How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Dodge Durango Oil Type and Capacity by Engine
The right oil for a Durango depends on the engine. Here is the oil grade, the Mopar material standard, the API symbol and the capacity with filter for each engine in the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual, plus how to check the level and how often to change it.
0W-20full synthetic for the 3.6L and 5.7L
0W-40full synthetic for the 6.4L and 6.2L
6 qt / 7 qtwith filter for the 3.6L / 5.7L
7 qt / 8.3 qtwith filter for the 6.4L / 6.2L
The short answer
The 2026 Durango manual recommends Mopar full synthetic oil for every engine: SAE 0W-20 meeting MS-6395 for the 3.6L and 5.7L, and API Certified SAE 0W-40 meeting MS-12633 for the 6.4L and 6.2L. Capacity with filter is 6 quarts for the 3.6L, 7 quarts for the 5.7L, 7 quarts for the 6.4L and 8.3 quarts for the 6.2L. Equivalent full synthetic oils of the same grade can be used if they carry the API trademark the manual lists.
2026 Dodge Durango oil type and capacity by engine
| Engine | Recommended oil | Capacity with filter |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L | Mopar SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Material Standard MS-6395. Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil can be used but must have the API Starburst trademark. | 6 qt (5.6 L) |
| 5.7L | Mopar SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Material Standard MS-6395. Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil can be used but must have the API Starburst trademark. | 7 qt (6.6 L) |
| 6.4L | Mopar API Certified SAE 0W-40 Full Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Material Standard MS-12633. Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-40 oil can be used but must have the API Donut trademark. | 7 qt (6.6 L) |
| 6.2L | Mopar API Certified SAE 0W-40 Full Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Material Standard MS-12633. Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-40 oil can be used but must have the API Donut trademark. | 8.3 qt (7.8 L) |
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Technical Specifications: Engine Fluids And Lubricants; Fluid Capacities), read October 27, 2026. Other model years can differ; check the manual for your year.
The manual says the oil installed at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving lubricant, and that oil changes should be consistent with the climate conditions you expect to drive in.
What the API symbols on the bottle mean
The manual says the manufacturer only recommends API trademark oils. The API Starburst trademark certifies 0W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30 engine oils, and the API Donut trademark certifies 0W-40 and 5W-40 engine oil.
Your engine was designed for synthetic engine oils, so use only synthetic, API approved oils. Synthetic oils that do not have both the correct API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity grade numbers should not be used.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Engine Oil: American Petroleum Institute (API) Approved Engine Oil; Synthetic Engine Oils), read October 27, 2026.
How to check the oil level on a Durango
Check the oil at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop, with the vehicle on level ground for a more accurate reading.
- Bring the engine up to maximum operating temperature.
- Shut the engine off and wait five minutes to let the oil drain back into the oil pan.
- Remove the oil dipstick and wipe it clean.
- Insert the dipstick and remove it again to read the level. Every dipstick has markings for the minimum and maximum level.
- Keep the level between the minimum and maximum marks. Adding 1 qt (1 L) when the reading is at the minimum end raises it to the maximum end.
The manual cautions that overfilling or underfilling the crankcase causes aeration or loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine. It also notes that Hemi engines can tick right after startup and quiet down after about 30 seconds, which is normal; if the ticking continues or the Malfunction Indicator Light comes on, see an authorized dealer.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level; Engine Oil Selection), read October 27, 2026.
How often to change Durango oil
Your Durango has an automatic oil change indicator. When "Oil Change Required" appears, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles. Frequent short trips, trailer towing and extremely hot or cold temperatures affect when the message comes on.
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The manual notes the 350-hour limit is generally only a concern for fleet customers.
Replace the engine oil filter with a new one at every oil change, using a full-flow disposable filter. The manual says only high quality Mopar certified filters should be used, prefers bproauto filters as an alternative, and otherwise says to use only filters that meet or exceed SAE/USCAR-36 filter performance requirements.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Scheduled Maintenance; Engine Oil Filter), read October 27, 2026.
What the manual says to avoid
Non-detergent oil
Never use non-detergent oil or straight mineral oil in the engine, or damage may result.
Chemical flushes
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil; the chemicals can damage the engine, and that damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against adding any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to the engine oil, because its performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Wrong grade
Do not use synthetic oils without both the correct API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity grade.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Engine Oil; Materials Added To Engine Oil), read October 27, 2026.
Durango oil changes at Elgin CDJR
Our Mopar Express Lane in Streamwood does Dodge oil and filter changes, and can rotate the tires, test the battery and top off fluids on the same visit. Appointments are encouraged.
Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.
Schedule service online, or see our Dodge oil change page.
Dodge Durango oil FAQ
What oil does a Durango with the 5.7L engine take?
The 2026 Durango manual recommends Mopar SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting MS-6395, or an equivalent full synthetic 0W-20 with the API Starburst trademark. Capacity is 7 quarts with filter.
What oil does the Durango 3.6L take?
Mopar SAE 0W-20 full synthetic meeting MS-6395, or an equivalent full synthetic 0W-20 with the API Starburst trademark. Capacity is 6 quarts with filter.
What oil do the Durango 6.4L and 6.2L engines take?
Mopar API Certified SAE 0W-40 full synthetic meeting MS-12633, or an equivalent full synthetic 0W-40 with the API Donut trademark. Capacity with filter is 7 quarts for the 6.4L and 8.3 quarts for the 6.2L.
How many quarts of oil does a Dodge Durango take?
Per the 2026 manual, with filter: 6 quarts for the 3.6L, 7 quarts for the 5.7L, 7 quarts for the 6.4L and 8.3 quarts for the 6.2L.
How often should I change the oil in my Durango?
When the Oil Change Required message appears, within the next 500 miles, and never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first.
Is it normal for my Hemi to tick at startup?
The manual says Hemi engines can tick right after startup and quiet down after about 30 seconds, which is normal. If it keeps ticking or the Malfunction Indicator Light comes on, see an authorized dealer.
Time for an oil change?
Schedule a visit at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood. Our Mopar Express Lane handles Dodge oil changes.
Sources
Oil grades, standards, capacities, checking steps and intervals are from the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual, read on October 27, 2026; other model years can differ, so check your own manual. Our services, address and hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.