2015 Dodge Durango: power and performance in a great size

The Dodge Durango has gained a huge following over the years and offered a signature look as an SUV that competes in the full-size SUV category at a shape and size that allows it to enjoy an amazing function and capability to fit where some of the larger models on the market can’t. With dynamic engines, a high performing all-wheel drive, and excellent interior stylings the Durango is an SUV to be admired and enjoyed at a variety of levels by many owners.

The Dodge Durango is a great seven-passenger SUV that performs better than those which have simply been built on truck frames. The Durango competes in a class with the Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia offering features and benefits neither have to offer. New for 2015, the Durango adds a Rally Appearance Package on the Limited trim, the Blacktop Package to the SXT, Limited and R/T models and a new Beats by Dr. Dre audio system on the R/T, Citadel and Limited models. With these additions, the trims of the Durango become an even more enticing place to be for passengers and drivers alike.

By building the Durango on a frame of its own that did not start their lives in Dodge trucks the Durango shows off with the amount of performance and precision that is normally reserved for much smaller SUVs. Add a suspension that has been tuned precisely to the vehicle and a steering system that response to the smallest inputs and the Durango is able to traverse rough terrain or navigate twists and turns on the road with ease and expertise. With the all-wheel drive system in place this SUV takes to light and medium trails with confidence, making its way to the lake or campsite to allow owners to fully enjoy a weekend retreat.

On all trims except the R/T trim the Durango is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that has built a reputation as one of the best performing V6 engines on the market. This engine offers up 290 horsepower for the SXT model and 295 for the Rallye with the Blacktop Package and the Citadel. Both versions have 260 lb.-ft. of torque to enjoy and are attached to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency for these powertrains shows up at 18 city/25 hwy mpg for the RWD versions and 17 city/24 hwy mpg for the AWD models.

The second engine, found in the R/T trim is an awesome 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that shows up with 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Connected to the same eight-speed automatic transmission this version shows up with a fuel efficiency of 14 city/23 hwy mpg for the RWD models and 14 city/22 hwy mpg for the AWD models. This engine has a fuel saver feature to allow the vehicle to operate on only four cylinders when full power is not needed.

Many have chosen the Durango as their choice for a large SUV when they take their first ride in this awesome SUV. The Durango offers quality that is usually reserved for luxury SUV’s in an SUV that is more affordable than most luxury models. To go along with exceptional style and features, the Durango interior is extremely quiet to allow a ride that keeps the sound of the audio system as the only noises allowed inside the vehicle. With the second and third row of seats that fold down there are up to 28 possible cargo configurations to allow a variety of possibilities to be experienced. The second row captain’s chairs offer and easy access to the third row.

With the variety of trim levels that can be enjoyed on the Durango, the outside of the SUV offers a style and look that has become well-known on the roads. The strong cross-hair grill and large front fascia make for a vehicle that introduces itself as one that is powerful yet elegant. With a body that is still strong in a box on wheels format with a high roofline that runs the length of the vehicle. Very strong 18 to 20 inch wheels finish off the muscular and massive appearance of the Durango that we have come to love over the years.

The standard features included on the Durango start at the SXT trim with the Uconnect infotainment system with voice command, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, heated power side mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, three 12-volt outlets, a tilt/telescoping steering column, an audio system with Sirius XM satellite radio and an auxiliary port. At the Citadel trim the Durango adds 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, a power sunroof, a configurable instrument panel, an 8.4-inch center touch screen with 3D navigation, HID headlights, Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, the Rear Cross Path Detection system, a heated steering wheel, and keyless entry.

The optional features for the Durango vary by trim level to include a navigation system, Sirius Travel Link, a power sunroof, a ParkVIew rearview camera, ParkSense rear parking assistance, blind spot monitoring, auto dimming high beam headlights, UConnect phone, an Alpine premium audio system, a Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, heated second row seats, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel and skidplates. The Trailer Tow Group IV adds a stronger alternator, a heavy duty engine cooler, a Class IV hitch receiver and load-leveling Rear Shocks. The Rallye Appearance Group adds 20-inch polished wheels, black bezel headlights and body colored trim to the vehicle to really let it stand out.

Starting at the SXT, the price for the Durango starts just below $31,000 and moves up to $34,000 for the AWD version. The Limited begins around $38,000 with the R/T coming in near $40,600. The Citadel begins its trim at just under $42,000 while a fully loaded Citadel model will command a $50,000 asking price.