The 2013 Dodge Durango is offered in four different trims, with V6 or V8 engines, depending on the trim, and a choice between rear- and 4-wheel drive throughout the model line. Base Durango SXT models come with a 290-hp, 3.6L V6; Limited and Citadel models come with the same standard V6, but they can be optioned up to a 360-hp, 5.7L V8. R/T models come with the Hemi V8 as standard.
All Durangos are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, new for 2014. Hemi V8-equipped Durangos feature a fuel-saver mode that aids gas mileage when during coasting or low-speed cruising.
All models have 4-wheel disc brakes, and they ride on a short/long-arm front suspension with rear multi-link arrangement. Both the front and rear of the Durango are isolated on cradles, to allow comfort and control on rougher surfaces off the pavement or under load.
Two different family-friendly layouts in the Durango permit both 6- or 7-passenger seating--depending on the second row, where a second-row bench is standard on most of the model but dual captain's chairs are available, with two different console layouts, including one that permits easier access to the third row. There's a total of 85 cubic feet with both sets of rear seatbacks folded, which is enough to fit a 6-foot couch or a coffee table, according to Dodge. Otherwise there are a total of 30 storage areas, including plenty of smaller cubbies.
The base SXT level comes with the 290-hp V6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, 7-passenger seating, tri-zone climate control, heated mirrors, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, SiriusXM satellite radio.
The Limited brings premium leather upholstery, heated first- and second-row seats, a power liftgate, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, power-adjustable seats, proximity entry, remote start and alarm as well as a UConnect stereo with Bluetooth. ParkView back-up camera and ParkSense park-assist system are also included.
Both SXT and Limited models can be optioned up with rain-sensing wipers, navigation, HID headlamps, rear-seat DVD entertainment and Blindspot Monitoring and Cross Path detection.
R/T models are the sporty variants of the lineup and get the 360-hp Hemi V8 as standard, with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, plus HID headlamps, a unique front fascia, special interior trim and an auto-leveling sport suspension to help provide the best ride possible considering the added power on the road.
The top-of-the-line Durango is the Citadel, which is loaded to the brim with luxury-brand features like soft ventilated leather, heated leather seats, a power sunroof, HID headlamps, a navigation system, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel and Uconnect. Adaptive cruise control is on offer as well.
The look of the R/T can be had without its thirsty V8 engine or the R/T's higher sticker price by optioning the SXT up to a new Rallye Appearance Package, which adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, plus black-bezel headlamps and body-color moldings, grille, and rear fascias.
Side-curtain airbags are standard throughout the model line to cover outboard passengers in all three rows, and front seats have active head restraints and their own thorax-protecting side bags. Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection help the driver spot potential hazards, while the electronic stability control system includes Hill-Start Assist as well as trailer-sway control. Tow ratings range up to 7,400 pounds with the V8.
Family-friendly Layout
Truck Toughness
Brawny Powertrains
Impressive Towing Capability
Comfortable Seating
Upscale Cabin Appointments
Advanced Tech And Safety Features
Besides a new standard 8-speed automatic transmission, the Durango sees some gentle styling revisions and an improved interior for 2014. The trims got shuffled around a bit as well.
With a starting price of just under $30,000, the Dodge Durango is one of the best full-size SUV values available. With a class-first 8-speed transmission available for 2014, standard remote keyless entry and 3-zone climate control as well as available 20-inch rims, the Durango is a hard package to beat at this price.
The Durango also remains one of the safest SUV picks for a large family, as it's been a repeat IIHS Top Safety Pick; and it's one of the best picks on the market for those who need to carry a large family while also towing a trailer. Tow ratings for the Durango range up to 7,400 pounds with the V8 or 6,200 pounds with the V6.
