2011 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango was once a hot-selling SUV and a big part of the Dodge brand. But shifting consumer tastes, rising fuel prices, and the global recession conspired to kill the Durango and its sibling, the Chrysler Aspen. Now, after two years on the sidelines, Dodge has rejoined the game with a redesigned 2011 Durango.
the new Durango sends outdated, hard-edge plastics to the recycling bin. The Durango mates better with the essentially carryover five-speed automatic in the Durango than it does with Chrysler's new six-speed gearboxes. Accompanying the drive are fantastic HEMI drivetrain noises. With a 119.8-inch wheelbase, the Durango is 75.8 inches wide, and has 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. Inside, the Durango is notably comfortable and refined—especially for a vehicle without a luxury badge. The driving position in the Durango is excellent, with a nice, upright vantage point, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The base Durango Express is priced just below $30,000 and includes a pretty impressive feature set; but Bluetooth is an option and upgrades like power seats, seat heating, push-button start and a power telescoping steering wheel are not offered.
After a one-year hiatus, the Dodge Durango emerges with a new body and a new attitude. As much as 7,400 pounds can be pulled behind a properly equipped 2011 Durango, a top figure for a large crossover SUV with three rows of seats.
Truly, the Durango's sabbatical has done wonders.
The 2011 Dodge Durango large crossover SUV is available in base Express, midlevel Crew and top-of-the-line Citadel trim levels. Standard equipment on the Express includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated sideview mirrors, remote engine start, full power accessories, cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate control (includes separate rear air-conditioning), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split-folding and reclining second-row seat, a 50/50-split-folding third-row seat and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
Stepping up to the Citadel adds automatic xenon headlamps, 20-inch wheels, a chrome grille insert, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, leather seating, heated front and rear seats, an eight-way power passenger seat, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system (with Sirius Travel Link).
The "2011 Dodge Durango" is offered in several powertrain combinations. You can choose between rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The full-time AWD system is only available with the V6 engine. Fuel economy is 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined for the V6 with all-wheel drive.
The AWD V8 gets an estimated 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
Antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side and side curtain airbags are standard on every 2011 Dodge Durango. In Edmunds brake testing, a Durango Crew came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet -- a very good distance for a large crossover.
Modern and functional, the 2011 Dodge Durango's cabin has been designed with family-style versatility in mind. Regardless of trim level, the design is attractive and features soft-touch materials in place of the former Durango's hard, cheap plastics.
With the second- and third-row seats folded down, the Durango can carry up to 84.5 cubic feet of cargo.
Low-end torque is not a strong suit of this V6, but once the 2011 Dodge Durango is moving, the engine pulls respectably. On a long interstate cruise, the Durango provides a quiet and relaxed cabin environment.
