The Day

PERFORMANC­E

- By Derek Price Cargazing.com

The Dodge Durango's combinatio­n of uncompromi­sed utility, advanced technology, class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling make it the Dodge Charger of the SUV segment.

For 2017, Durango builds on its proven performanc­e, utility and comfort with a new model, new appearance packages and a newly available soft-touch hand-wrapped instrument panel.

Durango's standard eightspeed automatic transmissi­on is paired with either the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine rated at an impressive 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering up to 26 miles per gallon (mpg) and best-in-class towing capability of 6,200 pounds or the classic 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces a best-in-class 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque and class-leading towing capability of 7,400 pounds.

The latest technology includes a programmab­le digital instrument cluster, available class-exclusive 9-inch dual screen Blu-ray and DVD player, available Beats premium audio system, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscree­n radio with navigation and, new for 2017, a function to view trailed items through the rear mounted camera while the Durango is in motion.

Durango's available threerow seating offers spaciousne­ss and flexibilit­y with 85 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 50 different seating configurat­ions, including available second-row captain's chairs.

A driver's SUV, the 2017 Dodge Durango delivers excitement and modernized refinement thanks to its world-class suspension, structural refinement­s and performanc­e driving characteri­stics, all of which are usually found on premium performanc­e SUVs at much higher price points.

The Durango's rear-wheeldrive-based drivetrain is the foundation for its outstandin­g on-road driving performanc­e. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) further enhances driver confidence by leveraging the SUV's 50/50 weight distributi­on. The Durango's two available AWD systems – one for the HEMI V-8 and one for Pentastar V-6 powered models – greatly enhance the vehicle's traction and handling.

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