Dodge's Durango is a large crossover SUV that seats six or seven passengers. It comes with rear- or all-wheel drive and is available with either a V6 or V8 engine. Durango shares engines and chassis with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Key competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.
For 2014 Durango gets a new fuel-saving eight-speed automatic transmission, updated front and rear exterior styling and a freshened interior that includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen display.
Four trim levels are offered: SXT, Limited, R/T and Citadel. SXT, Limited and Citadel come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 290 horsepower. Optional on Limited and Citadel and standard on R/T is a 5.7-liter V8 that is good for 360 horsepower. SXT, Limited and Citadel are available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The SXT has a single-speed system while the Limited and Citadel all-wheel-drive system has a two-speed transfer case. R/T is rear drive only. V6 models can tow up to 6,200 pounds. Maximum towing capacity on V8 models is 7,400 pounds.
Available safety features include rear-view camera, blind-spot alert, cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning. Seven-passenger seating with twin front buckets and three-passenger second- and third-row benches are standard. Optional second-row captain's chairs reduce seating capacity to six. Features include 115-volt power outlet, Dodge's Uconnect system, 3G WiFi capabilities, navigation system, power rear liftgate, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual video screens and HDMI input. R/T models get 20-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension HID headlamps and body-color accents.
MSRP on SXT is $29,995. Limited models start at $36,495. The R/T comes in at $39,295 and the line-topping Citadel lists for $40,995. Durango has a $995 destination charge is assembled in Detroit, Michigan.
Get Up and Go With a curb weight of 5,000 pounds, there's no disputing Durango is a large vehicle. Still the V6 engine and new eight-speed automatic team up to provide surprisingly peppy acceleration. Rear drive V6 models can run from 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. That's certainly not bad for the class and is enough power for most buyers.
If you constantly drive with a load of passengers or frequently tow a trailer, you should consider the lusty and powerful V8. It can push Durango from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest vehicles in the class.
Both engines mate well to the slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Dodge engineers claim that it improves fuel economy, but the biggest difference over last year is in the way the new transmission gets the most performance out of each engine.
The downside of the V8 engine is lackluster fuel economy. All-wheel drive Durangos with the V8 rate just 16 mpg combined in the EPA test cycle. V6 models fare much better with a combined rating of 20 mpg. Either way, those numbers are a tick below most competitors when compared model-for model.
Real-world commuting with the V6 you should expect to average about 18-20 mpg overall. V8 models will net out a mpg or two below those numbers. Highway mpg is fairly impressive though as you can average close to 30 mpg if you stay at posted speed limits and avoid dipping too deeply into the throttle when passing.
The base AWD system is fine for on-road driving in the wet and snow. If you plan on towing a boat or spending a lot of time off-road you'll want to get a Limited or Citidel. They come with an AWD system that has a low range for added pulling power.
On the Road Durango offers a good blend of on-road comfort and off-road prowess. Unfortunately, that means the ride isn't as smooth or comfy as on-road-only crossovers. Still, the suspension on all models, except for the sport-minded R/T, does an excellent job of smothering small bumps and softening large impacts. Thanks can get a little bouncy on rough roads, but at least head-toss is kept to a minimum.
Most models offer an acceptable level of roadholding. Tires have good dry road grip and body lean is kept in check -- for the most part, remember Durango isn't a sport sedan. Steering feels overly boosted. That's great when maneuvering in parking lots but not so great when driving on the highway where there's a slightly disconnected feeling. Brakes have plenty of stopping power and the pedal is quite easy to modulate.
Those looking for a more athletic driving experience should consider the R/T. It feels more buttoned down overall and ride quality doesn't suffer all that much. R/T has more impact harshness due to its 20-inch wheels, but it's a penalty sport-minded drivers won't mind accepting.
Given its ties to Jeep Grand Cherokee, Durango is fairly competent off-road. Still, you have to opt for the two-speed all-wheel-drive system and off-road-ready tires to get the most out of Durango's capability when straying off the beaten path.
Interior noise levels can be quite low. Wind rush and tire thrum are kept well in check. For the most part, engine noise doesn't intrude. R/T models have a throaty exhaust note that's not everyone's cup of tea.
Overall, the Durango slightly trails class leaders like the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander in ride quality and on-road refinement. Still most will find Durango's pleasant road manners to be more than appropriate in most situations.
Behind the Wheel Durango's freshened interior has been designed to put family first. From base STX to the posh Citadel, the design is clean, contemporary and functional. Materials are a cut above the class norm. The available 8.4-inch touch-screen display is especially striking and easy to use.
Gauges are large and easy to read and there's a useful information screen dead center between them. The new Dodge steering wheel boasts a nice arrangement of buttons to operate the cruise control, radio, multi-function screen and phone. Center stack is nicely arranged with large and climate and audio controls. The aforementioned center navigation screen is especially bright and easy to operate. Unfortunately the navigation system isn't as easy to program or see as some others in the class.
Dodge swapped out the traditional gear shift for a rotary knob that's easy to use and saves space. Window and lock controls are conveniently placed on the driver's armrest. Available rear-seat entertainment system has twin screens on the back of the front seats. Outward Visibility is somewhat obscured by thick roof pillars and step-in height seems to be higher than on most rivals.
Front seats are eminently comfortable and offer plenty of head and leg room. Nicely padded, they provide ample support and remain comfortable in long-distance cruising. Second row bench is sparsely padded and knee room is a bit tighter than on some rivals. Second-row captain's chairs are much more comfortable but still short on knee space. Third-row seats have low-mounted cushions and are too narrow to fit three adults comfortably.
At nearly 85 cubic feet, cargo space is average for the class. Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-9 have more room, but honestly, how much do you need? Rear seats fold flat and second row seats nearly flat providing a long even load floor. Interior storage is good with more than a few open and covered bins, a large glove box and deep center console.
Bottom Line Durango is Dodge's best large crossover effort to date. It trails in ultimate passenger and cargo space to some rivals, however, most will find that there's plenty of room to spread out and a vast cargo hold. Strong suites include a thoroughly modern interior, lots of safety and convenience features and a powerful V8 engine providing class leading towing capacity. As with most large crossovers, prices are steep so shop wisely and choose your options carefully.
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