Despite being a bit long in the tooth, the three-row Durango SUV is still a capable and pleasant vehicle. The current Durango is a luxurious, refined, and functional SUV that rates at the top of its category.
The Durango, which shares the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, does an impressive job of combining workhorse utility with ample creature comforts. The interior is spacious, quiet, and well-finished, with room for seven. The ride is supple and composed, and handling is responsive for a vehicle this big. Yet the Durango also comes ready to haul the load, providing plenty of cargo room and towing capability. It's larger than most midsized SUVs, however, so it can be a bit of a handful to maneuver and park.
A thorough freshening for 2014 brought a host of improvements, including an excellent new eight-speed automatic transmission. Coupled with a 290-hp, 3.6-liter V6, it transforms the driving experience, making our test vehicle notably quicker and more responsive than the last V6 Durango we tested. It also boosts fuel economy slightly to 18 mpg overall, which is decent but not among the best in the class. Most buyers should be happy with the V6 engine. The Hemi V8 delivers smooth, effortless acceleration and a nice exhaust burble. But it costs a hefty $2,795 more and reduces overall gas mileage by about 3 mpg.
Also new is a revised dash with Chrysler's optional Uconnect 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system. It combines connectivity with easy, intuitive operation and is among the best of its type.
Inside, drivers sit high in big, supportive front seats. The second row can be ordered with individual captain's chairs or a three-position bench. Either way, outboard passengers have a roomy and comfortable seat, but the bench's cushion is a bit low. Two adults can fit in the third row, but it's not the place for a long trip.
The Durango is an excellent choice for towing. It's rated to tow up to 6,200 pounds with the V6, more than its rivals, and up to 8,600 pounds with the V8 in the SRT.
One of the Durango's few downsides is so-so rear visibility. The standard rear-view camera is a benefit and the optional blind-spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert would help even more.