2014 Dodge Durango

2014 Dodge Durango Review - Pricing, Features & Specs ...

The 2014 Dodge Durango is a great family hauler, and a top-notch utility infielder when you need extra brawn—made better this year with some important upgrades.

2014 Dodge Durango Interior/Exterior

The big crosshair grille up front is mostly responsible for setting up the classic SUV stance. It makes all the difference in carving out a sport-ute silhouette for the Durango, distinct from the more carlike creatures in its class. Where it doesn’t look quite as rugged is from the rear quarters: From some angles, there’s plenty of Toyota Sequoia to go around, and not quite enough of the flared fenders and aggressive sculpting that telegraph “Dodge” to the eyeballs.
New for this year are hockey-stick-shaped LED running lamps on all but the base SXT, and HID headlamps on top R/T and Citadel models. The textured crosshair grille is slimmer, and the hood and lower front fascia have been resculpted in a minor way. LED racetrack lighting, as in the Dodge Dart, forms a ribbon of light across the tail, with 192 individual lamps in all. That’s the detail we’d question–the racetrack shape might be more than enough.
There’s more visual impact in the cockpit, where almost none of that more authoritative, truck-like heritage has been carried over. For 2014 the Durango has shucked its previous dash–which was nicely rendered–for a new one with serious touches of class–soft textures, thin metallic rings framing the major controls, a large touchscreen to rule the infotainment world. With leather upholstery, woven red inserts and red stitching, and white trim rings on the dials, even the R/T feels bold yet very tastefully done. In any case, the Durango feels less like an on-a-budget utility vehicle and more like a luxury SUV, done right.

2014 Dodge Durango Engine Performance

For those who need the passenger space but don’t need to tow thousands of pounds regularly–most of us–the 3.6-liter V-6 is the better choice. With 290 horsepower (295 in the R/T) and 260 pound-feet of torque, it’s quick enough and strong enough, and it’s no longer boomy at midrange speeds as we’ve observed in the past. Now coupled to the eight-speed automatic–with a rotary shift control, a nice touch–the Durango six-cylinder gets up to 20 mpg combined, too–not great by any means, but a solid improvement.
That new transmission even comes with shift paddles in some versions, but the programming could use some work. Instead of the 30-second cycle into manual mode that’s common on many paddle-shifted non-sports cars, the Durango persists in manual mode until you hold a paddle forward for three seconds–kludgy, in UI-speak, for drivers but better for towing.
Drivers who tow or regularly carry a full load of cargo and people should opt for the strong, snarly HEMI 5.7-liter V-8. It’s terrific for stoplight launches and interstate cruising. But despite the presence of the same automatic, it’s still pretty thirsty; if you’re not in love with the sound of the engine or don’t really need it for towing (rated at up to 7,400 pounds), you’re going to feel the sting of fuel bills more often, since gas mileage can be as low as 14 mpg city.
With either the V-6 or the V-8, the Durango can be fitted with all-wheel drive; V-8s have real heavier-duty capability–i.e., a low range–to enable that big tow figure.
The Durango’s independent suspension, hefty but precise steering feel, and big brakes mean it’s never felt better to drive. Aside from some side-to-side head toss, the Durango has a very well-damped ride, even without the air suspension fitted to its Mercedes cousins (it’s related, somewhat, to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and GL-Class).
The steering is impressive, as is the Durango’s maneuverability and handling at low speeds. It unwinds with real feedback, and even if you add the larger 20-inch wheels the front end doesn’t lose its composure. Ride quality is on the firm side but nicely damped, although the Durango’s 5,000-plus-pound heft is ever-present.

See more 2014 Dodge Durango photos

Otherwise the Durango continues with its choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, depending on the model. Two different AWD systems are used, with V-8 models getting a low-range transfer case and V-6 models having a single-speed unit. Towing capability ranger up to 7,400 pounds with the V-8—which Dodge says is more than enough for a 24-foot boat and trailer.
Inside, the instrument panel has been reshaped and redesigned, so as to fit right in alongside the recently refreshed Dodge Charger, and new five-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screens are housed in the center stack; the Durango gets a new SD card slot, USB outlet, and aux input, with a redesigned media storage bin. As in the Dodge Dart, there’s a seven-inch reconfigurable TFT gauge screen to customize your info displays.
Seating for up to seven (or optional seating for six, with the available second-row dual captain’s chairs) is one of the Durango’s top selling points. Against many other models, its third-row seat is quite usable, and it’s split 50/50 or folds fully flat into the floor. The standard second-row layout folds forward, too, to greatly expand cargo space for moving large items. Dodge says there’s space for a six-foot couch and a coffee table, or for carrying 10-foot 2x4s.
The Durango has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick in previous years, and it remains offered with a very impressive set of safety features, including seven standard airbags, full-length three-row side-curtain bags, and active front headrests. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross path detection are available, as are adaptive cruise control with stop, and Uconnect Access, which includes some emergency and roadside-assistance services.
The 2014 Durango will be offered in SXT, Rallye, Limited, R/T, and Citadel models, with all but the SXT and Rallye getting the 8.4-inch Uconnect system that wraps together audio, climate controls, calling functions, and in some cases navigation. Turn instructions, audio info, or trip info can be displayed on the gauge cluster as well. A new Limited model has been added to the lineup and includes leather upholstery, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the 8.4-inch Uconnect system. Newly available this year is an HDMI and Blu-ray rear entertainment system, with screens integrated in the back of front headrests and a remote. Uconnect Access Via Mobile also has voice-command capability (including to read text messages) and enables media apps for streaming audio like Pandora or Slacker.
Images: Dodge Cars

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