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2012 Dodge Durango consumer reviews

$28,995–$31,195 MSRP range
side view of 2012 Durango Dodge
(70 reviews)
84% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.4
Explore the 2012 Dodge Durango
Shop the 2012 Dodge Durango

Great SUV

Thought I would wait until I had some miles on the Durango before writing a review. What do I like: about everything after 8250 miles. My top choices for my R/T are: handling, tech features (bluetooth, NAv, etc), interior fit and finish, value compared to competition and most importantly versatility. I have hauled 12 foot boards in the interior with the front passenger seat folded down, hauled a two ton trailer with ease, drove with confidence in one of our Wisconsin winter storms, seven passenger seating and a fantastic ride loaded or unloaded. My 17 year old daughter wants to use the Durango, although I am not as supportive as she would like, over my wife's luxury sedan since "it rides better" I am light footed and am pleased with the mileage for such a large engine, averaging 16 to 17 mpg in suburben/city and 22 to 23 on highway. When pushed the city mileage readily falls to 13 to 14mpg. Things I don't like: new address cannot be entered in NAV system unless in park (I know it's a safety feature but it really irritates me) and lack of a roof rack for my canoe. FYI: The tranmission appears to adapt to your driving style. I was going to take the vehicle in for harsh shifting (especically between 2nd and 3rd) but it became as smooth as silk before I had the time.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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After an exhaustive search

I bought the Dodge Durango Crew 3.6l V6 after many hours of research regarding safety, reliability and economical issues. I started out looking for a 4 cylinder small SUV to tote my wife and new son around. After driving a Chevy Equinox (the interior looked cheap and it was too stiff of a ride), a Buick Enclave ( too much money for what you get) and a Kia Sorrento ( nice options, but too small and rode like a 4 cyl. pickup) I ended up with the Durango. I couldn't be happier. The ride is exceptionally smooth and it is quite nimble for that size vehicle. I swear it has the same turning radius as my old Camry. The interior is roomy and luxurious. The only thing I perceive as a drawback is the V6 is a bit sluggish entering the highway, etc. Other than that, this is by far the nicest vehicle I've owned.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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an exciting vehicle

We shopped and compared for two months before we bought. Our buying decision was based on: -The best SUV styling for 2012. - Interior comfort was by far the best in extensive test drives. -Much more value than other brands. We are absolutely thrilled as new owners of our Durango Citadel.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Safety and performance

I bought a R/T and it handled great for such a large type of SUV. The comfort was perfect for me and the rest of my family - plenty of room. I enjoyed everything about the new type of Durango but if I had to say what could be better was the 3rd row seats as they are not much for room. About 3 months after purchase I was in my first accident ever and managed to flip my new R/T on it side due to extremely ruff weather conditions. After managing to climb out I realized just how bad of a crash it truly was and couldn't believe how I had just a few small scraps and bruises. Everyone that had seen the accident was simply astounded that I was perfectly fine. Honestly, I still can't believe it myself when looking at the photos. Anyway, while there might be a small thing or to that they could do better I can't seem to find another SUV that I would like better so I decided that I will purchase another Durango R/T and would definitely recommend this SUV to a friend.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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The Good and the Bad

First, the good. I bought the Durango RT for the styling. As the market moves toward softening the looks of SUVs to appeal to women, this has a more masculine look and definitely does not qualify as a "soccer mom" car. The interior is just as impressive, as the finish and technology are beyond what I expected. However, as much as I want to like the car due to those positive attributes, I can't get past the aweful handling and ride (as well as the gas mileage). I realize that I bought a car with a stiff suspension, and have owned cars with similar suspensions, but this car is the roughest riding car I have ever owned (and I currently also own a Jeep Wrangler). Because of it's weight and the stiff suspension, the RT is difficult to keep in it's lane as it follows any groove or pitch in the road. Add to that, that I have taken the car in twice since owning (2 months) it to resolve simple alignment issues not resulting from the suspension, as well as another issue, I cannot recommend this car. I will also add that the gas mileage I'm getting is not close to the posted numbers on the sticker. In very balanced driving (highway and city), I am averaging 12.9 miles to the gallon. Given the sticker suggests that I should get 13 in the city and 20 on the highway, I expected to average something closer to 16 or 17. Given where gas prices seem to be heading, this difference is adding up.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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Exceptional Value

The 2012 Dodge Durango Crew+ is by far the best valued vehicle I have ever purchased. I bought this vehicle in December 2011, and have put about 2,000 miles on it already. The number of options that came on this SUV is comparable to vehicles that cost 10 - 20k more. I paid just under $40k, and the only thing I didn't get was the speed/distance sensing cruise control, and the rear seat DVD player. The room inside is more spacious than any cross-over, yet it drives the same. The safety features are phenomenal with Blind Spot Avoidance, Back up camera, automatic headlights, auto dimming/bright lights, and side curtain air bags. The drivers memory settings are a knee saver for me, as I am 6'4, and my wife is 5'2. The programable remotes make it so that when the vehicle is unlocked by my remote, the settings adjust for me before I get in, and the same holds true for hers. The driver and passenger comfort is incredible. Remote start is pretty cool, as well as the automatic climate control. Hot days and cold winters aren't a big deal anymore! Rear seat passengers have reclining seats, and adjustable climate controls as well. The sound system is incredible as well. A 30gb hdd, 2 usb inputs, 10 speakers, a very discreet subwoofer, and IPod controls make this a great unit. The first year of Sirius/XM service with live traffic updates, millions of points of interests, as well as applications like a fuel service locator with pricing is a great feature, but I am nervous how much its going to cost once the free trial runs out. The interactive voice command feature is very easy to use, and keeps us from trying to focus on the electronics too much. You can map a route, change radio stations, select audio inputs very easy. With this vehicle, we also purchased the Chrysler extended warranty that covers most of the vehicle for the life of our ownership. Not bad for $2500. This vehicle came with the 5.7L Hemi, and with the selective Eco option, it selectively kills two cylinders while cruising down the highway, therefore only reducing gas mileage by 2 mpg versus the V6 model, which brings me to the only negative thing I can point to. The gas mileage. Its advertised between 13 and 20mpg. 20 was never achieved by me. But, I live in the Pacific Northwest where hills and mountains are a part of everyday life. If you drive this on cruise control across flat land, you might get close. I average 16.5 mpg daily driving, so I guess I can't complain much since the city driving is supposed to be down around 13. I had no problems going up hills or accellerating to merge into traffic. This is a very responsive, and powerful SUV. Its early to say for sure, but at this point, I am extremely happy with this purchase. We owned a 2001 Durango R/T for 9 years before this, and the difference is incredible! Definitely more refined. If you are struggling with the choice between the Durango Crew and the Citadel, save the $10k and go with the Crew +! You won't be disappointed. One final note, this review process required me to submit a reliability review. Although this SUV has not given me any problems since I have owned it, I feel its not fair to you, the consumer, to rate it with 5 stars based on a month of driving. So far, so good. I'd rather leave the reliability to be determined at a later date.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Most bang for the buck

My new 2012 Dodge Durango Crew is the best overall vehicle I've owned (even better than my late model Yukon). It is a pleasure to drive. Handling and cornering are excellent. The highway ride is more like a luxury sedan than an SUV. Definitely the quietest, smoothest SUV I've ever driven (and I testdrove dozens). The interior is a masterpiece. Every thing fits together perfectly, and the quality resembles Audi interiors. The seats are super comfortable and supportive, and even the third row is plenty roomy for me and I'm 6 ft. All of the seat configurations, user-friendly dash layout, and gigantic in-floor storage area behind the third row make the Durango's interior design second to none. The 3.6 Pentatar V6 provides plenty of power and runs a 0-60 time less than a second behind my '09 Tahoe's 5.3L V8. I average about 20 mpg in town, and 26 mpg on the highway--unbelieveable for a 5,000lbs SUV! The all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction on snow and ice. I just had an oppI paid just over $33k for my new Durango Crew equipped with cloth seats, sunroof, garmin navigation, back-up camera, power liftgate, automatic headlights, back-up sensors, full roof rack, AWD, and power folding third row headrests to name a few things. I would have had to pay at least 5K more to get a comparably equipped Traverse (the other vehicle I most seriously considered). I cannot think of one negative thing about this vehicle. Anyone in the market for a luxurious, practical, remarkably fuel efficient, and well-priced full-size SUV should definitely testdrive the Durango.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Vehicle

Dodge has hit it right on with this vehicle. It looks great from all angles. Interior is very nice. It feels solid and is very comfortable and quiet. The build quality and materials are very good. I find the V6 to have very good power. I like the fact that the vehicle is rear drive and with the towing package tows up to 6200 lbs. This is my first Dodge and so far is great.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Not missing a thing

I truly love this vehichle. Having owned Suburban's for years and my lasy cross over was the Traverse. The Citadel is a superb value and has great features and comfort. I did add the Hemi option as I work from home. Gas mileage is not so good in the city but makes up for it on the highway. Get the v6 if you drive a lot. I love the extra power! Go get one. Dont buy from Dadeland Dodge though. Thieves with poor service and a bad attitude. Go to Unversity Dodge in Davie.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Best suv ive owned

Excellent all around vehicle in all areas. I would definatelly recommend; but with the hemi v8 instead of V6. Car is very heavy; therefore performs better with the v8.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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