We’ve covered many different vehicle models in our fuel-type articles before, and we’re doing it again specifically for the Dodge Durango in this guide.
If you fancy owning a Dodge Durango yourself, then one essential thing to also keep in mind is the type of gas or fuel that you are putting in it, as filling up with the incorrect one can lead to bad news for your engine and fuel system.
We’ll also be covering other fuel-related info about the Dodge Durango, which can range from the use of ethanol blends to the gas tank size and gas mileage of each Durango generation, so be sure to have a thorough read!
What kind of gas does a Dodge Durango take?
Dodge Durango models equipped with 3.6L V6, 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8, and 5.7L V8 engines can take regular 87-octane gas, but it’s also recommended to use 89-octane gas for the 5.7L V8s for optimum performance.
The Dodge Durango’s 6.2 and 6.4L V8 engines are the only options to require premium 91-octane gas.
Over the course of its entire production run, the Dodge Durango has been offered several different engine options with varying fuel requirements.
Because of this, it’s actually necessary to familiarize yourself with the exact fuel requirements of the engine option that you’re choosing.
While we already mentioned the Dodge Durango’s minimum gasoline octane rating for each engine above, this is only a summary of its fuel requirements and there are still several things worth going through in the next part.
Does the Dodge Durango take regular gas?
The Dodge Durango can take regular 87-octane gas if it’s equipped with either a 3.6L V6, 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.7L V8, or a 5.9-liter V8 (naturally aspirated).
H2: Dodge Durango Fuel Requirements by Generation and Engine Option
1st-gen Dodge Durango models need 87-octane gas, except for the SP360’s supercharged 5.9L V8 which needs 92-octane.
All 2nd-gen Durango models need 87-octane gas for all engine options.
3rd-gen Durango models need 87-octane gas for the 3.6L V6 and 5.7L V8s, and 91-octane gas for the 6.2 and 6.4L V8s.
1st-Generation Dodge Durango (DN) (1998 to 2003)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.9L Magnum V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 4.7L PowerTech V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.2L Magnum V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 5.9L Magnum V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 5.9L Supercharged Magnum V8(Shelby SP360) | 92-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
The first of the Dodge Durango generations started in 1998 with the “DN” designation, and would-be owners had a choice of one V6 and multiple V8 options.
The 3.9-liter Magnum V6 started off as the base engine, though it was phased out by the 2000 model year, making the 4.7-liter PowerTech V8 that replaced it the smallest engine option.
A 5.2-liter Magnum V8 was also available from the beginning but met the same fate as the V6 in 2000.
The 1st-gen Durango’s top-spec engine was the 5.9-liter Magnum V8, which came with 250hp with the recommended fuel.
Speaking of fuel, all engines we’ve mentioned so far require 87-octane gasoline. But for the 5.2-liter and 5.9-liter V8s, specifically, it’s recommended to switch to 89-octane gas to achieve their optimum performance.
There’s one more engine for the 1st-gen Durango, and it comes in the form of a supercharged version of the 5.9-liter Magnum V8, which is the heart of the special Dodge Durango Shelby SP360 model.
Now it’s quite tricky to find any info about the recommended octane rating for the Shelby SP360 online.
But after looking at photos of the Shelby SP360’s engine bay, we’ve found out that there is an “octane warning” label on the supercharger that says to only use 92-octane gasoline for its engine.
2nd-Generation Dodge Durango (HB) (2004 to 2009)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.7L Magnum V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 4.7L Magnum V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 5.7L HEMI Eagle V8 Hybrid | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
The 2nd-generation Dodge Durango debuted under the “HB” designation in 2004. Customers are greeted with a completely new look and a revamped set of engine options for the model.
The previous gen’s 3.9-liter V6 was replaced by a smaller but peppier 210-horsepower 3.7-liter Magnum V6 that’s only 40 hp short of the older top-spec 5.9-liter V8’s power output.
The 4.7-liter Powertech V8 was also retired in favor of a newer Magnum V8 with the same displacement. However, one major difference that the 2nd gen’s 4.7-liter Magnum V8 has is that it now comes equipped with E-85/Flex-Fuel capability.
Thanks to this update, the Durango’s 4.7-liter V8 option is able to take gasoline with up to 85% ethanol should you prefer more power (and cleaner-burning emissions) over gas mileage.
A 5.7-liter HEMI V8 was also offered for the 2nd-gen Durango in hybrid and non-hybrid form (HEMI Eagle Hybrid).
Both of these 5.7-liter V8 engines can run on regular 87-octane fuel like the rest of the lineup, but if you want to extract every ounce of available power they have, then Dodge recommends switching to 89-octane.
3rd-Generation Dodge Durango (WD) (2011 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 6.4L HEMI 392 Apache V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
| 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8(SRT Hellcat) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
The 3rd and current generation of the Dodge Durango has been in production since 2011 and is still going strong thanks to Dodge’s numerous updates over the years.
Codenamed “WD”, the 3rd-gen Durango is equipped with the popular 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that many of Stellantis’ automotive subsidiaries use in their vehicles, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee (jeep grand cherokee gas type).
The Dodge Durango WD’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 can take regular 87-octane gasoline as well as E-85/Flex-Fuel.
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 of the last generation was also carried over and keeps its 87-octane requirement with 89-octane being recommended for optimal performance.
If the 5.7-liter powerplant doesn’t have enough oomph for you, then you’ll be glad to know that the 3rd-gen Durango also comes with a 6.4-liter HEMI 392 Apache V8 that makes 475 hp out of the box.
But that’s not even the cream of the crop yet. That award goes to the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s 710-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 beast of an engine, which was only limited to the 2021 model year.
But of course, such powerful engines demand higher-octane fuel to perform the best, which is why both the Durango’s 6.4-liter V8 and supercharged 6.2-liter V8 require premium 91-octane gas.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango can be filled up with TOP TIER detergent gasoline, reformulated gasoline, E-10 or E-15 (non-Flex-Fuel models), and E-85/Flex-Fuel (Flex-Fuel models).
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
The use of TOP TIER gasoline is recommended by Dodge for its Durango models, as it contains a high concentration of detergent additives to keep your engine and fuel system components clean.
Compared to non-TOP TIER fuel, TOP TIER detergent gasoline is able to reduce the build-up of any debris or deposits inside the engine, resulting in the maintenance of optimal engine performance.
Many automotive manufacturers support the use of TOP TIER detergent gasoline, and over 60 fuel brands across the US and Canada have already adopted its formulation in the gasoline that they sell.
To spot fuel that’s up to TOP TIER standards, simply look for the “TOP TIER” label at your local gas station pumps.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)
Reformulated gasoline is a relatively modern type of fuel that is designed to burn cleaner compared to conventional gasoline.
Reformulated gasoline, or RFG, contains lesser toxic ingredients, resulting in cleaner emissions and lesser environmental impact on the surrounding air.
It is for this reason that reformulated gasoline is highly recommended and, in some instances, even mandated in places that have higher levels of air pollution and smog, such as metropolitan areas.
Over 30% of gasoline sold in the US is actually reformulated gasoline, so it’s quite a common and viable choice of fuel for the majority of gasoline-powered vehicles on the road today, and that includes the Dodge Durango.
Up to 10 or 15% Ethanol Blends (E-10/E-15) (Non-Flex-Fuel Models)
Other than pure gasoline, the Dodge Durango can actually use gasoline blended with ethanol. Though there are still limitations that you need to keep in mind so as to not cause damage to its engine and fuel system.
After searching through each Dodge Durango model year’s owner’s manual, we’ve found that 2015 models and earlier are limited to just 10% ethanol blended in gasoline, or E-10.
On the flip side, 2016 and newer Durango models have “leveled up” to E-15 capability, which simply means that they can now take gasoline with up to 15% ethanol content.
Vehicles that are limited to E-10 or E-15 are classified as “Non-Flex-Fuel Vehicles”, as they cannot use Flex-Fuel, which can contain up to 85% ethanol (E-85). They will also come equipped with a black fuel cap, as shown below.
E-85/Flex-Fuel (Flex-Fuel Models)
Dodge Durango Flex-Fuel models are a bit few and far between, and this is because only two of its engine options have ever received Flex-Fuel capability over the entirety of the SUV’s production run.
Flex-Fuel engines of the Dodge Durango include the 2nd generation’s 4.7-liter Magnum V8 and the 3rd generation’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.
The use of fuel that contains more than 85% ethanol should be avoided for Flex-Fuel vehicles (FFVs) in order to avoid corroding and damaging their engines and fuel system components.
Flex-Fuel vehicles will come with their own unique yellow fuel cap that is usually printed with an “E-85/Gasoline” label, as shown below.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Dodge Durango
Avoid filling up the Dodge Durango with gasoline containing MMT, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid propane (LP), and diesel or biodiesel fuels.
Gasoline Containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
The use of gasoline containing MMT should be avoided at all costs for the Dodge Durango and countless other vehicles on the road for reasons we will now explain.
MMT has been used as an octane-boosting additive in both leaded and unleaded gasoline, though it has been known to damage your vehicle’s spark plugs and various parts of your fuel system.
Add the fact that MMT also makes your vehicle’s emissions more toxic, and you’ve got an additive that’s just not worth risking the environment, your vehicle, and your own health for.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid Propane (LP)
Unlike some American-made vehicles like the Ford F-150, the Dodge Durango was never released with a “natural gas” version, so alternative fuels like CPG (compressed natural gas) or LP (liquid propane) are completely off-limits for it.
In fact, the use of CNG or LP is so off-limits for the Durango that it’s even stated in its manual that modifying the vehicle to take such alternative fuels will void its warranty.
Dodge states that the installation of CNG or LP fuel system modifications on the Durango may negatively affect the engine and fuel system, and any consequences will not be covered under the manufacturer’s “New Vehicle Limited Warranty”.
Diesel/Biodiesel
Throughout its entire lifespan, the Dodge Durango was never released with a diesel option, which obviously means that you shouldn’t be putting a single drop of diesel fuel in its tank, and that includes biodiesel.
Accidentally putting diesel fuel in a gasoline engine will clog up the fuel system components and gum up the engine internals, which can eventually result in the engine seizing up completely.
Diesel fuel is naturally thicker and denser compared to gasoline (or petrol). Thus, a gasoline engine’s fuel system will not be able to properly deliver and burn it.
Just in case you did accidentally fill up your gasoline car with diesel, never attempt to drive it further. Rather, you should call for a towing service to have it towed to the nearest mechanic for proper drainage and repairs.
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong gas type, such as using lower-octane fuel than what’s recommended for your vehicle, can result in decreased performance, engine knocking, and potential damage to the engine internals.
Dodge Durango Gas Mileage Per Generation
The Dodge Durango can achieve a combined gas mileage of 12 to 15 mpg (1st gen), 10 to 21 mpg (2nd gen), and 13 to 21 mpg (3rd gen) depending on the exact engine option.
1st-Generation Dodge Durango Gas Mileage (DN) (1998 to 2003)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 3.9L Magnum V6 (2WD) | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg |
| 3.9L Magnum V6 (4WD) | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg |
| 4.7L PowerTech V8 (2WD) | 12 to 13 mpg | 17 to 18 mpg | 14 to 15 mpg |
| 4.7L PowerTech V8 (4WD) | 12 to 13 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg | 13 to 14 mpg |
| 5.2L Magnum V8 (2WD) | 12 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg |
| 5.2L Magnum V8 (4WD) | 12 mpg | 15 to 16 mpg | 13 mpg |
| 5.9L Magnum V8 (2WD) | 11 to 12 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg | 13 mpg |
| 5.9L Magnum V8 (4WD) | 11 mpg | 15 to 16 mpg | 12 to 13 mpg |
2nd-Generation Dodge Durango Gas Mileage (HB) (2004 to 2009)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 3.7L Magnum V6 (2WD Only) | 14 mpg | 19 to 20 mpg | 16 mpg |
| 4.7L Magnum V8 (2WD) | 13 to 14 mpg | 17 to 19 mpg | 14 to 15 mpg |
| 4.7L Magnum V8 (4WD) | 13 mpg | 17 to 18 mpg | 15 mpg |
| 4.7L Magnum V8 (2WD/4WD)(E-85/Flex-Fuel) | 8 to 9 mpg | 12 to 13 mpg | 10 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (2WD) | 12 to 13 mpg | 17 to 19 mpg | 14 to 15 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (4WD) | 12 to 13 mpg | 16 to 19 mpg | 13 to 15 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI Eagle V8 Hybrid | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
3rd-Generation Dodge Durango Gas Mileage (WD) (2011 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 (2WD/RWD) | 16 to 19 mpg | 23 to 26 mpg | 19 to 21 mpg |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 (4WD/AWD) | 16 to 18 mpg | 22 to 25 mpg | 18 to 21 mpg |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6(E-85/Flex-Fuel) | 12 to 13 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg | 14 to 15 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (2WD/RWD) | 14 mpg | 20 to 22 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (4WD/AWD) | 13 to 14 mpg | 20 to 22 mpg | 15 to 17 mpg |
| 6.4L HEMI 392 Apache V8(AWD only) | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg |
| 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8(SRT Hellcat) | 12 mpg | 17 mpg | 13 mpg |
Dodge Durango Gas Tank Size/Capacity Per Generation
The Dodge Durango has a gas tank size of 25 gallons (1st gen), 27 gallons (2nd gen), and 24.6 gallons (3rd gen).
| Dodge DurangoGeneration/Model Years | Engine/Trim Level | Gas Tank Size/Capacity (US Gallon/Liter) |
1st Generation (DN)(1998 to 2003) | 3.9L V6 (Base) | 25 gal (94.6 l) |
| 3.9L V6 (SLT) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 4.7L (SXT) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 4.7L V8 (SLT) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 4.7L V8 (SLT Plus) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 4.7L V8 (Sport) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 5.2L V8 (SLT) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 5.2L V8 (SLT Plus) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 5.2L V8 (Sport) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 5.9L V8 (R/T) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
2nd Generation (HB)(2004 to 2009) | 3.7L V6 (SLT) | 27 gal (102.2 l) |
| 3.7L V6 (ST) | 27 gal (102.2 l) | |
| 3.7L V6 (SXT) | 27 gal (102.2 l) | |
| 4.7L V8 (All Trims) | 27 gal (102.2 l) | |
| 5.7L V8(All Trims Except SXT) | 27 gal (102.2 l) | |
| 5.7L V8 Hybrid(Limited HEV) | 27 gal (102.2 l) | |
3rd Generation (WD)(2011 to 2023/Present) | Express | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) |
| SXT | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| SXT Plus | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| Heat | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| Crew | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| Crew Plus | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| Limited | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| GT | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| GT Plus | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| R/T | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| Citadel | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| Citadel Anodized Platinum | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| SRT | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| SRT 392 | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| SRT Hellcat | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| Pursuit(Police Model) | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) | |
| Special Service Vehicle (SSV) | 24.6 gal (93.1 l) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
