Used 2015 Dodge Durango

Full-size SUVs continue to hold a place in the American driveway. Their passenger, cargo and towing abilities are simply too good to be overlooked, and the 2015 Durango by Dodge is a prime example. Just slightly smaller than a Chevy Tahoe, the Durango touts a lean, sporty appearance with a modern interior plus a choice of five different trims that help make it more dynamic than a Honda Pilot or GMC Acadia. A powerful V6 or optional Hemi V8 can be coupled with all-wheel drive (AWD), giving consumers even more choices. Inside, the Durango upstages the competition, with an upscale interior and unique options, such as the 10-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre audio system.

Chrysler’s 290-horsepower Pentastar V6 seems more than adequate to move the 2015 Dodge Durango, but if you really want to feel power, the 360-horsepower Hemi V8 should do the trick. With the V6, the Durango delivers brisk acceleration, ample passing power and competent towing ability (up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 vs. 7,400 pounds with the V8). An 8-speed automatic helps the Durango maximize fuel efficiency, but with such a wide ratio we did find it hunting for the right gear at times. On the road, the Durango’s size and weight are evident, but its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup and carefully tuned suspension make the Durango one of the sportier SUVs on the market. Ride quality is quite good on the SXT, Citadel and Limited trims, but gets a bit stiff in the R/T. Interior noise levels are quite low, and seat comfort in all three rows is admirable.

The interior of the 2015 Dodge Durango reflects luxury-car quality and craftsmanship, an update emphasizing comfort, premium materials, visual elegance and supreme quiet. Limited and Citadel trims offer such features as heated and ventilated front seats and heated 2nd-row seating. The Durango’s 28 possible configurations allow for any combination of people and cargo, from the roomy spot behind the 2nd-row seat to the full-length flat cargo floor created by the flush-folding front passenger seat. A purposeful black color scheme, highlighted by bright trim elements, distinguishes the sporty R/T, and in Durangos equipped with 2nd-row captain’s chairs a new pass-through feature eases 3rd-row access.

The Dodge Durango sports a set of LED eyeliners under the projector-beam headlights that serve as daytime running lights. There are three versions of Dodge’s familiar cross-hair grille, all styled to suit their accompanying trim. A cool LED array makes a double span across the rear end, the distinctive “racetrack taillight” display. R/T models are distinguished by more body-colored trim, as well as the R/T’s lower ride height, while others get more brightwork, especially the top-of-the-line Citadel. Wheel designs range from 18 to 20 inches.

DURANGO R/T
It may not be SRT-ready, but the R/T trim comes darn close. With its lowered sport suspension, sport springs and shocks and low-profile 20-inch wheels and tires, the 2015 Durango R/T is one of the most agile SUVs in this price class. Oh yeah, it’s got a Hemi, too.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The Durango’s Adaptive Cruise Control helps minimize collisions in slower stop-and-go traffic, while at higher speeds maintains a safe distance between you and the traffic ahead. We like the Dodge system as it reduces the minimum gap to the vehicles ahead, thus reducing the chance of another driver cutting you off.

The entry-level SXT trim features the Uconnect infotainment system with voice command, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, heated power side mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, three 12-volt outlets, tilt/telescopic steering column and an AM/FM/CD radio with WMA/MP3 support, Sirius satellite radio and auxiliary input jack. At the high end of the Durango spectrum, the Citadel adds 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, power sunroof, configurable instruments, 8.4-inch center-stack touch screen with 3D Navigation, HID headlights, Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, Rear Cross Path Detection system, heated power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and keyless Enter-N-Go.

Options vary by trim level and include a navigation radio system with 8.4-inch touch screen, voice activation and Sirius Travel Link; configurable instrumentation, power sunroof, ParkView rearview camera, ParkSense rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, auto-dimming high beams, UConnect phone (Bluetooth), Alpine premium audio, Beats by Dr. Dre audio, Bluetooth streaming audio, heated 2nd-row seats, power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel and skidplates. Option packages include the Trailer Tow Group IV that adds a 220-amp alternator, heavy-duty engine oil cooler, Class IV hitch receiver and load-leveling rear shocks. The Rallye Appearance Group adds 20-inch polished wheels, black bezel headlights and body-colored trim.

On all but the R/T trim the 2015 Dodge Durango’s standard engine is Chrysler’s award-winning Pentastar V6. Unquestionably one of the best V6 engines ever from Chrysler, it has more than enough power to satisfy most SUV drivers. Equipped with dual-overhead cams and variable-valve timing, the 3.6-liter Pentastar is capable of achieving maximum performance without sacrificing fuel economy. The Durango’s optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 features a fuel-saver mode that seamlessly deactivates four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required. When power is needed, however, the Hemi has it in spades, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of tow-ready torque. Both engines are mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD is available with either.

3.6-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm (SXT)
295 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm (Rallye and Blacktop Package, Citadel)
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (RWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

5.7-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 mpg (RWD), 14/22 mpg (AWD)