Cargazing
By Derek Price

As Dodge retires its iconic Charger and Challenger muscle cars, the 2025 Durango R/T 20th Anniversary Edition proves there’s still room for old-school American muscle in today’s SUV-dominated market.

After a week behind the wheel of this HEMI-powered family hauler, it’s clear that while this generation Durango may be showing its age, it still offers a unique blend of practicality and performance that’s increasingly rare.

The heart of this special edition Durango is its 5.7-liter HEMI V8, producing 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.

This engine, paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers the kind of muscular acceleration and satisfying exhaust note that Dodge enthusiasts expect. More impressively, it can tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped — a figure that puts many pickup trucks to shame.

However, this powerful V8 comes with a significant thirst for fuel. EPA ratings of 14 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway reflect the compromises required for this level of performance and capability. In an era of increasing fuel costs and environmental awareness, these numbers might give some buyers pause.

The 20th Anniversary Edition Durango R/T’s muscular styling and performance-inspired touches create an imposing presence that sets it apart from typical three-row SUVs.

The R/T 20th Anniversary Edition adds distinctive touches that set it apart from standard Durangos. The black HEMI hood graphic, “345” fender badges and 20-inch forged wheels create a purposeful appearance.

Inside, SRT seats with Tupelo bronze stitching and “345” embroidery remind occupants this isn’t your typical family SUV.

The Durango’s age shows in its technology and safety features. While the Uconnect infotainment system remains one of the most user-friendly in the business, many advanced driver assistance features that come standard on newer competitors are optional here. Our Premium trim tester included these features, but they require stepping up to higher trim levels.

On the road, the Durango feels exactly as you’d expect a muscle car-inspired SUV to feel. The steering is precise, if not particularly communicative, and the performance-tuned suspension in the R/T strikes a reasonable balance between handling and comfort.

However, its size and weight are always apparent, especially in tight urban environments.
Inside, the three-row cabin offers good space and functionality. The second-row captain’s chairs in our tester provided comfortable accommodations, though the third row is best suited for occasional use.

Special edition touches and performance seats give the Durango’s functional interior a sporty character, though some materials and features show the platform’s age.

Material quality is generally good, with premium touches like the forged carbon-fiber accents adding visual interest.

At $72,065 as tested, the Durango R/T 20th Anniversary Edition Premium represents a significant investment. But for buyers seeking a practical family vehicle that hasn’t completely abandoned performance credentials, it offers a compelling package that’s increasingly hard to find.

The 2025 Dodge Durango R/T is something of a throwback — a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive-based SUV in a world increasingly dominated by turbocharged four-cylinders and front-wheel-drive crossovers.

As one of the last V8-powered mainstream SUVs available, the Durango R/T carries the torch for enthusiasts who need family transportation but aren’t ready to give up on performance.

It’s not the most practical or efficient choice, but for those who appreciate its muscular character, those compromises may be worth making.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Dodge Durango R/T 20th Anniversary Edition ($70,470). Options: None. Price as tested (including $1,595 destination charge): $72,065

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 119.8 in.
Length: 200.8 in.
Width: 85.5 in.
Height: 72.1 in.
Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (360 hp, 390 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
MPG: 14 city, 22 highway

RATINGS

Style: 8
Performance: 10
Price: 6
Handling: 5
Ride: 7
Comfort: 8
Quality: 7
Overall: 7

WHY BUY IT?

The 20th Anniversary Edition offers genuine performance credentials and impressive towing capability in a practical three-row package, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts who need family transportation.

Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Dodge Hornet proves that practicality doesn’t have to be boring.

After a week testing the GT AWD model, it’s clear that this Italian-built crossover brings something unique to the compact SUV segment: genuine sporting character wrapped in a practical package.

Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces a robust 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, shared with Alfa Romeo models, delivers impressive thrust through a responsive nine-speed automatic transmission.

With standard all-wheel drive, the Hornet offers both confidence in inclement weather and engaging dynamics on dry pavement.

The Hornet’s handling is where it truly stands apart from competitors. Sharp steering, firm suspension tuning and excellent body control create a driving experience more reminiscent of a sport sedan than a typical crossover.

Its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots are evident in the best possible way, delivering an engaging character that’s rare in this segment and price point.

Visually, the Hornet makes a strong statement. Its sleek, aggressive styling successfully translates Dodge’s performance heritage into crossover form.

The design manages to look distinctly European while wearing American muscle car attitude — fitting, given that it’s assembled in Pomigliano, Italy, with 56 percent Italian-sourced parts.

With its aggressive styling and athletic stance, the Hornet successfully translates Dodge’s performance heritage into crossover form.

Inside, the cabin offers a good blend of technology and functionality. My GT tester came well-equipped with features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The materials and build quality are solid, if not class-leading.

However, the Hornet’s sporting aspirations do come with some compromises.

The rear seat space is tighter than some competitors, and cargo capacity falls short of class leaders. The firm ride, while great for handling, might be too stiff for buyers seeking maximum comfort.

At $44,825 as tested, our GT AWD with the Blacktop and Track Pack represents a significant investment. However, even base models come well-equipped with standard all-wheel drive and impressive performance credentials.

The Hornet’s driver-focused cockpit features modern technology and good build quality, though rear seat space is tight compared to some rivals.

One potential concern is long-term reliability. While the Hornet is too new for meaningful reliability data, its Alfa Romeo roots might give some buyers pause, given the brand’s historical reputation. However, recent quality surveys suggest improvement in this area.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet isn’t for everyone. Buyers seeking maximum space, comfort or fuel efficiency might be better served elsewhere in the segment.

For those who prioritize driving engagement and distinctive styling in their compact crossover, the Hornet delivers a compelling and unique package.

It’s refreshing to see an automaker bring genuine performance credentials to an often-uninspiring segment.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD ($36,400). Options: Premium paint ($595), Customer Preferred Package 23L ($2,245), GT Blacktop and Track Pack bundle ($3,990). Price as tested (including $1,595 destination charge): $44,825

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 103.8 in.
Length: 178 in.
Width: 82 in.
Height: 63.8 in.
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder (268 hp, 295 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
MPG: 21 city, 29 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 7
Handling: 9
Ride: 5
Comfort: 6
Quality: 6
Overall: 7

WHY BUY IT?

The Hornet offers class-leading performance and engaging dynamics in a stylish package, making it an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts who need crossover practicality.