Types Of Gas A Dodge Durango Takes (All Generations)

On this blog, we’ve written extensively about the Dodge Durango and its various features. Today we’re going to look at what kind of gasoline this car uses and for which generation this applies. Let’s start with a quick answer:

All Dodge Durangos manufactured between 1997 – Present-day that have a 3.5L, 3.6L or 4.7L engine use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. All Dodge Durango’s that have a 5.7L or 5.9L V8 use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 – 89 whereas 89 is advised for optimum performance. Dodge Durango SRTs with a 6.2L or 6.4L Engine use fuel with an octane rating of 91.

However, that doesn’t tell the full story. Below we’ll talk about the different kinds of fuel that are available on the market and whether or not they are compatible with the Durango. Finally, we’ll also discuss the fuel mileage and the fuel tank size to give you a complete overview of this aspect of the car. Read on!

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Also read: How Many Miles Can A Dodge Durango Last? (Answered)

Infographic explaining the different fuel types for a Dodge Durango.

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Premium Gasoline

Premium gasoline is the gasoline that has an octane rating of 91 or higher. It’s used in some vehicles for optimal performance whether that be for racing or towing purposes. The use of premium gasoline in the regular Durango is not recommended by Dodge. The reason for this is that it has no benefit over the use of regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 – 89. Only engines that are designed for premium fuel are capable of getting benefit out of the use of it. Therefore it’s recommended you only use it for the 6.2L and 6.4L Durango SRT.

Reformulated Gasoline

Dodge strongly promotes the use of reformulated gasoline in the Dodge Durango. In some areas of the United States, reformulated gasoline is mandatory. The reason for this is the fact that this fuel is designed to burn cleaner, and therefore the car has fewer emissions. Reformulated gasoline can be bought at certified retailers that carry the TOP TIER gasoline mark. In order to find a retailer in you area, please go to toptiergas.com.

Oxygenated Blends / E-15 / E-85

Some fuels consist of a mixture of regular unleaded gasoline and ethanol. Using ethanol in your gasoline is not a problem in itself, as long as it’s done in small quantities.

For Durangos manufactured before 2009 Dodge advises you to use fuel that has a maximum of 10% ethanol (E-10). Durango’s manufactured after 2013 can use fuel with a maximum of 15% ethanol (E-15). Some 2004 – 2009 Durango’s with a 4.7L V8 are Flexible Fuel Vehicles which means they can have fuel with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E-85).

Also, no generation of the Durango is capable of handling fuel that contains methanol.

Using fuels with more than 10-15% ethanol for cars that are not Flexible Fuel Vehicles, or any concentration of methanol, can result in the following symptoms:

Operate in a lean mode.
OBD II Malfunction Indicator Light on.
Poor engine performance.
Poor cold start and cold drivability.
Increased risk for fuel system component corrosion.

Fuel Additives

It’s not recommended to add any fuel additives to the fuel yourself. The reason for this is the fact that some of these additives may contain active solvents and/or metals that will damage the fuel system and the engine. Damage caused to the fuel system by adding solvents to the fuel is not covered under warranty.

However, using gasoline that contains detergents, corrosion, and stability additives is recommended. Dodge strongly recommends you buy this kind of fuel at a certified TOP TIER gasoline retailer. These retailers sell gasoline that already has all the right additives mixed in.

Also, fuel additives such as MMT (also known as an octane booster) are not recommended. A stated before, using gasoline with a higher than recommended octane rating will not deliver any benefit to the performance or lifespan of the Durango. If you insist on using fuel with a higher octane rating than recommended it’s advised you buy this at the certified gas stations and don’t add additives yourself.

CNG Or LP Modifications

Modifying the Durango to run on Compressed Natural Gas or Liquid Propane is against the car’s warranty. Applying these modifications to the vehicle can damage the fuel system, emission system, or engine. This is your responsibility and is not covered under warranty.

Also read: Dodge Durango Transmissions: Overview, Problems, Fluids

Hearing A Knocking Noise After Refueling?

Hearing a slight knocking noise from your engine is a completely normal symptom of the car, especially if it’s working hard (such as when towing). However, this knocking noise

Fuel Mileage Of The Durango

It will come as no surprise that this large SUV is not specifically made for fuel economy. This thought still holds through today since the fuel mileage of the Durango basically hasn’t improved over the past two and a half decades. Granted, the engines have also become larger in some cases, but still, this is nothing to write home about. Have a look for yourself!

Year	Engine	Combined MPG	City MPG	Highway MPG
1997 – 2003	4.7 2WD	15	13	18
	4.7 4WD	14	13	17
	5.9 2WD	13	12	17
	5.9 4WD	13	11	16
2004 – 2009	3.7	16	14	19
	4.7 2WD	15	14	19
	4.7 4WD	15	13	17
	4.7 E-85	10	9	12
	5.7 2WD	15	13	19
	5.7 4WD	15	13	18
2013 – 2020	3.6 RWD	21	19	26
	3.6 AWD	21	18	25
	5.7 RWD	17	14	22
	5.7 AWD	17	14	22
	6.4 AWD	15	13	19
2020 – Present-day	3.6 RWD	21	19	26
	3.6 AWD	21	18	25
	5.7 RWD	17	14	22
	5.7 AWD	17	14	22
	6.2 AWD	13	12	17
	6.4 AWD	15	13	19

Also read: The Oil Type, Weight, And Capacity Of A Dodge Durango

Fuel Tank Size Of The Durango

Dodge Durangos with a 3.7L, 4.7L, 5.7L or 5.9L engine manufactured between 1997 – 2009 have a fuel tank capacity of 27 gallons or 102 liters. Durangos manufactured from 2013 onwards with a 3.5L, 3.6L, or 5.7L engine have a fuel tank capacity of 24.6 gallons or 93 liters. This includes the Durango SRT’s with a 6.2L or 6.4L engine.

Sources

Stefan K.

Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.

I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.

Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!

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