2016 Dodge Durango RT Road Test and Review

2016 Dodge Durango R/T front angle exterior ・ Photo by Carrie Kim

These days, crossovers can be found on more freeways and in more parking lots than ever before. Designed to combine utility with comfort, they hit the sweet spot for just about any driver at any life stage. The market may be saturated with crossovers, but the 2016 Dodge Durango really stands out with its ability to deliver performance chops and towing capabilities, in addition to being a plush people-hauler.

Models and Pricing

Simply put, there are five Dodge Durango models — all of which are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The base model, the SXT, starts at $30,495. Going up from there are the SXT Plus, Limited, and Citadel, which start at $32,595, $36,995 and $41,295, respectively. My week was spent testing the top-of-the-line R/T (Road and Track) edition, which added a significant edginess to the SUV's demeanor, not to mention considerable amounts of extra pep. This model stands out with a bigger engine, special badging, and a gorgeous red leather interior option.

Photo by FCA Media

The Durango on the Road

All of the Durango models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.6-liter V6 engine, with the exception of the R/T model, which boasts a 5.7-liter V8 HEMI®. Of course, that extra power will cost you at the pump; the R/T model only averages 14 MPG city/22 MPG highway (the other four models get up to 19 MPG city/27 MPG highway). However, in real life, my numbers were closer to 12 MPG in the city. Ouch. Perhaps unknown to most, the Durango shares much of its undercarriage with the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV. This relationship does not go unnoticed behind the wheel; the big crossover feels stable on the highway, with smooth yet precise steering very reminiscent of vehicles bearing the 3-pointed star. Also, the Durango’s beefy all-American V8 feels refined, delivering its power in a steady, well-mannered way. There are no sudden jerks or lunges during acceleration, just even speed and surprising agility, despite its bulky exterior. I appreciated the Durango’s comfortable yet engaging driving experience, in stark contrast to the other soft (and sometimes sleepy) rides other crossovers deliver.

Photo by FCA Media

Family Friendliness

Definitely rising to the challenge when it comes to family duty, the Durango is outfitted to seat 6 or 7 passengers (the second row can either come with bench seating for three or bucket seats for two). The best news is, the third row is actually decently sized, and most teens and adults will find a comfortable ride in the way back, even on extended trips. The Ford Explorer does offer a bit more legroom in its third row than the Durango (33.3 in. vs. 31.5 in.), but that’s when those second row captain’s chairs in the Durango really come in handy. We logged about 14 hours in my test car with grandparents in the very back seat, and by being able to occasionally stretch their legs in the pass-through when needed, they had no complaints. In comparison, the Toyota Highlander offers just 27.7 in. of legroom in its third row. Access to the third row is relatively easy with the “fold and tumble” second row seats, but if you have small children in safety seats, you’ll definitely want to spring for a model with captain’s chairs. The leather is also easy to wipe down and keep clean, not to mention durable enough to handle the constant demands of everyday family life in the car.

Photo by Carrie Kim

Cargo Pros and Cons

Carpooling works well in the Durango due to the spacious and comfortable seating, but things can get a little dicey when it comes to cargo space. If you are only using the third row for special occasions, you’ll fare well, as there is 47.7 cubic feet of available space behind the second row. But, if the third row is in use, the available space shrinks to 17.2 cubic feet. Keep in mind, that’s still more than what fits in the trunk of a Toyota Camry (which is 15.4 cubic ft.), but packing luggage for 6 or 7 people can pose a challenge. The under floor storage container helps a lot, especially if you’re the type to always have particular items stowed in your trunk (first aid kit, reusable shopping bags, etc.). I found the space more than enough for trips to the grocery store in my test car, but I encouraged my family to pack light when we headed off on our road trip. To keep everything secure in the back, there is a storage cutout in the cargo area wall to keep things from rolling around, and cargo tie down loops come standard on all Durango models.

Photo by Carrie Kim

Towing Capability

If your family has toys to haul along with its people, the Durango is a real towing standout in its class. The Durango can tow a maximum of 6,500 lbs., which is significantly more than its competitors, the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. All three can only tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped. Even larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse max out at 5,200 lbs., so unless you opt for a much larger traditional SUV, the Durango is a solid contender for hauling a decently sized boat or trailer.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

A Surprisingly Upscale Cabin

Even in the performance spec’d Road and Track edition of the Durango, the in-cabin amenities were surprisingly luxe. My test car came with a Beats™ Premium Audio system, leather wrapped steering wheel and door panels, plus heated and ventilated seats. There was no hard plastic wasteland to be found inside the Durango — the materials were not only beautiful, but of high quality. I felt more than comfortable in the driver's seat, with firm and supportive seat contouring. My test car had an 8-way power adjustable seat with memory, so my seating preferences remained stored if my husband were to take it for a spin. Heated seats are available in the second row on Limited and higher models, and a power moonroof is optional on the Citadel model.

Photo by Carrie Kim

Ahead of the Curve, Technologically Speaking

The Durango claims it’s the most technologically advanced vehicle in its class, which is a bold statement. But, upgraded Limited and R/T models can come with a dual-screen Blu-ray and DVD entertainment system equipped with HDMI ports for gaming as an option. You can also turn your Durango into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot if you choose a model with the UConnect 8.4 infotainment system. My test car did not have the entertainment system option, but we were able to use the 115-volt power plug in the second row to keep our daughter’s old school portable DVD player working during our long road trip. As a tech geek, I found that although the UConnect system provided great options for in-car infotainment and apps, I was missing compatibility for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The apps available in the car helped, though; especially Yelp, which made it much easier to search for destinations in the car instead of trying to use the voice commands with the navigation in a crowded car. USB ports were adequate – there were two up front and two for the second row passengers, but nothing for the third row. When stacked against competition, Wi-Fi isn’t even available in the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, but both Pilot and Highlander also offer a rear-seat entertainment system like the Durango does.

Photo by Carrie Kim

Safety and Ratings

The Dodge Durango has received a 4-star rating overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It comes with many nifty standard features like rain brake assist, a backup camera, and seven standard airbags. Upgrades include a variety of the latest in safety features, such as Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring and Adaptive Cruise Control, keeping it a solid choice in an increasingly competitive market. I was disappointed that my top trim test car did not come with blind spot monitoring, which seems crucial in a large vehicle, nor did it have adaptive cruise control.

Photo by Dodge

Final Thoughts

The Dodge Durango is a surprisingly upscale crossover that tends to go unnoticed by some car buyers due to the stiff competition in this category. The in-cabin materials are luxurious, while more sporty and athletic features exist under the hood. The combination of comfort and utility in the Durango is impressive, and should buyers brave the reliability concerns sometimes associated with this brand, they can look forward to owning a stylish, capable crossover without breaking the bank.

Photo by Carrie Kim