Electric Cars

In a surprising turn of events for the automotive industry, the Dodge Durango, a vehicle often considered a veteran in its class, has achieved an extraordinary sales milestone in 2025. Despite operating on a platform that dates back to 2010, this robust SUV has recorded its best annual sales figures in two decades, showcasing an impressive resurgence in market demand. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the overall sales downturn experienced by its parent company, Stellantis, underlining the Durango's unique position and enduring appeal among consumers.

Details of the Durango's Remarkable Sales Performance

Stellantis's recent annual sales report for 2025 unveiled a significant triumph for the Dodge Durango. The SUV's sales soared to 81,168 units, marking a substantial 37% increase compared to the 59,357 units sold in 2024. This performance is particularly noteworthy given that the third-generation Durango has been on the market for over a decade. While the broader Dodge brand experienced a 28% decline in sales, largely due to the discontinuation of popular models like the Challenger and Charger, the Durango emerged as a beacon of success.

Historically, the third-generation Durango maintained annual sales figures between 60,000 and 70,000 units throughout most of the 2010s. The jump beyond the 80,000-unit mark in 2025 represents a significant surge in its market presence. The key to this sustained popularity lies in the Durango's distinctive offerings. Its powerful engine options, including a 295-horsepower V6 and the widely acclaimed V8, provide a level of performance that often surpasses its competitors. Furthermore, the availability of a 710-horsepower supercharged SRT Hellcat variant, now legal across all 50 states, solidifies its appeal to performance enthusiasts seeking raw power in a three-row SUV.

The Durango's strategy of combining competitive pricing with a potent engine lineup, robust towing capabilities, and a generous cabin space has resonated with a segment of buyers who prioritize power and utility over the often more refined, but less exhilarating, alternatives. This combination has allowed the Durango to defy the typical lifecycle decline seen in older models, demonstrating that a well-executed formula can maintain relevance and demand in a constantly evolving market.

Reflections on Longevity and Market Appeal

The Dodge Durango's exceptional performance in 2025 offers a compelling narrative about market dynamics and consumer preferences. In an era where technological advancements and rapid model cycles often dictate success, the Durango's ability to thrive, despite its age, is truly remarkable. It suggests that for some buyers, fundamental attributes like power, practicality, and value can outweigh the allure of cutting-edge design or advanced features. This SUV's journey serves as a reminder that a strong core offering, combined with strategic positioning, can enable a product to maintain a powerful presence even against newer, more technologically sophisticated rivals. The Durango's story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the 'old school' approach still holds significant sway.

Unmatched Protection: Ram's Extended Powertrain Warranty

Ram's New Benchmark in Powertrain Protection

Ram has unveiled an impressive update to its powertrain warranty, extending coverage for most 2026 models to an industry-leading 10 years or 100,000 miles. This announcement follows earlier positive news for Ram enthusiasts, including the return of the popular Hemi V-8 engine. The extended warranty will apply to gas-powered Ram 1500 trucks, heavy-duty models, and ProMaster vans, setting a new standard for durability and customer assurance in the truck segment.

Competitive Edge in the Truck Market

With this move, Ram secures the top position for powertrain warranty duration among full-size truck manufacturers. Currently, gas-powered models from Ram, Ford, and GM typically offer five years or 60,000 miles of coverage. While diesel heavy-duty trucks generally receive five years or 100,000 miles, Ram's new policy unifies and extends this protection significantly. This enhancement will likely influence purchasing decisions for many truck buyers looking for long-term reliability.

Eligible Models and Covered Components

The expanded warranty encompasses a broad spectrum of Ram vehicles. In addition to the half-ton and heavy-duty trucks, the chassis-cab 3500, 4500, and 5500 models, as well as ProMaster vans, are included. Notably, off-road variants like the Ram RHO and the heavy-duty Power Wagon will also benefit from this extended coverage. However, fully electric models, such as the Ram ProMaster EV, are explicitly excluded from this particular warranty upgrade. The comprehensive coverage extends to critical powertrain components, including the axles, driveshafts, engine, transmission, and transfer case, offering extensive protection for the vehicle's core mechanical systems.

Beneficiaries of the Enhanced Warranty

This upgraded limited powertrain warranty is applicable to all new vehicles purchased or leased by individual customers. Fleet purchases, however, are not eligible for the same extended protection. This distinction emphasizes Ram's focus on providing individual consumers with greater peace of mind and long-term value, strengthening the appeal of its vehicles in a competitive market.