Sherman Dodge – Is All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Dodge Durango the Right Choice for Winter Driving near Chicago, IL?
Chicago winters ask a lot from a family SUV, and the 2026 Dodge Durango answers with available all-wheel drive, standard V-8 power, and the confidence to keep weekend plans on track even when the forecast turns. At Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, we help shoppers decide whether to choose rear-wheel drive or step up to all-wheel drive on the Durango—especially for daily commutes that cross slushy side streets, wind-swept expressways, and snow-dusted suburban routes.
Every 2026 Durango is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform that gives this three-row SUV an athletic, balanced feel. For added traction in snow and rain, all-wheel drive is available across the lineup. The GT features a 360-hp 5.7-liter V-8 as standard, while the R/T brings a standard 6.4-liter “392” V-8 with 475 hp. A limited number of V-6 models reached dealer lots earlier in the model year as well. An 8-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts, and the Durango’s tuning keeps the drive family-friendly without losing its muscle-SUV character.
Traction is only part of the story. For campers, boaters, or anyone who tows in and around Chicagoland, the Durango is rated for a maximum 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. Available packages—such as Tow N Go—help pair that capability with the control drivers want when launching a boat at a slick ramp or heading north for a long-haul weekend. All-wheel drive complements that mission by sending power to all four corners as surface conditions change.
Day to day, the cabin tech supports winter-life routines just as well as the hardware. A standard 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect keeps navigation and audio simple, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto streamline phone integration. Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert help with lane changes and parking lot departures when visibility is compromised, and available automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control add extra reassurance in stop-and-go traffic on icy mornings.
Here is how all-wheel drive adds value for Chicago-area driving without losing the Durango’s fun-to-drive personality.
- Launch traction: All-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels to help pull away smoothly on snow and slush.
- Cornering confidence: The rear-wheel-drive foundation gives the Durango balance, and all-wheel drive adds grip when roads turn icy.
- Trailer stability: When properly equipped, all-wheel drive helps the Durango feel planted when towing up to 8,700 pounds.
- Set-and-forget operation: Modern systems work automatically—no extra steps required for typical Chicagoland winters.
- Peace of mind: Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert complement all-wheel drive for lane changes and tight lots.
If you are weighing rear-wheel drive against all-wheel drive, a short checklist can clarify the best fit for your routine and weekend plans.
- Assess your routes: Daily expressways, neighborhood streets, and alley parking favor all-wheel drive in snow and slush.
- Consider towing: Frequent boat or camper trips to local lakes benefit from added traction when roads or ramps are slick.
- Test-drive both: Our team can arrange back-to-back drives in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the same route.
- Match tires wisely: Pairing all-wheel drive with quality winter tires yields the biggest gains in braking and turning on snow.
Whether the days’ plans call for a downtown commute, youth hockey practice after a light snow, or a winter cabin run, our Product Specialists can tailor a 2026 Durango to the way you drive. Visit Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Skokie to compare drivetrains, explore packages like Tow N Go or the R/T’s Blacktop Redline appearance, and experience how the Durango’s V-8 power and all-wheel drive work together on local roads.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is all-wheel drive necessary on the 2026 Dodge Durango near Chicago, IL?
All-wheel drive is not mandatory, but it delivers clear benefits for many Chicago-area drivers. Rear-wheel drive suits shoppers who mostly stick to plowed roads and prefer the sportier feel. All-wheel drive pays off for mixed conditions, early-morning commutes before streets are fully cleared, and cold-weather towing or family trips that cannot wait for a thaw.
Does choosing all-wheel drive affect the 2026 Durango’s maximum towing rating?
All 2026 Dodge Durango models are rated for a maximum of 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. Selecting all-wheel drive does not reduce that figure. Proper equipment and setup remain important for stable, confident towing in any weather.
Ready to see which setup fits your life near Chicago, IL? Our team at Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram will walk through drivetrains, engines, seating, and towing options, then get you on the road for a same-day comparison drive. Call 847-383-0456 or visit 7601 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL to get started.
