The Durango R/T is a spacious 7-passenger vehicle with a brute 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine, capable of producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The engine is married to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The EPA fuel economy is 22 mpg highway, 14 mpg city, and an impressive 17 mpg combined average. That’s not so bad for a vehicle with such a powerful engine.
The Durango stands with an athletic profile that starts with a knightly split-crosshair grille which is filled with a modest modern-mesh texture, leading towards the bulked-up hood. Powerful headlamps with the embossed logo complement the fog lights and LED daytime running lights.
The night is lit up with Dodge signature full-width LED “racetrack” taillamps and dual bright exhaust tip. These remind those behind that the Durango is ahead, resting on 20-inch gloss Granite Crystal wheels.
The 7-inch configurable Driver Information Digit Cluster Display puts essential information at an easy-to-see spot. A button on the steering wheel pages through different data, including fuel economy, audio source, vehicle status, and numerous system messages. These are presented to you with full color and rich graphics.
An 8.4-inch touchscreen display and steering wheel buttons control various features. These include audio, Bluetooth, phone, voice command, 3D navigation, HD radio, and cruise control.
Inside, the Durango not only provides seating for seven, but also flexible cargo space with fold-flat second row reclining bench seat and 50/50 split-folding third row seating. The 60/40 split fold-and-tumble second row bench seat has an integrated padded center armrest with cupholders. Optional captains chairs are also available.
Both front seats are heated and ventilated, while the second row seats and steering wheel are heated. The air is conditioned by tri-zone automatic temp control.
There could have been better vision through the rear window. Visibility was not great seen from the rear view mirror. It would have been nice to be able to adjust or lower the headrest on the rear seats.
Up front, luxury-trimmed bucket seats matched the red/black interior colors. The interior was perfectly accented by the Granite Crystal exterior paint.
The Durango is awash in safety features. ParkSense Rear Park Assist with Stop, a comprehensive set of air bags (even knee bolster airbags), anti-lock 4-wheel disc heavy duty brakes, Trailer Sway Damping, and a security alarm are just some samples.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this beautiful RWD Durango R/T is $41,995. Add another $3,000 for AWD. There is an optional package #225 that includes the Rear DVD Entertainment Center for an extra $1,995.
I would recommend this system. This Blu-ray-compatible video system boasts two 9-inch screens and HDMI ports. When the movie is finished, just hook up the portable gaming console for some friendly competition.
This entertainment system helps time go by quickly. It keeps passengers focused, or at least engaged enough to keep time from dragging when traveling. It also helps to deter the kid’s favorite question, “are we there yet?”
Durango offers plenty of storage room and passenger foot, hip, and head space as well. I would like to have seen larger storage space in the armrest between the front seats. The box was small and filled mostly with power outlets.
Steering was not quite as tight as I would have liked. However, Durango held the road well, having excellent acceleration.
Warranty
3-year/30,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Roadside Assistance
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]
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