Dodge Durango trim comparison
2024 Dodge Durango R/T vs Citadel
The Durango R/T starts at $51,270 while the Citadel is $51,670. That $400 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 5.7L V8 to 3.6L V6. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the R/T if the 5.7L V8 already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the Citadel only when the 3.6L V6 powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the R/T to the Citadel is about $7/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $420 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the R/T and Citadel share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $400 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $67 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | R/T | Citadel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $51,270 | $51,670 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 5.7L V8 | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 295 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 14 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 22 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 17 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 24.6 gal | 24.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $3,100/yr | $2,100/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,176 lbs | 4,990 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 119.8" |
| Length | 200.8" | 200.8" |
| Width | 75.8" | 75.8" |
| Height | 72.1" | 72.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Dodge Durango R/T vs Citadel Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Dodge Durango lineup, the Dodge brand hub, the Full-Size SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Durango Citadel cost than the R/T?
The Citadel starts at $51,670 compared to $51,270 for the R/T. That is a $400 difference, or approximately $7/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Dodge Durango R/T and Citadel have the same engine?
No. The R/T uses a 5.7L V8 (360 hp, 390 lb-ft), while the Citadel has the 3.6L V6 (295 hp, 260 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do both the 2024 Durango R/T and Citadel come in 4WD?
Both trims start with RWD as standard. 4WD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current 4WD pricing. This comparison uses the base RWD configuration.
Is the 2024 Durango R/T or Citadel safer?
Both share the same Dodge Durango platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Dodge Durango come with?
All 2024 Dodge Durango trims, including both the R/T and Citadel, come with Dodge's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Dodge Durango Citadel worth $400 more than the R/T?
The $400 buys the 3.6L V6. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the R/T does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Dodge Durango trim gets better fuel economy, the R/T or the Citadel?
The Citadel is the more efficient of the two at 21 combined MPG, versus 17 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $400 Gets You
The Durango Citadel is a clear upgrade over the R/T. The $400 price increase gets you the 3.6L V6 engine (+-65 hp) -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
R/T vs. Citadel: Day-to-Day
The Citadel comes with the 3.6L V6 instead of the R/T's 5.7L V8. That means -65 more horsepower and -130 more lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Durango Citadel gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $471 per year or $2,355 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$400 more for the Durango Citadel gets you 6 real differences. At $7/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Dodge Durango R/T
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the R/T best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Dodge Durango Citadel
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Citadel when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Dodge or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.