Many diehard Dodge fans were devastated when the company canceled the Durango SUV. But Stellantis-owned Dodge may be regretting its decision. When the team at the Roadshow (by CNET) released its best midsize SUV 2021 list, the 2021 Dodge Durango swept multiple awards.

Dodge Killed The Durango

Dodge debuted the Durango way back in 1997. This midsize SUV has enjoyed two major redesigns. Then last month, Dodge announced it would end the Durango after the 2024 model year.

Many critics disliked the 2021 Dodge Durango. For example, consumer Reports rated the SUV with a 49/50 and a predicted reliability score of just 1/5. But when the Roadshow (by CNET) compiled its best midsize SUV 2021 list, the Dodge Durango snagged two separate awards. The Roadshow reviewers noted that no other midsize SUV offered quite as much power at such a low price point.

‘Best Performance’ on the best midsize SUV 2021 list goes to the 2021 Dodge Durango

In their best midsize SUV 2021 awards, the Roadshow team awarded “best performance” to the Dodge Durango SRT. This performance trim features the 6.4-liter V8 rated at 475 horsepower. The four-wheel-drive SUV can reach 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. If you need a three-row SUV and yearn for muscle car speed, the Durango is the obvious choice.

The team also tested the Lamborghini Urus for its “exotic” segment and found the Dodge Durango SRT was nearly as fast. Better yet, the Durango SRT only cost a fraction of the Lamborghini’s price. The Durango SRT starts at $65,877. If you’re on a budget, the $45,000 Durango R/T still features a 360 horsepower V8.

Of course for those with extra cash to spend, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, with the supercharged Hellcat V8, makes a record-breaking 710 horsepower. The aformentioned Urus only offers 641 horsepower, making the Durango Hellcat the most powerful SUV ever.

‘Best Towing’ on the best midsize SUV 2021 list goes to…the 2021 Dodge Durango

The team at the Roadshow carefully studied every midsize SUV’s towing capacity before awarding “best towing.” They found that several SUVs had a top-trim model with a high tow rating. The interesting thing about the Durango, is that multiple trim levels are set up to tow heavy loads.

For example, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat with its 710 horsepower supercharged engine can two 8,700 pounds. But the Durango SRT 392 can also tow 8,700 pounds. The $45,000 Durango R/T, with its 5.7-liter V8 has a lower tow rating, but can be upgraded with a To ‘N’ Go package for a 8,700 pound tow rating. Base model Durangos with V6 engines are still rated to tow an impressive 6,200 pounds.

Overall, it was easy for the Roadshow team to choose the “best towing” award for the best midsize SUV 2021 list.