New school Dodge Durango understands its old school appeal
If you are a fan of powerful, capable SUVs with an old-school feel, HendrickCars.com has something for you. The 2024 Dodge Durango.
Termed “muscle SUV,” with its four high-powered engine options, the Durango makes a statement everywhere it goes. Coming in six different trimlines -- SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat -- these SUVs are quite family friendly with third-row seating options and plenty of cargo space.
However, no discussion of the Durango starts without first talking about horsepower and towing capacity, the SUVs two primary superpowers.
The top-of-the-line supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8, the naturally aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi V8, and the 392-cubic-inch Hemi V8-powered Durango’s, paired with a Tow N Go packages, can each tow up to 8,700 pounds, the best of any full-size, three-row SUV on the market. Each is perfect to carry a drag car to the local strip or your family’s pontoon boat to the lake over the weekend. For those who purchase the fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 versions with 293 horsepower, towing capability tops out at a stout 6,200 pounds. Ideal for a mountain excursion with a small camper and outdoor supplies.
Safety is also part of that package, as the vehicle’s new blindspot monitoring technology includes trailer tow detection. The Durango can detect if another vehicle is in the blindspot of the trailer, alerting the driver of potential trouble no matter the size of the haul.
Paired with its advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, the Dodge Durango will haul almost anything you need.
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Dodge Durango Heritage
One can trace the Durango lineage back to 1974, with the creation of the original Ramcharger truck. With Ramcharger sales flagging years prior and newer, more popular truck models available, Dodge decided it was time to build their own SUV for the 1998 model year. The Durango was born.
Placed on the same platform as its popular Dodge Dakota truck, the original 1998 Durango SUV borrowed many of the same styling cues from the aforementioned truck. True to its brand, both Dakota and Durango exterior designs hearkened back to the 1950s with curved and raked windshields, flared fenders and slim line front grills and headlights.
The second generation saw its first restyle in 2004, with an additional facelift in 2008. Dodge also started to widen its engine and trim options, as well as transmission with a four-speed manual transmission and five-speed automatic available. By the end of the generation in 2009, the Durango offerings also included its first-ever hybrid, a 5.7-liter V8 with two 65kw motors integrated for better efficiency.
The third generation Durango almost didn’t arrive, as it took almost a year or so after 2009 ended to introduce the next Durango model. Finally, at the end of 2010, the new Durango revealed itself.
Deliveries began in the middle part of 2011. The vehicle had six engine iterations; it was more family-oriented and featured enhanced luxury and safety appointments. With its smoother lines and high-end appointments, the Durango was all things to all people.
In 2020, what is now the current generation Durango was born. Returning to its roots, this Durango has combined the best of all worlds – retro styling, old school feel, the latest technology and unrivaled performance.
A Racetrack Runs Through It
You can just feel that on-track heritage present in each of its vehicles. It’s particularly true with the Durango, as Mopar-inspired dual striping and a vented performance hood is available on both the R/T and SRT models.
Striping colors include sterling silver, bright blue, gunmetal low gloss, flame red and redline, which is exclusive to the SRT 392 and Hellcat offerings. At night, the Dodge Durango is replete with LED lighting and auto-leveling headlights, while the brand’s signature “Racetrack Taillight” keeps following traffic safe and impressive at the same time.
Additional items include the available power sunroof and rood rack system that can handle 150 pounds of additional cargo.
New School Technology
While the Durango certainly leans into an old-school appeal, its technology is anything but. Dodge’s UConnect 5 system features an impressive 10.1-inch touchscreen where passengers can easily connect their smartphones and access to their apps, entertainment, climate control and performance stats. Up to five profiles can be set to personal taste.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make the infotainment connections seamless and SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available on every vehicle. Voice command is also an option.
Additionally, through the available Dodge Connect package, you can remotely start your vehicle, receive roadside assistance and view vital stats such as fuel level directly from your smartphone.
Comfortable Ride
The Durango cockpit is geared to provide the driver with the comfort and accessibility they deserve. Also, for those with a burgeoning family, there are more than 50 different seating configurations available. Second-row seating also includes climate control, a smartphone charging station and heated seating options.
As a mid-size SUV, having the ability to offer third-row seating is unique for the category, especially when there a seven seats available and a split-folding third-row customized to your cargo needs.
At the touch of a button, extra spacing becomes available when you fold and tumble the second row of seating. That move opens up the Durango to 85.1 maximum feet of cargo space, plenty of room for any travel opportunity.
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While the Durango may be reaching its endgame, your quest to buy a new one has not. Visit your local Hendrick Dodge franchise either online or in person today.
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