To earn the award, a vehicle must receive the top rating of Good in front, side, rear and rollover crash tests and have an electronic stability system. To pass IIHS’ roof-strength test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of four times the vehicle’s weight. The Durango can withstand 4.67 times its own weight.
The award only applies to Durango SUVs built after May 2011, according to IIHS. That’s when the automaker modified the side airbags to improve protection. You can check when a vehicle was built on a label affixed to the driver-side doorjamb.
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee also earned a Top Safety Pick; the Durango and the Grand Cherokee share the same structural platform.
