BREAKDOWN: 2021 Dodge Durango SXT & SXT Plus Models:

The 2021 Dodge Durango has already been one of the most talked-about refreshes for any vehicle going into the new model year. While most attention is focused on the limited production 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat model, the more popular models have been overshadowed. 

For those of us who are working on a budget, the entry-level 2021 Dodge Durango SXT brings in some new standard equipment, a revamped front end styling treatment, and a handsome new interior that puts the budget-friendly performance SUV, at the top of its class. 

With the 2021 Dodge Durango getting ready to arrive in dealer showrooms, we figured we would take an in-depth look into the entry-level trim.

Starting with the exterior, the 2021 Dodge Durango SXT ditches the famed crosshair grille and adapts the new performance-oriented look of the rest of the Durango lineup. The revised front fascia features standard LED headlamps, new LED signature daytime running lamps (DRL), new LED fog lamps, a more aggressive rear spoiler with integrated LED Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), and a new Black Grille and Granite Crystal accents. 

Durango SXT models come standard with 18-inch x 8-inch painted aluminum wheels. For those looking for a bigger option, there is an optional 20-inch x 8-inch Satin Carbon wheel on the Anodized Platinum Package or a 20-inch x 8-inch Black Noise wheels available on the sporty Blacktop Appearance Package (both packages are available on SXT Plus).

Inside, the new Challenger-influenced driver-centric styled cockpit gives the Durango a much more modern look. The 2021 Dodge Durango SXT now adds an integrated center stack, Type-A & Type-C USB ports, 7-inch performance cluster and gauges, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen system without navigation as standard equipment.

The Durango SXT is the only trim-level on the 2021 Dodge Durango that doesn’t come with a third-row as standard equipment. The big Durango still offers room for five passengers, however, those looking for a seven-passenger configuration can still opt for one for an additional cost. For those who go with the standard cloth seats, two colors are available to choose from (Black and Light Frost). Those colors also can be chosen on the optional Capri Leather.

Under the hood, the only available powertrain is the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 293 horsepower (295 horsepower on Blacktop models) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and features Engine Start/Stop (ESS). The Pentastar is mated with an 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission and has a towing capability of up to 6,200 lbs. The Pentastar V6 can push the Durango SXT to 0 to 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds and a 1/4-mile pass of 15.7 seconds.

For those looking for more comfort, the SXT Plus Package adds things like bright roof rails, rear ParkSense park-assist with stop, and a 12-way power driver seat to the mix. The SXT Plus Package adds $2,600 to the Durango SXT’s price tag.

The 2021 Dodge Durango SXT has a U.S. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,765 for rear-wheel-drive models and $34,365 for all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. That is a $970 increase in MSRP over the 2020 model year pricing.

There are a number of options and packages available for the 2021 Dodge Durango SXT. Those options and packages include…

• 3rd Row Seating – $1,095
• Trailer-Tow Group IV – $1,195
  • 180-Amp Alternator
  • 7- and 4-Pin Wiring Harness
  • Class IV Receiver-Hitch
  • Full-Size Spare Tire
  • Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling
  • Rear Load Leveling Suspension
  • Steel Spare Wheel
  • Trailer Brake Control
• Engine Block Heater – $95
• Durango SXT Plus Group – $2,600 
• 2^nd-Row Fold and Tumble Captain Chairs – $1,195 (SXT Plus*)
• Popular Equipment Package – $1,695 (SXT Plus*)
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Power Liftgate
  • Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror
• Blacktop Package – $1,595 (SXT Plus*)
  • 20-Inch x 8-Inch High Gloss Black Aluminum Wheels
  • 265/50R20 BSW All-Season LRR Tires
  • Black Headlamp Bezels
  • Body-Color/Accent-Color Grille
  • Body-Color Front Fascia
  • Body-Color Rear Fascia
  • Body-Color Shark Fin Antenna
  • Body-Color Sill Molding
  • Body-Color Wheel Lip Molding
  • Delete Roof Rack
  • Dual Rear-Exhaust with Bright Tips
  • Gloss Black Badges
  • Gloss Black Exterior Mirrors
• Anodized Platinum Package – $995 (SXT Plus*)
  • 20-Inch x 8.0-Inch Satin Carbon Wheels
  • 265/50R20 BSW All-Season LRR Tires
  • Black Roof Rails
  • Body-Color Wheel Lip Molding
  • Platinum Badging
  • Platinum Fog Lamp Bezels
  • Platinum Front Fascias
  • Platinum Grille with Platinum Texture
  • Platinum Rear-Lower Fascia
  • Sill with Platinum Accent
• Leather Seating – $795 (SXT Plus*)
• Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection – $495 (SXT Plus*)
• Power Sunroof – $1,295 (SXT Plus*)

* Must have the SXT Plus package to order option.

Not all exterior colors are available on the 2021 Dodge Durango SXT models. Billet Silver, DB Black, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Granite Crystal, Octane Red, Reactor Blue, Vice White, and White Knuckle are available. All colors are available with no extra cost, except Vice White which comes with a $595 premium.

For more information or inventory availability on the 2021 Dodge Durango SXT, you can visit your local Dodge dealer.  Those who are looking to continue the discussion, you can join in on the MoparInsiders forums.