Until the Dodge Hornet arrived, the Durango was Dodge’s single SUV offering. The Durango is a high-performance 3-row midsize SUV. Its flexible sizing and powerful V8 engines make it the only SUV you’d ever need. With seating for up to seven passengers and a robust, fast engine, the Durango is up for any challenge the road throws at it. Whether you want the SUV as a cargo or family hauler, Dodge designed the Durango to meet a diverse set of needs for drivers looking for a balanced co-pilot who doesn’t believe in cutting corners.
The Durango was originally modeled after the small Dakota pickup truck, but after Dodge merged with Daimler Benz, the Durango was switched over to a Mercedes platform like the rest of the automaker’s lineup. Reports say the Durango production will cease after 2024 and be replaced with a resurrected nameplate from Dodge’s past. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for Dodge, but until then, Roanoke Motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, your premier Dodge dealer, has plenty to offer with the midsize Durango.
A Look at the Durango’s Generations
The three-seater SUV has been available since 1998, offering drivers a powerful V8 with plenty of interior cargo space for gear or passengers. During the first generation that spanned 1998-2003, drivers had lots to love about Dodge’s introduction to the midsize SUV market. The Durango was based on the Dakota pickup truck, giving it an aggressive and durable feel that consumers appreciated. In the first generation, drivers could pick from a range of V6 and V8 engine options as well as a special edition performance-focused R/T model for drivers wanting a little extra jolt of power from their ride.
The second generation was rolled out in 2004 and ran until 2009. It featured a redesign that included a third row plus a new setup with replaced coil springs that made it drive more like a car than a truck despite its increased size. The second generation also featured some enhanced powertrain options that included a HEMI V8 and a hybrid option for increased efficiency. Dodge also introduced a luxury edition of the Durango called the Aspen in 2007 to help boost sales.
The Durango was given a break in 2010 but reintroduced the third generation in 2011. It was redesigned to mimic the successful Jeep Grand Cherokee with a longer wheelbase and unibody design. This redesign took some of the bulk of the Durango and gave it smoother handling than previous generations. The third generation proved to be a winner, with the Durango receiving top IIHS Safety Pick awards during the first four years of this generation. The performance-focused 2021 SRT Hellcat model took things to a new level with its 6.2l HEMI V8 and specially tuned four-wheel drive system capable of taking from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds.
When Shopping for a Pre-Owned Durango, Which Generations Should You Look At?
Buying a pre-owned vehicle is a smart investment for budget-savvy drivers. The Durango has plenty to offer, considering its almost two decades on the market. The first generation might be older and offer less modern tech, but it represents a lot of value to drivers looking for a tough truck-based SUV without all the bells and whistles. Besides that, the first generation is known to be one of the best-selling generations of the Durango run.
For more modern tech, the third generation, especially in 2021, doesn’t disappoint. The upgrade from the previous Dakota-based models to the Jeep Grand Cherokee models was a huge improvement. The tail end of the third generation means advanced tech and connectivity for drivers who want plenty of seating and towing potential, plus an updated infotainment system to connect with. The V8 engines offered in the third generation have plenty of potential and performance.
A Brand-New Durango Has a Lot to Offer
The newest Dodge Durango for 2024 is considered a masterpiece. If you’re looking for a hearty 3-row SUV, the 2024 Durango should be on your shortlist of possibilities. Even though it’s been on the road for a while, the Durango shows no signs of slowing down in the power department. 2024 gives drivers a host of engine choices, three to be exact. The 710-horsepower Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 will take you from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds plus give you best-in-class towing upwards of 8,700 lbs.
If you don’t need quite that much get-up-and-go power, the 6.4L HEMI V8 is still impressive with 475 hp and best-in-class towing of 8,700 lbs. It will only take you a mere 4.4 seconds to reach 60 rather than 3.5 seconds, but if you’re okay with that, so are we. The third engine is a beefy 5.7L HEMI V8 with a towing capacity of 7,400 lbs and 360 horses. More than enough power for your everyday needs and a little extra for weekend adventures.
The Dodge Durango might be family-friendly thanks to its extensive seating and great safety features, but this is a performance-focused SUV that not only fulfills your need for speed but is there to help you out with work or recreational towing when needed. This makes it ideal for weekend road trips and everyday errands. The Durango is your ideal co-pilot when you need someone to pick up the slack.
The cabin features an eye for design and comfort for passengers and the driver. Deep, supportive seating and ample head and leg room make it easy to relax and stretch out no matter where you’re seated. An available 19-speaker system elevates your listening experience to new levels, while the UConnect system makes engaging and connecting with your SUV feel seamless and rewarding. Drivers can customize their UConnect system using up to five different profiles, providing a personalized experience that is focused on your unique needs and tastes.
A suite of modern safety and driver assist technologies to have your back and increase your confidence behind the wheel. Dodge designed the Durango to be your ideal driving partner. So whether it’s the Forward Collision Warning with Full Stop or Lane Departure Warning, the Durango has you and your passengers covered bumper to bumper.
More Than Your Average SUV
The Durango was designed to take SUVs to a new level. While the midsize SUV might have started out on a truck platform, it has been redesigned over the years to make it a modern driving machine for consumers looking for power, performance, and comfort in one place. While many SUVs focus on convenience or performance, the Durango is a model that does both equally well. Its spacious interior easily fits seven passengers across three rows. If the extra seating isn’t needed, drivers get a wealth of cargo space for gear or work supplies.
As for power, the selection of V6 and V8 engines has impressed us from the beginning. And the recent offering of the exciting Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 takes things to a new level. Forget the days of slow and awkward SUVs; the Durango has made a name for itself as a high-performance ride that is capable of achieving speed and strength where SUVs tend to falter.
Drivers on the prowl for a rewarding ride will find the Durango is worthy of a place on their list of possibilities. If your wishes include speed, performance, and modern comfort, the Durango is the ride for you. Getting a balanced SUV that is not only practical but fun doesn’t mean making sacrifices. The Durango was designed to fulfill your driving dreams no matter where the road takes you.
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