Dodge has always been renowned for its powerful muscle cars, such as the Charger and Challenger, the kind driven by tough-guy cops in TV dramas. The Dodge RAM truck lineup proved so successful that it eventually spun off into a standalone brand. However, in the SUV segment, Dodge has never quite been a market leader.
Nevertheless, over the past quarter-century, the company has released several intriguing models both powerful and practical. Some of these have achieved near-cult status, while others faded away quickly, leaving behind less-than-fond memories.
Dodge Durango (1998–Present)
The Durango is the brand’s longest-running SUV model still in production today. Debuting in 1998, it was built on the Dakota pickup truck platform and shared its front-end styling, dashboard, and seats with that model.
Its taillights were borrowed from the Dodge Caravan. Overall, the Durango offered a rugged yet practical aesthetic. Early models were equipped with a 5.2-liter V8 engine (producing between 175 and 360 hp), which was replaced by a 4.7-liter engine by the year 2000.
The second generation arrived in 2004; it was larger and more comfortable than its predecessor, featuring coil springs in the rear suspension and an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine.
In 2007, the Durango underwent a facelift, receiving a fresh design that included an updated grille, hood, headlights, fenders, and wheels. Then, in 2009, a hybrid version briefly appeared only to be discontinued almost immediately.
Over the years, changes were made to trim levels, option packages, and transmissions, and in 2021, its exterior styling was also updated. In 2026, the Durango remains available with both V6 and V8 engines; notably, early in the year, it unexpectedly posted its best sales figures in two decades.
Dodge Caliber (2007–2012)
The Caliber was positioned as a compact crossover, though it bore a closer resemblance to a high-riding hatchback. Its engine lineup consisted of rather modest options: 1.8L (148 hp), 2.0L (158 hp), and 2.4L (172 hp).
A five-speed manual transmission and a CVT were offered, while all-wheel drive was available exclusively on the 2.4-liter version. The Caliber faced criticism for its unreliable CVT, the use of very cheap plastics in the cabin, and its lackluster driving dynamics. By 2012, sales had plummeted, and the model was discontinued. Surprisingly, examples of it can still be spotted on our roads today.
Dodge Nitro (2007–2011)
The Nitro is a twin to the Jeep Liberty/Cherokee, albeit without any off-road ambitions. The lineup included Detonator, Shock, and Heat versions, and—alongside its rugged styling—offered a choice of two engines: a 3.7-liter V6 (210 hp) and a 4.0-liter V6 (260 hp). In its final production year, the Nitro’s interior featured upgraded cloth and leather upholstery with premium stitching, while select models sported signature racing stripes.
However, the Nitro was not without its flaws: a cramped cabin, a stiff suspension, and stiff competition from its nearly identical sibling, the Jeep. While 75,000 units were sold in its launch year of 2007, sales had plummeted to just 24,500 by 2011. Consequently, few people shed any tears when the Nitro was discontinued.
Dodge Journey (2009–2020)
The Journey was a mid-size crossover launched in 2008 that remained on the market for over a decade, proving far more successful than the Nitro. With its 5+2 seating configuration—featuring a reclining and sliding second row, integrated child booster seats, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed transmission.
Two engine options were offered, prioritizing fuel economy over raw power: a 2.4-liter inline-four producing 173 hp and a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 235 hp. Its primary strengths were practicality and safety.
However, by 2020, underpowered engines and an outdated platform had relegated the Journey to the status of a market also-ran.
Dodge Hornet (2023–Present)
The Hornet marks a new chapter in the history of Dodge and is the result of a collaboration with Stellantis. It is a compact crossover built on the Alfa Romeo Tonale platform, yet infused with a distinctly American character.
The lineup features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 268 horsepower and all-wheel drive, as well as a 288-hp plug-in hybrid available in the R/T trim capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Fans are waiting for Dodge to offer them something just as wild as the 700-horsepower Durango Hellcat but in a brand-new body style. In a world where even crossovers are becoming increasingly high-performant, anything is possible.
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