Dashing Dodge Durango delivers
Luxurious SUV easily doubles as powerful hauler
Despite its penchant for fuel, the 2014 Dodge Durango Citadel is a full-sized luxury-laden SUV that stands wheel-to-wheel with the best Germany and Japan have to offer in the segment — and for less money..
I greatly enjoyed time behind the wheel of Dodge’s chart-topping Citadel version of the three-row behemoth; time spent at the pumps, not so much.
Two operational aspects of the Durango became quickly evident. This is a notably quiet SUV. The second observation came in two parts: the Durango’s smooth ride, and the polish of its Hemi power plant.
The Durango’s optional Hemi V-8 — delivering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque — revs with great ease, delivering a refined response so gratifying it’s best described as seductive.
The new eight-speed automatic transmission serves the 5.7-litre Hemi V-8 exceptionally well in the conflicting pursuits of performance and fuel economy. The latter struggle still leaves me shaking at the pumps, despite Chrysler’s cylinder deactivation system that shuts down four cylinders under light loads.
Yet, even with the MDS system active, my tester missed its fuel-economy ratings by a significant margin.
My best showing after a stint of combined city and highway driving was something in the high 18 L/100 km range.
The Durango’s exterior styling is less assertive than that of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, with which it shares DNA arising from the short-lived DaimlerChrysler union. Inside, one finds generous, well fashioned real estate, feeling more upscale than a Dodge nameplate has a right to.
The 8.4-inch touch screen, well thought out with large icons and font, dominates the centre stack. Too many modern automobiles come with small screens that require the eyesight of an eagle.
The Durango features a rotary gearshift dial positioned on the centre console. I liked this setup, and found it easy to use. A set of steering-wheel shift paddles enable direct access to the eight gears.
Not many full-sized SUVs these days offer a low-range transfer case, so again, good on the Dodge folks for including it.
Access to third-row seating is relatively unencumbered and, once there, most adults will find the space allotment adequate for short durations.
This third generation Durango is a vast improvement over the former vehicle, which was a truck-based affair.
Today’s version is far more soothing to the soul, yet when properly equipped, can tow 3,265 kg (7,200 lb.), which Chrysler claims is classleading. It also offers excellent value with an entry MSRP of $39,995. The luxurious Citadel starts at $52,295 with the base Pentastar 3.6-litre V-6 engine, and $54,595 with a Hemi under hood.