Strange that Chrysler didn't jump into the game sooner, isn't it? You'd think that with the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee taking care of business at the low and middle end, they would have built a Dodge Ram-class SUV to hit Ford and Chevy where it hurts a long time ago. Better late than never.
The new, larger-in-every-way Durango comes in ST, SLT, and Limited form. SLT adds rear air conditioning, power driver's seat, a third-row seat, roof rails, and fog lights. On top of that, Limited adds dual-zone climate control, leather, power passenger seat, adjustable pedals, memory for seats/mirrors/pedals, steering wheel radio controls, MP3 CD changer, heated mirrors, automatic mirrors and headlights, and alloy wheels.
The SUV market's latest choice offers the most choice when it comes to powertrains. The Durango's three engines include a 3.7-liter V6 (215/235), a 4.7 V8 (235/295), and a 5.7 HEMI V8 (335/370). The V6 is paired to a 4-speed automatic; the V8s, to a 5-speed. Choice is nice, but this isn't one of the most useful ones. Tolerating the sluggishness of the V6 would surely prove a challenge by today's speed standards, though it does allow a Durango purchase of $27,055. The $2,980 4.7 V8 makes a much better match to the Durango's weight; consider the superior transmission that comes with it a free bonus. The 5.7-liter HEMI is the only engine larger than the Armada's, which it doesn't quite match in torque but does beat in horsepower. ST and SLT Durangos come with the V6 or smaller V8; Limited Durangos start with that V8 and open the gates to the HEMI.
Compared to the first Durango, the new one's engineering leans much closer to the car end than the truck end. Drum brakes gave way to discs, recirculating ball steering gave way to rack-and-pinion, and leaf springs gave way to coils. But this is the standard layout nowadays, meaning the Durango has only been brought up to par. Still, when stacking the two V8 models up against the others, the Durango's plenty competitive. Payload reaches a whopping 1,780 pounds and towing goes up to 8,950 with the HEMI engine - just barely under the Armada's limit.
Attitude-wise, Dodge aimed for the more luxurious feel more common to the Tahoe and Sequoia. The ride is set to soft and cushy and the steering was given the light-effort treatment; it was also given a slower ratio than before. The only clear disadvantage is that the Durango can only seat up to seven - an issue that will matter to few people. Perhaps more importantly, all of the passengers who do fit in a Durango will reportedly be comfortable - not something that's often said about the Tahoe.
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