2018 Dodge Durango Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

High-performance 475-hp SRT model debutsApple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all modelsPart of the third Durango generation introduced for 2011

　　Dodge does things a little differently from other automakers. While others make anonymous four-cylinder family sedans, Dodge offers the Charger, a large family sedan inspired by muscle cars of the past and powered by a V6 or a choice of three V8 engines. And in an era when car companies refresh crossover SUVs at the speed of midterm election cycles, Dodge carries on with an aging but proven formula for the 2018 Dodge Durango.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Dodge Durango SXT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for Durango SXT

　　Durango SXT

　　SXT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $29,995 MSRPSXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,595 MSRPGT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,895 MSRPGT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $40,495 MSRPCitadel 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,195 MSRPCitadel 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,795 MSRPR/T 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $43,745 MSRPR/T 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $46,345 MSRPAnodized Platinum 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $46,190 MSRPAnodized Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $48,790 MSRPSRT 4dr SUV AWD (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $62,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　If the Durango looks familiar, that's because you've seen this current generation on the road since the 2011 model year. That's an eternity compared to a number of its fresher rivals, but Dodge has kept this three-row crossover relevant, most notably with a significant update for 2014 that added a satisfying eight-speed automatic transmission and a revised interior with Chrysler's excellent 8.4-inch touchscreen.

　　For 2018, there's even more to like, including a new high-performance SRT model that cranks out 475 horsepower, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and can tow up to 8,600 pounds. No other non-luxury automaker offers anything like it.

　　The Durango's fundamentals — including extraordinary towing capacity, available V8 power and adult-size space in the third row — are key to its enduring appeal. And as one of the most muscular vehicles in its class, the Durango is also one of the heaviest. That takes a toll on real-world fuel economy and can also make the V6 engine feel anemic at times. It also bolsters the argument for choosing the exuberant V8, gas bills notwithstanding.

　　If you can find a powertrain that suits your needs, whether a V6 or a V6, there's a lot to like. Even at this advanced stage in its life cycle, the Durango remains one of the most capable and well-rounded three-row crossovers you can buy.

　　Notably, we picked the 2018 Dodge Durango as one of zzdcar' Best Midsize SUVs for 2018.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　In an era of constantly evolving crossover SUV designs, Dodge does things a little differently, carrying on with an aging but proven formula for the 2018 Dodge Durango. Extraordinary towing capacity, available V8 power and roomy interior make the Durango one of the most capable crossovers around.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Dodge Durango Limited (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Durango has received some revisions to appearance packages and standard equipment at various trim levels. Our test Durango's Limited trim is similar to today's GT. Otherwise, our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Durango.

　　

Scorecard

Overall

　　

Driving

　　The 3.6-liter V6 can seem a bit taxed in such a large vehicle, but a smart transmission helps get the most out of it both at our test track and in the real world. The Durango's other dynamic attributes, for better and worse, are more trucklike than its crossover competitors.

　　

Acceleration

　　It reaches 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is average for the segment. The eight-speed automatic is eager to downshift when needed and holds gears when climbing and descending hills.

　　

Braking

　　The pedal feel is moderate to soft with a long-travel stroke. It stopped from 60 mph in 125 feet, which is also average for the segment. Multiple panic stops displayed fade, odor and a reduction in ABS effectiveness.

　　

Steering

　　Truck-ish and slow, the Durango requires lots of turns and doesn't self-center readily. Still, it's appropriately precise and weighted in normal driving, quick in tight U-turn situations, comfortable slack at freeway speeds.

　　

Handling

　　When driving around turns, the Durango feels even bigger than it is due to slow steering and minimal tire grip. It's a large, lumbering SUV. Those upsizing from a more sprightly car may want to look elsewhere.

　　

Drivability

　　The slow steering may put off those accustomed to driving cars, but it's an improvement for those downsizing from old-school truck SUVs. The transmission can hunt for gears in normal, flat-ground driving and is overly eager at times to reach top gear.

　　

Off-road

　　The ground clearance of 8.1 inches is good for a family-oriented SUV. The Durango V8 comes with a dual-range transfer case.

　　

Comfort

　　Families who spend a lot of time in the car would be wise to consider the road-trip-ready Durango. Our highway testing showed a quiet, comfortable vehicle with supportive seats. Impressive.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The driver's seat is firm and supportive, with ample adjustment. The optional second-row captain's chairs recline but don't slide, yet this didn't seem to negatively affect comfort. The third row is average comfort for the segment.

　　

Ride comfort

　　Composed, planted, comfortable, even on big optional wheels. Those who appreciate a big, heavy feel of a truck will feel right at home, albeit without the uncouth jiggling and occasionally harsh ride motions.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　Louder at full throttle than some competitors, but quieter when cruising, with nicely quelled road and wind noise. A nice, peaceful place to enjoy a family road trip.

　　

Interior

　　Some competitors may offer seat belts for eight, but that's really a token provision. In reality, the Durango offers more useful passenger space, a less confining view out and an easier means of getting inside. Dodge's user-friendly tech interface is another benefit.

　　

Ease of use

　　As always, Dodge's large Uconnect touchscreen (optional) is a benchmark for user-friendliness with large virtual buttons, logical menus and helpful secondary physical controls. Everything is easy to reach.

　　

Getting in/getting out

5.0

　　The rear doors that open nearly 90 degrees are better than most. The flip-and-fold second row makes access to the third row also better than most, although there is the typical high step-up versus a minivan.

　　

Roominess

　　The Durango is one of the most spacious three-row SUVs. Adults can fit with comfort in all outboard seating positions (third-row head- and legroom are especially good), which is rare. Only two seat belts in the third row means it can fit seven people max.

　　

Visibility

　　Good visibility straight back, but the rear headrest and a thick rear roof pillar hamper reversing. The optional rearview camera helps, but it lacks clarity. Large mirrors and optional blind-spot warning. Forward visibility is average.

　　

Quality

　　The materials quality is average with expected soft-touch surfaces of pleasant texture. Construction is nothing special. It doesn't look or feel as high-end as the related Jeep Grand Cherokee, but it's also nothing to be ashamed of.

　　

Utility

　　With maximum cargo space that matches that of all but the largest SUVs, a useful fold-flat front passenger seat, and the highest tow ratings among its rivals, the Durango is exceptionally well rounded when it comes to overall utility.

　　

Technology

　　A choice of two large touchscreen displays, fast software processing, full-featured Uconnect infotainment features, and a full suite of driver assistance features make the Durango one of the most tech-connected crossovers in any class.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　Navigation comes standard on the Citadel trim level, optional on GT. The 8.4-inch touchscreen is a worthwhile upgrade. The BeatsAudio system is a good option for premium sound, but it's disappointing that the multispeaker Harman Kardon system available in other Dodge vehicles isn't offered.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

　　

Driver aids

　　The optional Technology Group bundles items including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist. Available only as an option and not available on base SXT trims.

　　

Which Durango does zzdcar recommend?

　　The R/T doesn't come cheap, but it's the specification that really lets the Durango flex its muscles. With standard V8 power and a sporty stance, the R/T is family-friendly transportation with attitude. Go with the Brass Monkey or the Blacktop appearance package for maximum effect.

　　

2018 Dodge Durango models

　　The 2018 Dodge Durango is a three-row crossover SUV available in five trim levels: SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T and SRT.

　　All Durango models except the SRT are rear-wheel drive and offer optional all-wheel drive. The SRT is only available with all-wheel drive. Seven-passenger seating is standard, while second-row captain's chairs (reducing capacity to six) are optional. If you need to prioritize cargo over passengers, you can order the base SXT with just two rows of seats. The other trims are three-row only.

　　The base SXT comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine (293 hp, 260 pound-feet of torque) matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a load-leveling rear suspension, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, three-zone climate control, a 60/40-split folding and reclining second-row seat, a 50/50-split folding third-row seat with power-folding headrests (or alternatively, an option to delete the third-row seat) and cloth upholstery. Technology features include Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, dual USB ports and a six-speaker sound system.

　　The GT adds 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, rear parking sensors, remote start, heated front and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, leather and suede upholstery, a 115-volt power outlet, driver-position memory settings and satellite radio.

　　Going with the Citadel gets you xenon headlights, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, upgraded brakes, front parking sensors, roof-rail crossbars, a sunroof, a cargo cover, upgraded leather upholstery, additional leather trim, a power-adjustable steering column, the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, a navigation system, a power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, and a nine-speaker audio system with a subwoofer and HD radio.

　　An optional Anodized Platinum appearance package adds upgraded leather upholstery with silver accent stitching and special interior trim.

　　The R/T moves into high-performance realms with the 5.7-liter V8 engine (360 hp, 390 lb-ft) as standard, an upgraded steering system, a sport-tuned suspension, a performance hood design, LED foglights, red accent stitching and a Beats audio system. The Citadel's standard roof rails and sunroof are optional. The 5.7-liter V8 is also optional for the Citadel.

　　Some of the higher trims' standard features are also offered on lower trims as options. A Technology Group package for the Citadel and R/T adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a forward collision warning system with automatic braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring is also offered on the GT via a separate options package (Safety/Security and Convenience Group) that additionally includes a handful of the Citadel's standard luxuries.

　　Optional on the GT and R/T is a Brass Monkey appearance package that adds a gloss black grille, black headlamp bezels, 20-inch bronze-painted wheels and extra body-color trim. An optional Blacktop appearance package (also for the GT and R/T) is similar and fits the Durango with 20-inch, black-painted wheels and a variety of blackout exterior trim items. The Blacktop package also bumps engine power up to 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Other options include black running boards and bright pedals (Mopar Running Board package); a second-row console with armrest and storage (includes an in-console, 12-volt power outlet and a USB charge port); a dual-screen rear entertainment system (with Blu-ray compatibility); and a trailer-tow package.

　　Finally, the new SRT trim level tops it off with a 6.4-liter V8 engine (475 hp, 470 lb-ft), performance-tuned steering, an adaptive suspension, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, SRT Performance Pages (various configurable performance parameters), and a driver's session at the SRT Track Experience driving school.

　　Options include a sunroof, upgraded Laguna leather upholstery, the rear entertainment system, the SRT Interior Appearance Group (includes carbon-fiber accents and soft-touch headliner) and the Technology Group.

　　

2018 Durango Highlights

Type: SUVSRTSUV

　　Trim: SXTGTCitadelR/TAnodized PlatinumSRTSXT

　　

Base MSRP	$29,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	47.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles