Dodge has officially unveiled their full-sized SUV, the Dodge Durango. Although they’re touting it as it being new, it would take a keen eye to spot the styling differences in comparison to the previous generation.
That’s okay though, because the real difference lies underneath the skin.
Going back to the exterior, it appears to be more of a refresh than an all-out redesign. While the front fascia appears to be more aggressive and accentuated with projector headlights with LED surrounds, then rear smacks of most of the minivans out there today. One nice touch is the LED taillights with 192 LEDs, as well as seven different wheels to choose from to spruce up the sides.
The engines are from the Chrysler’s stable that also serves in their other vehicles…the Pentastar V6 gets a slight bump in power, now putting out 290 hp (295 in Rallye trim), as well as 260 lb. ft. of torque. The biggest thing that the Durango is being touted for is the towing capacity (with the available fully integrated tow hitch)…a best-in-class 6,200 lbs.
Not to be left out, the optional 5.7L HEMI V8 also carries that distinction, with the capability of towing 7,400 lbs. Both engines are mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission, now featuring an Eco mode. It works similarly to the Fuel Saver technology, both of which work in conjunction to deliver maximum fuel economy, although no official EPA estimates have been given yet.
As with all full-sized SUVs, the inside is what really draws people to them. Having taking an aggressive approach to really updating the quality of their interiors (long been a weakness for ChryCo), the improvements seen in their other products are more evident here. A new instrument panel featuring five and (optional) 8.4-inch touchscreens, a customisable 7-inch TFT gauge display, as well as a new steering wheel with paddle shifters (you can also shift via the rotary shifter on the dash) highlight what’s in front of the driver.
Other tech gadgets include an updated version of Uconnect (now with voice texting via Message Access Protocol), an updated navigation system with 3D maps, and the ability to use the vehicle as a Wi-Fi spot. Behind the front row of seats lies the available Blu-ray rear entertainment system that can also play regular DVDs, as well as having the capability to hook up almost any gaming system. Coupled with a flexible three rows of seating, the whole gang can be entertained and comfortable for hours on end.
Over 60 safety and security features are available for the Durango, including their version of telematics (automatic 911 notification in the event of a crash), adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning (also works in conjunction with the cruise control), and Blind-Spot Monitoring/Rear-Cross Path all make driving it a little bit easier.
Look for the new Durango to hit the dealership lots once production starts in the fall of 2013.
Photo Credit: Newspress
