The Dodge Durango just proved it’s more than muscle—it’s a crowd favorite. According to the latest J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Durango has taken the top spot in the upper midsize SUV segment, tying for first and helping catapult Dodge to second place among all mass-market automotive brands in the U.S.
This marks a massive 31-point improvement for Dodge over last year—the biggest leap of any mass-market brand in the study.
“Dodge’s surge to No. 2 among mass market brands in the APEAL rankings is a testament to the brand’s bold identity and deep connection with its customers,” said Yuri Rodrigues, the new Senior Vice President of Quality at Stellantis North America. “Led by Durango’s top finish in its segment, Dodge’s 31-point gain reflects our intense focus on performance, execution and customer satisfaction. This is Dodge delivering with pride, purpose and power.”
The J.D. Power APEAL Study gauges how emotionally satisfied owners are with their new vehicles, scoring things like driving excitement, comfort, tech features, and the overall sense of pride people feel behind the wheel. With 37 measured attributes, it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to assess how well automakers are delivering the full ownership experience.
Dodge’s gain wasn’t the only highlight for Stellantis. The Jeep® Grand Cherokee also made waves, securing third place in the competitive midsize SUV category and giving the Jeep brand an 8-point boost in this year’s study.
For fans of Dodge and Jeep, this is a major win. It shows both brands continue to resonate with real customers—not just in terms of performance, but in how they feel to own and drive every day.
