Three engines are available: 5.2-liter V8, 5.9-liter V8 and, new for 1999, a 3.9-liter V6.Most will opt for the highly competent 5.2-liter engine, rated at 230 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. It offers more power than the Explorer's optional 5.0-liter V8 or the Expedition's standard 4.6-liter V8, both of which generate 215 horsepower and about 290 pound-feet of torque. The big Dodge 5.9-liter Magnum V8 generates 245 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. That's a bit more robust than the Expedition's optional 5.4-liter V8 (230 horsepower, 325 pound-feet of torque) and compares favorably to the Tahoe's 5.7-liter V8 (255 horsepower, and 330 pound-feet of torque). Fuel economy for the 5.9-liter Dodge V8 is rated at 12/16 mpg city/highway verses 13/17 for the 5.2-liter Dodge V8, and adds $595 to the price. The 3.9-liter V6 is rated at 175 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The Durango should make a better tow vehicle than an Explorer. With the 5.9-liter engine and 3.92 differential, it's capable of pulling a trailer of up to 7,200 pounds. Chevy's Tahoe is rated to pull 7,000 pounds and Ford's Expedition is rated for 8,000 pounds. Two-wheel-drive versions have been added for 1999. Two different transfer cases are available for the four-wheel-drive versions. Both transfer cases use a manually operated shift-on-the-fly lever mounted on the floor. A part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case is standard. Shifting into part-time four-wheel drive is only appropriate for mud, snow and other low-traction situations; it's unsuitable for dry pavement as there is no slippage between the front and rear wheels and the tires will hop and chatter in tight parking lot maneuvers. It's a good setup for people who live in a dry climate, but want to be able to shift into ultimate off-road mode. On really steep grades, it can be shifted into low-range four-wheel drive. A more flexible option is the $395 full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case. It comes with everything above plus a planetary center differential. Shifting to full-time mode allows the front and rear axles to turn at different speeds, so the wheels don't fight each other in tight quarters yet traction is assured under all but the worst conditions. Full-time four-wheel-drive mode is appropriate for torrential rain, light snow and ice or light off-highway travel. If conditions should get extreme, the driver can shift into part-time four-wheel drive or low range.
|