who want an aggressive exterior design

• Buyers who value heated seating and modern connectivity

• Muscle car enthusiasts who need additional passenger and cargo space

The Durango R/T may not be the best fit for someone whose highest priority is fuel economy or compact exterior dimensions. It is a substantial SUV with a powerful engine, and those qualities come with ownership considerations.

The right buyer will appreciate what makes it different rather than expecting it to behave like a small crossover.

Shop for a Used Dodge Durango in Fairview Heights, Illinois

For vehicle shoppers in Fairview Heights and nearby communities, Auto Solutions Motor Company offers a convenient place to explore used SUVs, cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

Our dealership serves drivers from Belleville, Collinsville, Granite City, East St. Louis, Swansea, Millstadt, Columbia, Smithton, Freeburg, Caseyville, and Cahokia, Illinois.

When shopping for a used 2020 Dodge Durango R/T, availability can change. Even when a specific Durango is not currently in stock, reviewing the available inventory can help you compare other SUVs with the seating, performance, towing ability, technology, and comfort features you need.

Auto Solutions Motor Company believes shoppers should feel informed before making a decision. That means understanding not only the exciting features of a vehicle, but also its fuel economy, maintenance considerations, equipment differences, inspection needs, and intended purpose.

A knowledgeable purchase is more likely to remain a satisfying purchase after the excitement of the test drive has passed.

Final Thoughts: A Family SUV With Genuine Muscle Car Character

The 2020 Dodge Durango R/T blends qualities that rarely appear together in one vehicle.

It offers the practicality of three-row seating, the comfort and technology needed for daily transportation, the strength to tow up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped, and the unmistakable personality of a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

It can take children to school, carry passengers on a road trip, tow recreational equipment on the weekend, and still make an ordinary drive feel more entertaining.

That versatility is what makes the Durango R/T so compelling.

As naturally aspirated V8 SUVs become increasingly rare, the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T remains one of the most distinctive options in the used vehicle market. It is not the right SUV for every shopper, but for drivers who want space, strength, comfort, and genuine American V8 character, it deserves serious consideration.

Flexible Financing and Help Finding the Right Vehicle

At Auto Solutions Motor Company, we believe your credit history should not prevent you from finding a dependable vehicle that fits your needs. That is why we offer financing options for buyers in a wide range of credit situations, including customers with excellent credit, limited credit, past credit challenges, or no established credit history.

Our team works with multiple lending resources to help shoppers explore financing solutions that fit their individual circumstances. Every customer’s situation is different, so we take the time to review the available options and help make the vehicle-buying process as clear and straightforward as possible.

Do not be concerned if you do not see a 2020 Dodge Durango R/T in our current inventory. Auto Solutions Motor Company has relationships with dealerships and automotive auctions throughout the country, and our team will go out of its way to help locate the vehicle you are looking for. Whether you have a specific trim, drivetrain, color, feature package, mileage range, or budget in mind, let us know what matters most to you.

Start your search today by visiting the Auto Solutions Motor Company website to view our current inventory. Your next car, truck, or SUV may already be waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T

1. What engine does the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T have?

The 2020 Dodge Durango R/T is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, giving drivers smooth power delivery, confident acceleration, and the distinctive sound associated with a HEMI V8.

2. How much can the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T tow?

When properly equipped with the factory Trailer Tow Group IV package, a rear-wheel-drive 2020 Dodge Durango R/T can tow up to 7,400 pounds. All-wheel-drive models can tow up to 7,200 pounds. Before purchasing one for towing, buyers should confirm that the specific vehicle has the correct factory equipment and that the hitch, wiring, brakes, tires, cooling system, and suspension are in good condition.

3. Is the 2020 Dodge Durango R/T a good family SUV?

Yes. The Durango R/T combines performance with practical features that can work well for families. It offers seating for up to seven passengers, three rows of seating, tri-zone climate control, and available features such as heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, leather and suede upholstery, and remote start. Buyers should still sit in every row and test the seating configuration to make sure it fits their household’s needs.

4. What should I inspect before buying a used Dodge Durango R/T?

Shoppers should listen for unusual engine ticking, test the Uconnect infotainment system, inspect the full-width rear LED taillight, verify that applicable recalls have been completed, and confirm any factory towing equipment. A thorough test drive and professional inspection can also help identify concerns involving the transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, tires, electronics, or previous repairs.

5. Can Auto Solutions Motor Company help me finance or locate a 2020 Dodge Durango R/T?

Auto Solutions Motor Company offers financing options for customers in a wide range of credit situations, including shoppers with established credit, limited credit, no credit history, or past credit challenges. If a 2020 Dodge Durango R/T is not currently listed in our inventory, our team can use its relationships with dealerships and automotive auctions across the country to help search for a vehicle that matches your preferred trim, drivetrain, features, mileage, and budget.