Dodge Durango trim comparison
2024 Dodge Durango SXT Plus vs R/T
The Durango SXT Plus starts at $41,265 while the R/T is $51,270. That $10,005 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 3.6L V6 to 5.7L V8. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the SXT Plus if the 3.6L V6 already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the R/T only when the 5.7L V8 powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The R/T adds about $176/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $10,560 more overall with interest. 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 SXT Plus and R/T share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $10,005 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,668 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 | SXT Plus | R/T |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $41,265 | $51,270 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.6L V6 | 5.7L V8 |
| Horsepower | 293 hp | 360 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 14 |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 22 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 17 |
| Fuel Tank | 24.6 gal | 24.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | $3,100/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,750 lbs | 5,176 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 SXT Plus vs R/T 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 R/T cost than the SXT Plus?
The R/T starts at $51,270 compared to $41,265 for the SXT Plus. That is a $10,005 difference, or approximately $176/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT Plus and R/T have the same engine?
No. The SXT Plus uses a 3.6L V6 (293 hp, 260 lb-ft), while the R/T has the 5.7L V8 (360 hp, 390 lb-ft). That is 67 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do both the 2024 Durango SXT Plus and R/T 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 SXT Plus or R/T 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 SXT Plus and R/T, 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 R/T worth $10,005 more than the SXT Plus?
The $10,005 buys the 5.7L V8. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the SXT Plus does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Dodge Durango trim gets better fuel economy, the SXT Plus or the R/T?
The SXT Plus 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.
Breaking Down the $10,005 Gap
The R/T earns its premium. For $10,005 more, you get the 5.7L V8 engine (+67 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Durango lineup.
How the SXT Plus and R/T Feel Different
Moving from the SXT Plus to the R/T means a different engine entirely. That means 67 more horsepower and 130 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 4 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Durango SXT Plus 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.
The Short Version
$10,005 more for the Durango R/T gets you 6 real differences. At $176/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 SXT Plus
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SXT Plus best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Dodge Durango R/T
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the R/T 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.