Utility, Power and Performance with space for seven.
Text and photos by Garth Cane
The Dodge Durango is the fourth version of this popular SUV that was originally introduced in 1997 to replace the Ram charger that was cancelled in 1993. This fourth version body style and configuration was introduced in 2013 and it was unlike anything available at the time in the SUV segment.
“The Durango is our three-row Charger of the SUV segment, delivering uncompromised utility, advanced technology, class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge/SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Customer demand for utility vehicles in the United States has exploded over the past decade, and with America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUVs in our garage, and the new updates for the 2019 model year, Dodge Durango continues to separate itself from the competition with the performance and capability that our customers demand.”
The Durango is available in five distinct models – SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T and SRT with available all-wheel-drive capability in all models.
The Dodge Durango SXT carries the distinction of being America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV – thanks to the efficient power of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque with dual exhaust, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with the V-6, Durango can tow a best-in-class 6,200 pounds. All 2019 Durango models now offer an integrated trailer brake when equipped with the optional Trailer Tow Package. Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection is also available as a free-standing option.
The Durango SXT models offer leather seats for an added premium feel and standard five-passenger seating that can be configured in 50 different ways.They feature a customizable 7-inch full-color driver infotainment digital cluster display, Uconnect 4 with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Keyless Enter ‘n Go with Push Button Start. A perforated leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, driver-oriented electronic T-shifter and Bluetooth audio streaming with integrated Voice Command is also standard.
Standard features on Durango GT include LED daytime running lamps, dual exhaust with bright tips and seven-passenger seating with available Capri leather-trimmed seats with suede insert. Other available features include heated first- and second-row seating, heated leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and power liftgate.
The well-equipped Durango GT sits at the midpoint of the Dodge Durango lineup. Available in rear-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, the seven-passenger Durango GT equipment list includes leather-trimmed bucket seats with suede inserts and optional heated first- and second-row seats and power liftgate.
The GT is powered by the same standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine as the SXT. The well-equipped Durango GT now shares a performance front fascia and LED fog lamps with R/T and SRT models while an SRT-inspired performance hood with center air inlet duct and two heat extractors is available.
Durango GT models now offer available cloth seating and a new 20-inch wheel design in a Satin Carbon or Brass Monkey finish. It is available in 11 colors: In-Violet, Octane Red, Redline Red, Reactor Blue (NEW – late availability), Destroyer Gray (NEW – late availability), F8 Green (NEW), Granite, Billet, DB Black, White Knuckle and Vice White.
The Dodge Durango Citadel is powered by the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, or the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 360 horsepower, 390 lb.-ft. of torque and a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds. Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode and V-8 mode when more power is in demand.
Durango Citadel models feature standard second-row captain’s chairs and an available 825-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Standard equipment on Durango Citadel includes 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, HID headlamps with automatic high-beam headlamps, Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
The top of the five model line SRT model is powered by a 392 cu in 6.4L HEMI V8 engine and features a distinctive performance hood with air inlet duct, a performance tuned suspension and Bembo 6-piston high-performance brakes.
Prices range from $30,445 to $45,845 depending on your model choice and options.
Specifications
Dodge Durango SXT model
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 7,100 lbs
Turning Diameter – Curb to Curb: 37.1 ft / 11.10 m
Wheelbase: 119.8” / 2.99 m
Width, Max: 77.1” / 1.92 m
Height, Overall: 71.9” / 1.79m
Track Width, Front: 64.4” / 1.61 m
Track Width, Rear: 64.7 / 1.615 m
Min Ground Clearance: 8” / 20 cm
Wheels: 18-inch Satin Carbon aluminum wheels
Tires: 265/60R18 BSW all-season LRR tires
For more information visit: www.dodge.ca