The Dodge Durango returns for the 2011 model year. The three-row SUV has been completely redesigned and features all-new exterior styling, a new interior and a new base V-6 engine. It hits dealerships before the end of 2010, and competitors include large crossovers like the Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer.
Exterior The previous-generation Durango looked odd from certain angles, but the 2011 model is considerably more stylish. Dodge designer Mark Trostle constantly brought up the word “proportion” when describing the SUV’s looks. The design is enhanced by a vertical crosshair grille that gives the Durango an intimidating stare. The sides and rear are less memorable — and the design seems to sag slightly aft of the rear wheels — but on the whole it’s attractive. Exterior features include:
Standard automatic halogen headlights; high-intensity-discharge headlights optional
Standard heated side mirrors
Optional SmartBeam automatic high-beam headlights
Optional power liftgate
Optional power sunroof
Optional roof rack with storable cross rails
Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers
Interior The Durango shares its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, so it’s not surprising that its interior is reminiscent of the Jeep’s. The design is tastefully understated, with a look that should hold up well over time.
With three rows of seats standard, the Durango has room for up to seven people. Unless you’re eyeing a Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition EL, most three-row SUVs and crossovers don’t have a lot of cargo room behind the last row of seats. In the Durango, the space measures 17.2 cubic feet — a little bit more than what you’d find in your average family sedan. You have to clear a tall rear bumper when loading luggage, but the third row folds easily into the floor to expand the cargo area to 47.7 cubic feet. Interior features include:
Standard fabric-covered seats; leather-trimmed seats optional
Standard 60/40-split second row and 50/50-split third row
Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls
Standard tri-zone automatic air conditioning
Standard CD stereo with auxiliary input
Optional touch-screen audio system with hard drive for storing music
Optional Alpine premium audio
Optional Garmin-based in-dash navigation system
Optional front- and second-row heated seats
Optional heated steering wheel
Optional auto-dimming rearview mirror
Under the Hood Buyers have a choice of a 290-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 or a 360-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 that features cylinder deactivation for thriftier fuel use under light loads. Both engines work with a five-speed automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:
Four-wheel independent suspension
Rear- or all-wheel-drive versions available with either engine
Both engines can run on regular gas
V-6 gets 16/23 mpg (RWD) or 16/22 mpg (AWD)
V-8 gets 14/20 mpg (RWD) or 13/20 mpg (AWD)
Maximum V-6 towing capacity is 6,200 pounds; V-8’s is 7,400 pounds
Safety Available safety features include:
Standard antilock brakes
Standard side-impact airbags for the front seats
Standard three-row side curtain airbags
Standard stability system
Standard trailer-sway control
Optional rear parking sensors
Optional backup camera
Optional blind spot monitoring system
Optional rear cross-path detection
Optional adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning
