Dodge Durango is smooth and powerful with either of the two V8 engines. It rides well, handles well for its size and weight, and has excellent engineering touches and details. If you need a large SUV for towing or managing rough terrain, the Durango is a fine choice. If not, a car-based crossover SUV would provide a more pleasant driving experience and deliver better fuel economy.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from Austin, Texas; with nctd.com editor Mitch McCullough reporting from Detroit, and correspondent Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.
dual-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags with roll-over sensors for all three rows, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), advanced airbag system, electronic stability program (ESP)
Safety equipment (optional):
rear obstacle detection, tire-pressure monitor, rear backup camera
Basic warranty:
3 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:
Newark, Delaware
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Dodge Durango SLT AWD ($33,065)
Standard equipment:
front and rear air conditioning; tilt steering wheel, cruise control, Yes Essentials cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, eight-way power driver seat 40/20/40 folding second-row seat, two-passenger third-row folding bench seat; heated power folding mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, four-speaker AM/FM radio with six-disc CD changer, cargo cover, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, Sirius satellite radio, floormats, fog lights, and 265/60R18 on/off-road tires on alloy wheels
Options as tested (MSRP):
5.7-liter Hemi V8 with two-speed AWD transfer case ($990), leather upholstery ($1175)
Destination charge:
($745)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$35,975
Layout:
all-wheel drive
Engine:
5.7-liter ohv V8
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
335 @ 5200
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
370 @ 4200
Transmission:
5-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
13/18 mpg
Wheelbase:
119.2 in.
Length/width/height:
200.8/76.0/74.3 in.
Track, f/r:
64.4/64.4 in.
Turning circle:
39.9 ft.
Seating capacity:
8
Head/hip/leg room, f:
40.8/58.8/41.4 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
39.3/57.2/37.4 in.
Head/hip/leg room, r:
39.2/48.0/34.5 in.
Cargo volume:
102.4 cu. ft.
Payload:
1580 Lbs.
Towing capacity:
7300 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, upper and lower A-arms, torsion bars, gas-charged monotube shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:
live axle with Watts's link, coil springs, gas-charged monotube shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:
8.7 in.
Curb weight:
5066 lbs.
Tires:
P265/60R18
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/solid disc with ABS and EBD
Fuel capacity:
27 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of August 23, 2007.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-4ADODGE -
www.dodge.com
