Beyond the Price Tag: 12 Key Features You Won’t Find in the Entry-Level 2024 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango has long carved out a unique niche in the mid-size SUV segment, blending the practicality of a family hauler with the unmistakable swagger and performance pedigree Dodge is renowned for. It’s an SUV that promises both robust capability and a strong visual presence, offering a compelling package for those who desire more than just mundane transportation. For the 2024 model year, the Durango continues this tradition, presenting a spectrum of trims from the accessible SXT to the fire-breathing SRT Hellcat, aiming to cater to a diverse range of buyers with varying needs and budgets.

However, in the world of automotive purchases, the term ‘base model’ often carries a certain expectation—or perhaps, a quiet understanding of compromise. While the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT, serving as the entry point, delivers a solid foundation with its powerful V6 engine, standard third-row seating, and essential tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s crucial for discerning buyers to understand what they might be passing up. Many features that are increasingly common or even expected in today’s competitive SUV landscape are conspicuously absent or require an upgrade from the SXT.

Our deep dive today isn’t about criticizing the SXT for what it *is*, but rather illuminating what it *isn’t*, especially when compared to its higher-tier siblings or even some rivals. As automotive experts, we frequently encounter buyers surprised by the absence of certain amenities or technologies in entry-level trims. This in-depth analysis will meticulously break down 12 significant features that the base model 2024 Dodge Durango SXT doesn’t include as standard, offering clarity and expert insight to help potential owners make the most informed decision possible for their driving needs.

1. **Heated Steering Wheel**When the colder months arrive, or even on a crisp morning commute, the simple comfort of a heated steering wheel can transform a chilly drive into a more pleasant experience. It’s one of those subtle luxuries that, once experienced, becomes difficult to live without. For many SUV owners, especially those living in regions with distinct seasons, this feature is increasingly seen as a must-have, providing immediate warmth to the driver’s hands without needing to crank up the cabin heater to uncomfortable levels.

Despite the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT offering heated front seats as a standard amenity, which is a welcome addition, the heated steering wheel remains an optional feature. This distinction is quite notable, as often these two comfort features are bundled together in base-level offerings from other manufacturers. The absence of the heated steering wheel as a standard inclusion in the SXT means that buyers opting for the entry-level trim will either have to forego this convenience or explore an optional package that bundles it in.

This decision by Dodge subtly nudges buyers toward higher trims or additional option groups to access what many consider a fundamental cold-weather comfort. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, its omission from a vehicle positioned as a family-friendly SUV with some premium touches can be a point of consideration. The tactile comfort it provides directly impacts the driver’s immediate interaction with the vehicle, making its standard presence a clear mark of modern convenience.

2. **Adaptive Cruise Control**In the realm of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), adaptive cruise control stands out as a highly desirable and increasingly common feature that significantly reduces driver fatigue on long journeys and in stop-and-go traffic. Unlike traditional cruise control, which simply maintains a set speed, adaptive cruise control uses radar or camera technology to monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting the Durango’s speed to maintain a safe following distance. It can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume travel in certain scenarios.

The 2024 Dodge Durango SXT does come equipped with several commendable standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors, which are excellent for enhancing situational awareness. However, it notably lacks adaptive cruise control as a standard offering. This crucial piece of technology is reserved for higher trim levels, such as the Citadel, where it comes standard, or was previously available as part of an optional SXT Plus package in earlier model years, indicating it’s not intrinsic to the SXT’s baseline safety suite.

For drivers who frequently navigate congested highways or embark on extended road trips, the absence of adaptive cruise control in the base SXT represents a significant step down in convenience and active safety. It requires the driver to constantly manage vehicle speed in relation to traffic, negating one of the most effective tools for reducing driver stress. MotorTrend’s perspective often emphasizes the value of such systems in modern vehicles, making its omission a noticeable point of difference when comparing the SXT to its more technologically advanced siblings or competitors.

Car Model Information: 2021 Dodge Durango Citadel
Name: Dodge Durango
Manufacturer: Dodge
Production: 1997–present
Class: Mid-size,SUV
Predecessor: Dodge Ramcharger,Dodge Town Panel and Town Wagon
Related: Dodge Dakota
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,automobile layout
Caption: Dodge Durango GT 2021
ModelYears: 1998–2009,2011–present
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All accuracy disputes
Summary: The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV produced by Dodge starting with the 1998 model year. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Delaware through the 2009 model year. The third-generation Durango began with the 2011 model year. It is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, since late 2010. Each generation had options for different engine sizes and power ratings, with different transmissions also. In 2009 a hybrid variant was introduced, but ended quickly with the second generation Durango. From 2007 to 2009 the Durango was available as the Chrysler Aspen from Chrysler. Over two million Durangos have been sold since it was introduced in 1998.

Get more information about: Dodge Durango

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3. **Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking**Few technologies are as critical to modern vehicle safety as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). These systems are designed to actively help prevent or mitigate the severity of frontal collisions, often by providing audible and visual warnings to the driver and, if no action is taken, automatically applying the brakes. It’s a proactive layer of safety that can make a substantial difference in unexpected situations, from distracted driving moments to sudden changes in traffic conditions.

The 2024 Dodge Durango SXT, while equipped with essential passive safety features and standard rearview camera and parking sensors, does not include FCW with AEB as standard. This means the base model relies more heavily on driver vigilance and reactionary input, lacking the vehicle’s autonomous intervention in critical moments. This omission places the SXT behind many contemporary SUVs, where such advanced frontal collision systems are becoming a standard expectation across entire lineups.

To access these vital safety features, buyers must look towards the Citadel trim, where they are included as standard, or consider upgrading to packages that offer them. The importance of FCW and AEB cannot be overstated, as they represent the cutting edge of accident prevention technology. For a family-oriented SUV like the Durango, the absence of these standard features in its most accessible trim is a significant point of consideration for safety-conscious consumers, especially when comparing its offering against competitors that include these systems more broadly.

4. **Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Departure Warning**Maintaining proper lane discipline is fundamental to safe driving, and modern driver-assistance systems like Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are engineered to support drivers in this crucial task. LDW alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal being activated, while LKA goes a step further by gently steering the vehicle back into its lane. These systems are particularly beneficial during monotonous highway driving or when driver fatigue begins to set in, acting as an additional guardian against unintended lane excursions.

Despite the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT providing blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, its standard safety suite does not extend to proactive lane management. Neither Lane Keeping Assist nor Lane Departure Warning are included as standard features. This means the SXT driver is solely responsible for maintaining lane position, without the electronic safeguards that can offer an extra layer of security and reduce the likelihood of side-swipe accidents or run-off-road incidents.

For buyers seeking a comprehensive suite of active safety features, the inclusion of LKA and LDW necessitates an upgrade to higher trims, such as the Citadel, where these features come standard. This gap in the base model’s offerings is particularly pertinent in today’s market, where many new vehicles, even in entry-level configurations, are providing these lane-assist technologies. MotorTrend often highlights how such systems contribute significantly to overall driving safety and peace of mind, making their absence in the SXT a notable point for potential owners to weigh.

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5. **Leather Upholstery**Stepping inside a vehicle, the material quality of the seating plays a pivotal role in defining its perceived luxury and comfort. Leather upholstery, with its smooth texture, sophisticated appearance, and ease of cleaning, is often a hallmark of a more premium interior. It contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic and tactile experience, elevating the cabin from merely functional to genuinely refined. For many SUV buyers, the expectation of a rich, tactile interior extends to having leather-appointed seating.

The 2024 Dodge Durango SXT comes standard with durable and practical cloth seating. While cloth is certainly comfortable and perfectly suitable for daily use, it lacks the upscale feel and visual appeal that leather provides. The SXT’s cloth interior, while functional, doesn’t convey the same sense of refinement or premium ambiance found in higher trims. This choice of material clearly differentiates the base model’s interior from the more luxurious offerings within the Durango lineup.

To enjoy the benefits of leather upholstery, SXT buyers would need to look significantly up the trim ladder. Leather becomes an option on the GT model and is a standard feature on the R/T and Citadel trims. This strategic placement ensures that a key aspect of interior luxury is reserved for those willing to invest in higher-priced configurations. For consumers expecting a more premium cabin experience from their SUV, the absence of standard leather in the SXT is a direct indicator of its entry-level positioning, influencing both initial impressions and long-term satisfaction.

6. **Ventilated Front Seats**While heated seats are a godsend in cold weather, ventilated seats offer a comparable level of comfort when temperatures rise. These systems work by circulating air, either by drawing it away from or pushing it through the seat’s perforations, effectively preventing discomfort from heat and humidity. For drivers and passengers in warmer climates, or during summer months, ventilated seating transforms the driving experience by keeping occupants cool and dry, mitigating the sticky, uncomfortable feeling that can arise on long drives.

The 2024 Dodge Durango SXT does impress with heated front seats as a standard inclusion, a feature highly appreciated in diverse climates. However, the cooling counterpart—ventilated front seats—is not part of the SXT’s standard comfort package. This means that while the base model provides warmth in winter, it doesn’t offer the same active cooling relief in the summer, making prolonged drives in hot conditions potentially less comfortable than in higher trims.

To gain the advantage of ventilated front seats, buyers would need to step up to at least the GT trim, where it is available as an option, or opt for the Citadel trim, which includes them as standard. This omission in the SXT highlights a clear distinction in luxury and comfort amenities across the Durango lineup. From an expert perspective, including both heating and ventilation in an SUV designed for family comfort and long-distance travel significantly enhances its appeal and usability year-round, making its absence in the SXT a notable trade-off for its more accessible price point.

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7. **Absence of a Potent V8 Engine Option**Dodge’s DNA is synonymous with powerful V8 engines, a legacy that excites enthusiasts and draws many to the brand. The visceral rumble of a HEMI under the hood is often a primary motivator for choosing a Dodge, promising exhilarating performance and robust towing capabilities that few other SUVs can match. This expectation of muscle and raw power is deeply ingrained in the Durango’s identity, especially given its performance-oriented variants that have become legendary.

However, for those opting for the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT, this potent V8 experience is entirely absent from the spec sheet. The base SXT comes exclusively with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing a respectable 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While this V6 is a capable and efficient powertrain, offering a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds and decent fuel economy, it simply doesn’t deliver the raw thrill or the higher output associated with Dodge’s signature V8s.

To access the iconic HEMI power, buyers must make a significant leap up the trim hierarchy. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which generates a more robust 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque and boosts towing to 7,500 pounds, becomes available starting with the R/T trim. Further up, the SRT 392 packs a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower, and the apex SRT Hellcat unleashes a staggering 710-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8.

This strategic differentiation clearly positions the SXT as the practical, family-focused entry point, deliberately excluding the performance heartland of the Durango lineup. For many prospective buyers drawn to the Durango’s aggressive styling and Dodge’s performance reputation, discovering that the base model lacks any V8 option can be a significant point of clarification. It underscores that while the SXT offers utility, the true “Dodge” performance ethos requires a more substantial investment.

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8. **Power Liftgate**In the quest for ultimate convenience, especially for an SUV designed to accommodate families and their gear, a power liftgate stands out as a highly appreciated feature. Imagine approaching your vehicle with arms full of groceries, sports equipment, or luggage; the ability to open the cargo area with the press of a button on your key fob or a gentle kick under the bumper is a modern luxury that streamlines daily tasks. It eliminates the need to manually hoist a heavy tailgate, making loading and unloading significantly easier and cleaner.

While the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT excels in offering ample cargo space and versatile seating configurations, it surprisingly foregoes the power liftgate as a standard inclusion. Owners of the base SXT will find themselves manually opening and closing the tailgate, a task that can be cumbersome, especially for individuals of smaller stature or when the vehicle is parked on an incline. This omission, though seemingly minor, can quickly become a daily annoyance for those accustomed to or expecting this level of convenience in a contemporary SUV.

The power liftgate, a feature that significantly enhances usability, enters the Durango lineup as a standard amenity starting with the GT trim. This means that buyers prioritizing this everyday convenience will need to bypass the entry-level SXT and opt for at least the GT model, which carries a higher price point. It’s a clear instance of how seemingly subtle feature differences between trims can have a substantial impact on the overall user experience and perception of a vehicle’s modern utility.

For a vehicle often chosen for its family-hauling capabilities, the absence of a standard power liftgate in the SXT is a noteworthy consideration. Many competitors in the mid-size SUV segment offer this convenience more broadly across their entry-level trims, making the Durango SXT’s manual tailgate a point of differentiation that underscores its status as the most basic offering in the lineup. MotorTrend, in its comprehensive vehicle evaluations, consistently highlights such convenience features as vital components of a vehicle’s overall value proposition.

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9. **Advanced Uconnect 5 with 10.1-inch Display and Navigation**The infotainment system is arguably the central nervous system of any modern vehicle’s cabin, serving as the primary interface for navigation, entertainment, and connectivity. Dodge’s Uconnect system has garnered a strong reputation for its user-friendliness, crisp graphics, and robust feature set. An advanced, larger display paired with integrated navigation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the dashboard but also significantly improves the driving experience by providing crucial information clearly and efficiently.

The 2024 Dodge Durango SXT does come equipped with a commendable 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen display, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, along with Bluetooth connectivity. This is a solid foundation for an entry-level trim, providing essential modern connectivity. However, it’s not the top-tier Uconnect experience available in the Durango lineup. The SXT’s 8.4-inch screen is a step down from the more expansive and immersive 10.1-inch display, and crucial, factory-integrated navigation is notably absent.

To truly unlock the Durango’s full infotainment potential, particularly the larger 10.1-inch touchscreen and the convenience of a built-in navigation system, SXT buyers would need to look higher up the trim ladder. The 10.1-inch touchscreen becomes an option on the GT Plus package and is standard on trims like the R/T and Citadel. Similarly, the navigation system is part of the GT Plus package and standard on the R/T. While smartphone integration allows for app-based navigation, an integrated system often offers superior reliability and a more seamless experience, especially in areas with poor cellular reception.

The larger display significantly enhances visibility and interaction, especially for multitasking functions or displaying detailed map information. The absence of this premium infotainment suite in the base SXT signals its fundamental positioning, reserving these advanced, often-sought-after digital luxuries for those who choose to upgrade. MotorTrend’s reviews consistently emphasize how a superior infotainment interface contributes to overall driver satisfaction and ease of use, making this a notable distinction.

Furthermore, the context notes that for the 2025 model year, all Dodge Durango models will feature a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 system, highlighting how quickly these features become standard. This makes the 2024 SXT’s omission of the larger screen and navigation even more apparent in retrospect, emphasizing its entry-level status in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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10. **Premium Audio Systems**For many drivers, the quality of a vehicle’s audio system is paramount to the enjoyment of their daily commute or long road trips. A premium audio setup, typically featuring more speakers, higher wattage, and specialized tuning, transforms the cabin into a concert hall, delivering rich, immersive sound that standard systems often cannot replicate. It’s a key luxury appointment that profoundly impacts the in-car entertainment experience.

The 2024 Dodge Durango SXT includes a respectable six-speaker audio system as standard. This setup provides adequate sound for casual listening and certainly fulfills the basic function of playing audio. However, it falls short of delivering the auditory sophistication and depth that more discerning audiophiles or those simply seeking an enhanced experience might desire. It’s a functional system, but not one designed to impress with its acoustic prowess.

Those looking for an elevated sound experience will find that the Durango lineup offers significant upgrades, but not in the base SXT. A nine-speaker Alpine audio system is introduced with the GT Premium package and becomes standard on the R/T trim. For the ultimate in-car audio, the R/T Premium package elevates this further with a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The SRT 392 trim, meanwhile, features a Beats Premium Audio sound system, offering yet another high-fidelity option.

The distinction in audio systems is a clear marker of the SXT’s entry-level status. While the standard six-speaker system is perfectly functional, the absence of these higher-tier, meticulously engineered audio packages means SXT owners miss out on a significant luxury appointment. The richer soundstage and greater clarity offered by Alpine, Harman Kardon, or Beats systems fundamentally change the cabin ambiance, underscoring the SXT’s more pragmatic approach to interior amenities.

11. **Sunroof**A sunroof, whether it’s a traditional panel or a panoramic glass roof, fundamentally changes the interior ambiance of a vehicle by allowing natural light to flood the cabin and offering an open-air experience. It enhances the feeling of spaciousness and can make even long drives more enjoyable, connecting occupants with the outside world. For many, it’s a highly desirable luxury and convenience feature, turning a standard interior into something more inviting and airy.

In the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT, this popular feature is not on the menu as standard. The SXT comes with a traditional solid roof, which is perfectly functional but lacks the openness and brightness that a sunroof provides. This omission is a common characteristic of base models across the industry, reserving such amenities for higher trims or as optional upgrades designed to enhance perceived luxury and comfort.

To enjoy the benefits of a sunroof, SXT buyers would need to consider stepping up to at least the GT Plus trim, where it is offered as an option. Further up the line, the Citadel trim includes a sunroof as a standard feature, alongside a host of other premium appointments. This tiered availability highlights the sunroof as a clear differentiator in the Durango lineup, marking it as a feature that adds to the vehicle’s luxury appeal and commanding a higher price point.

For families or individuals who appreciate natural light and the option to let in fresh air without rolling down windows, the absence of a sunroof in the SXT is a notable trade-off. It’s one of those “nice-to-have” features that significantly contributes to the overall premium feel and enjoyment of an SUV, making its exclusion from the entry-level model a clear indicator of its foundational positioning.

12. **Wireless Phone Charger**In an increasingly connected world, keeping our smartphones charged and ready is a constant priority. Wireless phone charging has emerged as a quintessential modern convenience, allowing drivers and passengers to simply place their compatible devices on a charging pad without fumbling for cables. This eliminates clutter, keeps the cabin tidy, and ensures devices are always topped up, making it a highly sought-after feature in today’s vehicles.

Despite the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT offering essential connectivity through its 8.4-inch Uconnect system with USB ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, it does not include a wireless phone charger as a standard feature. SXT owners will still rely on traditional wired charging methods, necessitating cables for device power. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, its absence can be a minor inconvenience for those accustomed to or desiring the seamless experience of wireless charging.

To gain the convenience of wireless charging, buyers would need to look beyond the base SXT. This modern amenity becomes a standard inclusion starting with the R/T trim and is also available as part of the GT Premium package. This placement within the trim hierarchy clearly designates wireless charging as a desirable convenience element reserved for higher-tier Durango models, reinforcing the SXT’s role as the most fundamental offering.

For an SUV that aims to be family-friendly and cater to modern lifestyles, the omission of a standard wireless phone charger in the SXT is a clear indication of its entry-level status. It underscores that while the SXT provides core functionality, many of the ‘smart’ and effortless conveniences that define a more premium driving experience are held back for models further up the price ladder. As automotive technology rapidly advances, features like wireless charging are quickly transitioning from optional luxuries to expected necessities.

The 2024 Dodge Durango SXT, as we’ve meticulously detailed across these 12 points, serves as a capable and appealing entry point into the Durango family, offering a solid V6 engine, standard third-row seating, and essential tech at an accessible price. However, our comprehensive dive into these omitted features—from advanced safety systems and coveted comfort features to infotainment upgrades and signature V8 power—illustrates a clear strategy. Dodge has carefully curated the SXT to be a foundational offering, deliberately reserving many of the premium, performance, and convenience elements that truly elevate the Durango experience for its higher-tier siblings. Understanding these distinctions is not about diminishing the SXT, but empowering potential buyers with the MotorTrend-level insights needed to make an informed decision. The ‘base model’ often comes with compromises, and in the case of the 2024 Dodge Durango SXT, knowing exactly what those are is key to finding the Durango that truly aligns with your expectations and driving aspirations.