Dodge Durango - returning for 2011

Dodge Durango - returning for 2011

Dodge Durango - returning for 2011

After a brief hiatus, Dodge is about to rip open the mid-size SUV field with an all new, dramatically-styled three-row wagon that will surprise drivers. Sharing a platform with the all-new Jeep Cherokee, and riding on a large number of Mercedes-derived components from the ML-Class SUV, the Durango should also be significantly more refined than its predecessor.

Styling previews the look of future Dodge products, including flared fenders, flowing bodysides, and an aggressive stance. The overall look is dead-on, giving the Durango a recognizable crosshair grille and attitude, but with a sense of upscale refinement that will convince people it is truly new and refined.

Under the flowing haunches and angry schnoz is a standard 3.6-litre version of Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6 engine. Uplevel models will be powered by a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with multi-displacement (shuts down cylinders during cruising). Both engines are available with all-wheel-drive. Properly equipped, V6 models can tow up to 6,200 lbs.; V8s tote up to 7,400 lbs. Acceleration is sure to be impressive.

Dodge knew it would have to pull out all genies to install premium materials and technology if it wanted to make a dent in competitors’ trenches. According to Chrysler, the same designers who worked over the highly-praised Dodge Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee waved their magic through the Durango to install luxurious materials that are soft to the touch. There are 22 different seating configurations! Safety is enhanced by standard side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection (warns of people and moving vehicles), Forward Collision Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control (adjusts speed according to vehicles in front).

The all-new Dodge Durango goes into production at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit with sales beginning in the fourth quarter of this year. Prices are expected to mirror competitors like the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Mazda CX-9, and Hyundai Veracruz.