The new Durango is a completely different machine from the first two generations of large SUVs from Dodge.
Where those rigs really drove like trucks, with graunchy diffs and a stiff ride, the new Durango feels just as butch – but now far more nimble and polite in town.
There is no harshness whatsoever from the RWD or optional AWD setups, and this is still one of the only rear-drive-based, seven seat crossovers on the market.
Yes, there is the Tahoe, but that really moves the trucks up a size (and garage) class too far, for some.
Tow ratings and real-world towing confidence are perhaps the best-in-class as well, with additional ride smoothness and towing confidence from the Durango’s longer wheelbase than its Jeep GC sibling.
Overall, a very solid and competitive truck, with enough power for fast drivers even with the just the new 3.6-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic. A great pairing.
The R/T models are by far the most current and stylish, thanks to a long list of upgrades versus the chrome-laden Citadel trim. Of course, the big Hemi V8 would be on my list of R/T benefits as well.
But all that style can be had for much less. Dodge has smartly offered the Blacktop and also Rallye packages on base SXT trims for just $3,000 extra. This gives the cheaper trucks much of the stance and handling of the R/T – for a lot less.
The Durango’s Rallye package includes:
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295-HP Pentastar V6 engine
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Dual Exhaust with Bright Tips
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20-inch Hyper Black Aluminum Wheels
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Body Color Grille, Fascias, Sill Molding and Wheel Lip Molding
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Black Headlamp Bezels
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Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Microphone
The Durango’s Blacktop package includes:
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20-Inch x 8.0-Inch Painted Aluminum Wheels
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265/50R20 BSW All Season Tires
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Black Grille
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Black Headlamp Bezels
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Bluetooth® Streaming Audio
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Body-Color Front Fascia
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Body-Color License Plate Brow
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Body-Color Rear Fascia
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Body-Color Sill Molding
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Body-Color Wheel Lip Molding
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Delete Roof Rack
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Dual Rear Exhaust with Bright Tips
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Goodyear® Brand Tires
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Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
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Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
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Remote USB Port
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Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror w/ Microphone
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Uconnect® Voice Command with Bluetooth®
You can see all the Blacktop 2014 Dodges by cruising over to here.
Pricing starts at about $28,000 for the base DUrango SXT.
2014 Dodge Durango – Exteriors
2014 Dodge Durango – Interiors
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.