2016 Dodge Durango
Overview: Although the Dodge Durango SUV has been around for nearly two decades, it’s an oft-overlooked member of the three-row-crossover class. Perhaps that’s because it has changed its mission several times over its three generations. The first Durango arrived in 1997 as a mid-size, truck-based SUV in the vein of the Ford Explorer, while the second-generation Durango, premiering in 2004, grew to become almost Chevy Tahoe–level gargantuan. The current Durango, introduced in 2012, took a different path, as it shrank down a bit and adopted the same unibody platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee (which itself shares underpinnings with the previous Mercedes-Benz M-class).
This means that the Durango is a bit different from stronger-selling competitors like the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. Not only is the Dodge’s platform rear-drive-based rather than front-drive-based, it also comes stuffed with a big honkin’ Hemi V-8 to power R/T trims; Citadel AWD models can option the eight for $3995. A V-6 engine is standard, and all-wheel drive is a $2600 option regardless of trim level or engine choice.
What’s New: The most significant mechanical update to the Durango for the 2016 model year is that V-6 models add engine stop/start technology for greater efficiency—an extra 2 mpg on its EPA rating for combined fuel economy compared with 2015 models. The V-8 models continue to do without this stop/start system but still employ cylinder deactivation. The 2016 update also adds a Sport mode for all models that sharpens throttle, steering, and transmission programming.
Dodge also has kept the Durango lineup fresh with several appearance packages that spice up the exterior, namely the Blacktop, the Anodized Platinum, and the Brass Monkey packages that add black, gray, and bronze bits of trim, respectively.
What We Like: The Durango is just plain cool in ways that other crossovers aren’t. Its muscular, aggressive exterior implies sporty driving dynamics, and the chassis delivers. Steering is accurate, body motions are nicely controlled, and overall the Durango goes down the road with a satisfying solidity. You can’t go wrong with either powertrain. The standard V-6 provides plenty of power for most situations, and the optional Hemi V-8 is overkill—but in a good way. The V-8 also makes quite a nice noise, perfect for moms and dads who want to indulge muscle-car fantasies. The bigger engine also is useful because it comes with larger brakes and a 7400-pound tow rating, versus the V-6’s max of 6200 pounds.
Especially in the higher trim levels, the interior is nicely trimmed and can be had in eye-popping red leather in the R/T model. The dashboard layout is simple to use, too, with clearly marked climate and audio controls along with a large Uconnect touchscreen with easy-to-navigate menus.
What We Don’t Like: The Durango falls a bit short of competitors like the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander in practicality. The second-row seats in the Dodge aren’t quite as spacious, and it doesn’t have as many storage compartments for toys, cups, and other sundry items that come along with an SUV-load full of kids. The Durango accommodates seven passengers with the standard second-row bench, or six with optional captain’s chairs; the Pilot and Highlander both can be configured to seat eight.
Opting for the V-8 drags fuel economy down as low as 14/22 mpg city/highway, which could strain your wallet even in times of cheap gas. The V-6 achieves a much more competitive 18/25 mpg with AWD or 19/27 mpg with RWD.
Verdict: A satisfying, pleasing-to-drive crossover with some muscle-car swagger.
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Specifications >
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear- or 4-wheel-drive, 6- or 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback
BASE PRICES: SXT, $31,490;
Limited, $37,990;
Citadel, $42,290;
R/T, $42,990
ENGINE TYPES: DOHC 24-valve 3.6-liter V-6, 295 hp, 290 lb-ft; pushrod 16-valve 5.7-liter V-8, 360 hp, 390 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 119.8 in
Length: 201.2 in
Width: 75.8 in Height: 70.9 in
Passenger volume: 141 cu ft
Cargo volume: 17 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 4750–5400 lb
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 14–19/22–27 mpg
C/D TEST RESULTS FOR:
2014 Dodge Durango V-6 AWD
Zero to 60 mph: 7.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 20.8 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 27.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.8 sec @ 89 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Curb weight: 5159 lb
C/D observed fuel economy: 19 mpg
