2009 Dodge Durango

Vehicle Overview
The Dodge Durango offers a wide variety of engines and transmissions, including a V-6, two V-8s, and four- and five-speed automatic transmissions. There is also a full-hybrid option that uses the Hemi V-8. The vehicle is available in SE, SLT and Limited editions. The Durango competes with the Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition. The Durango can seat up to eight with an optional three-place third row and a bench in the second row.

The Durango Hybrid is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.

New for 2009
The re-engineered 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 now has variable-valve timing and cylinder deactivation for increased fuel economy.

Exterior
Dodge promotes the Durango’s “broad-shouldered presence,” starting with a familiar crosshair grille. The SUV features short front and rear overhangs, a dramatically sloped windshield and what Dodge calls “powerful” wheel arches. The Durango’s 200.8-inch length and 76-inch width make it the baby of the group.

• Standard roof rack
• Standard fog lights
• 17-inch steel wheels (SE)
• 18-inch aluminum wheels (SLT)
• 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels (Limited)
• Optional body-colored running boards
• Optional power liftgate (Limited)

Interior
Durangos can hold up to eight occupants when equipped with three rows of seats. Seven- and five-person configurations are also offered. Bucket seats are optional for the second row. Heated cloth seats are available, and all cloth seats come with standard stain-repellant seat fabric.

Cargo volume behind the third row is 20 cubic feet; that space grows to 102.4 cubic feet when both rear seats are folded down. Due to its smaller size, the Durango has predictably less maximum cargo volume than its competitors (the Sequoia has 120.8, the Expedition 108.2 and the Tahoe 108.9). There is 155.2 cubic feet of passenger volume.

• Standard power windows, locks and heated mirrors
• Black, wood-grain and satin-sliver-finished trim options
• Cloth, leather or premium-leather options
• Optional hands-free communication system and remote start
• Optional voice-activated navigation and/or audio system (including touch-screen, voice commands, 30GB hard drive and navigation radio)
• Optional rear-seat video system with 8-inch screen

Under the Hood
The Durango comes with a V-6 and two V-8 powertrain options. The V-8s come with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 sticks with a four-speed; no manual transmission is available. Dodge promises up to 8,950 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped.

• 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 235 pounds-feet of torque
• 303-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 with 330 pounds-feet of torque
• 356-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 390 pounds-feet of torque with cylinder deactivation for increased fuel economy
• Ladder-type frame construction
• Rear-, all- and full-time four-wheel drive options
• Four- and five-speed automatic transmissions
• Run-down protection on battery

Safety
Safety features include:

• Standard roll-sensing side curtain airbags
• Standard all-disc antilock brakes
• Standard electronic stability system
• Optional rear park assist and backup camera
• Smart key that immobilizes engine in an attempted theft