Eight people can fit in the Durango (six comfortably), with theater seating designed to give everyone a view out the front. The back half of the roof is raised nearly two inches to increase rear-seat headroom and visibility. This raised portion is cleverly disguised with a roof rack.Second-row seats are quite comfortable, offering plenty of headroom and adequate legroom. Stable cup holders and rear heating/air conditioning controls add to comfort. Third-row seats (standard in SLT, SLT Plus, and R/T) are surprisingly comfortable for two people, who enjoy adequate legroom by tucking their feet under the second-row seats in front of them. Getting in and out of that third row is easy: Flip a lever and the second-row seatback folds forward, then tumbles out of the way, allowing a quick entry or exit. Durango's interior was re-designed for 2001, including a new instrument panel, interior trim, center and overhead consoles, carpeting and steering wheel. A dual-zone climate control system is standard, and SLT and R/T models provide auxiliary heat for the third-row seats. When it's time to haul cargo, the tailgate lifts up and out of the way, and the two rows of seats easily fold down to provide a large, relatively flat floor. A trout bum could sleep back there. All Durangos have a long, narrow storage compartment under the floor just inside the rear liftgate, with enough space for the jack, flares and other roadside equipment. Overall, the interior design is executed well. Our SLT Plus came with tan leather accented in attractive suede. Matching plastic trim provides an organic appearance. The seats appear plain, but they are comfortable. Carpeting extends to the backs of the rear headrests, which do not have to be removed when the seats are folded down. That's a convenient, timesaving feature. The driving position is comfortable, with good visibility over an attractive, rounded hoodline. Instruments are big and easy to read, although the speedometer appears busy with has marks for every 2-1/2 mph. Power outside mirrors are easy to adjust with a big knob on the driver's door. Cup-holders and storage trays are nicely designed, while a digital compass and other useful readouts beckon from overhead. Large buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel operate one of the better cruise controls we've encountered.
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