2011 Dodge Durango: First Look
Two weeks ago, we showed you a sneak peek at the new 2011 Dodge Durango SUV, and now Dodge has provided more photos and a little more information. The photographer took a few steps back this time, so you can see the full exterior. Unfortunately, the interior view remains an extreme close-up, but at least you can see what looks like a new Dodge logo. Check out the pictures below and click on them for larger versions.
It’s no secret that the Durango is based on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but the Dodge has three rows of seats, whereas the Grand Cherokee has two. The drivetrains are also familiar — a 3.6-liter V-6 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with towing capacities of 6,200 pounds and 7,400 pounds, respectively. Credit goes to reinforced unibody platform and rear-wheel drive. Most of today’s crossovers can’t tow trailers this heavy.
Dodge’s press materials boast “excellent fuel efficiency,” defined not as mpg ratings but as a range of more than 500 miles. That could mean any number of things, including a large gas tank. (The Grand Cherokee’s tank holds 24.6 gallons, which would work out to 20.3 mpg over 500 miles. Grand Cherokee 4×2 models are indeed EPA-rated between 20 and 23 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine.) It’s not what we’d call excellent mileage, but we’ll wait and see what the EPA says.
Front-seat active head restraints and side-impact airbags are standard, as are side curtain airbags for all three rows, Dodge says. An electronic stability system is also included. Options include a blind spot warning system, adaptive cruise control with Forward Collision Warning and keyless access.
