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Durango reborn? Detroit plant gearing up for 2029
Reports are now more than just whispers: the next-generation Dodge Durango is on the way. Fiat Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit is set to receive a $130 million investment to prepare for the new full-size SUV, with production expected to start around 2029. That means the current Durango will remain on sale for a few more model years, while enthusiasts wait for the redesigned model to arrive.
What we know — and what remains speculative
Concrete details are scarce, so much of what’s circulating is based on informed speculation and renderings from digital studios. Still, several consistent themes keep appearing in reports and concept artwork: a retained performance focus, multiple powertrain options, and styling that borrows heavily from Dodge’s muscle-car family.
The powertrain lineup being discussed includes:
- Traditional V8 variants, keeping the Durango's muscle-SUV identity alive
- A twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane inline-six as a middle-ground option
- Hybrid technology to improve efficiency without losing torque
Battery-electric Durango derivatives are not expected at launch. That doesn’t rule out a BEV forever, but if Dodge greenlights an all-electric Durango, it would likely arrive later in the next decade as the brand expands its electrified portfolio.
Performance and positioning
If the rumors hold, Dodge will position the new Durango as a performance-focused full-size SUV, aimed at buyers who want family-hauling capability but also crave horsepower and torque. That strategy keeps Dodge distinct from mainstream rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition by emphasizing muscle, straight-line speed, and aggressive styling.
Design: Charger cues stretched into an SUV
Most artist impressions of the 2029 Durango start with the current-generation body and graft on the front and rear fascias of the new Charger. The result often reads like an SUV version of the muscle sedan — a bold, wide stance with a familiar crosshair of lighting and a fastback-leaning rear treatment.
Digital shops like Kolesa and Digimods Design have recently released videos and images showing that exact approach. The Digimods Design clip on YouTube stitches together several renderings to make a compelling visualization: a muscular bonnet, narrow LED headlamps, and a Charger-inspired taillight band give the Durango a cohesively sporty face and rear.
"Visually, the recipe works," many observers say. The Charger’s design language translates naturally to a three-row platform, giving the SUV a distinct identity within Dodge’s lineup.
Market outlook and buyer appeal
Dodge's challenge will be balancing performance with practicality. Modern buyers increasingly expect tech, safety, and efficiency alongside power. A hybrid or efficient inline-six could broaden appeal, while a V8 variant would secure enthusiast loyalty.
Highlights:
- Production timeline: targeted for 2029
- Investment: $130 million at Jefferson North Assembly Plant
- Likely engines: V8, twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane I6, hybrid
- BEV: possible but not expected at launch
Would you buy a Durango that looks like a Charger on stilts, or do you prefer the current model's design and character? The renderings make a persuasive visual case, but the real test will be how Dodge calibrates power, tech, and pricing when the new Durango finally arrives.
Source: autoevolution
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