2021 Dodge Durango

2021 Dodge Durango

2021 Dodge Durango Among the three-row mid-size crossovers, there is only one muscle: the 2021 Dodge Durango. While many of its competitors start with four cylinders and offer a V-6 as an option, the Durango starts with a V-6 and allows buyers to upgrade to a more robust Hemi V-8. The family can pile on thanks to the optional third row of seats, and those at the front are treated to comfortable seating and an intuitive infotainment system. The Durango is perhaps the best-in-class option for towing tasks, especially when equipped with a V-8. Other SUVs may provide more skill,

Or high-tech driver assistance features, or comfortable rides, but when it comes to agility, the Durango stands alone. 2021 Dodge Durango 

 

Dodge Dodge Durango 2021

Dodge has revamped the look of the 2021 Durango with new headlights, an updated grille, a revised rear spoiler, and a variable front bumper, but the changes are more noticeable inside. Changes to the dashboard create a more driver-oriented layout, with infotainment and lower controls displayed slightly to the left. Speaking of infotainment, Durango can now be had with a new optional 10.1-inch infotainment system powered by an updated version of the Uconnect interface; The larger screen is also included with a wireless smartphone charging pad; The new system will be optional on GT and standard on Citadel and R/T. A new Tow N Go package is available on the high-spec R/T model. It increases maximum towing capacity to 8,700 pounds and adds a custom towing mode as well as unique 20-inch wheels and flared fenders, why not? 2021 Dodge Durango 

The mid-range GT model is the best value of the group, and we stuck with the standard V-6 over the thirstier V-8. After all, if you’re looking for a high-performance SUV, the Durango SRT or the Limited Edition Durango SRT Hellcat (both reviewed separately) will likely satisfy you. We’d be interested in upgrading from the standard 8.4-inch infotainment system to the new 10.1-inch unit, though, and that costs $995 on the GT model and also adds in-dash navigation and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

• Engine, Transmission, and Performance 2021 Dodge Durango 

Durango’s optional 360-horsepower V-8 provides a significant boost in towing capacity (up to 8,700 lb-ft), while the 295-hp V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission are a more efficient coupling. The Durango’s fuel economy doesn’t outperform its four-cylinder rivals, of course, but the trade-off with a more pleasant V-8 and strong towing might be worth it for some buyers. We tested both the V-6 and V-8 engines using a standard eight-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive. Durango with the V-6 managed a 7.4sec run from zero to 60 mph; The V-8 did it in 6.2 seconds. Dodge’s suspension system cuts the fine line between sportiness and comfort, but the steering feel and braking performance remind you that you’re driving an SUV.

Although not overtly sporty, the Durango’s rear-wheel drive platform lends a sporty feel to the Durango, and the muscle car’s character shines through in everyday use. It still manages to provide a comfortable ride, making it a family-friendly SUV that’s fun to drive and easy to live with.

• fuel economy 

Four-cylinder crossovers under the hood are more fuel-efficient, but the Durango’s V-6 engine is still competitive with other V6-powered competitors. Although the EPA has yet to release fuel-efficiency estimates for the 2021 Durango, we expect to see little or no changes from the 2020 model. In our highway fuel-economy test, the 2020 Durango R/T surprised us The V-8 has outperformed the EPA rating (and even its V-6-powered variant) as well as the lighter, more modern GMC Acadia V-engine. Sixth, the V-8-powered Durango managed 23 mpg while the V-6 underperformed an EPA rating of 22 mpg.

• 2021 Dodge Durango cabin interior, comfort and cargo

Each manufacturer uses a mix of materials that range from cheap to high quality, but some designs like Durango are executed better than others. Designers prioritized ergonomics, material quality and general comfort, but other competitors offer more room for passengers in the second and third row. Facing the driver is a set of red and white scales on a black background. The steering wheel features a thick leather-wrapped rim and elegant-looking metallic rims. On our R/T test wagon, the paddle shifters install behind the wheel with a satisfying click.

So we were able to fit 30 handbags inside the Durango cabin with all the seats folded flat, but we only fit four seats behind the third row with all the seats in place. This is two times more than what Acadia has managed in both metrics. The Ford Explorer only kept 25 overall (like the Mazda CX-9), but it made room for six of our bags behind the third row, making it better for hauling people and goods at the same time.

• Information, entertainment and communication

The Durango has one of the best infotainment systems on the market perched atop a sculpted dashboard. The mid-range Base SXT and GT models come with an 8.4-inch screen, while a 10.1-inch screen is optional on the GT and standard on the Citadel and R/T. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with both screens. The rear-seat entertainment system, also optional, adds dual screens and provides two HDMI and RCA ports for connecting more devices. We noticed good sound quality for Bluetooth phone calls, one caller even commented that he could hear the rumble of the V-8 engine.

Safety and driver assistance features

This means the Durango’s crash test results are acceptable, but far from a leader in its class. Optional automatic emergency braking adds an extra layer of protection and helps the standard backup camera safely reverse the big beast. Key safety features include:

 Automatic emergency braking available

 Available adaptive cruise control

 Help is available to keep track

Warranty and maintenance coverage

Dodge offers a model warranty with all new Durangos; Extended warranties are available for purchase through dealerships. Hyundai Palisade offers a 10-year and 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is the best in the industry. Most other competitors offer roughly the same coverage as Durango. GMC and Toyota offer two years of free scheduled maintenance, but Durango buyers will have to pay separately for these services.

 The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36000 miles

 Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles

 No free scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Engine type: pushrod 16 valve V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 345 cu in, 5654 cc

Power: 360 bhp @ 5150 rpm

Torque: 390 lb-ft at 4250 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission with manual transmission mode

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 119.8 in

Length: 201.2 inches

Width: 75.8 in Height: 71.9 inches

Passenger volume: 141 cubic feet

Payload volume: 17 cubic feet

Empty vehicle weight: 5369 lbs

C/D Test Results:

0 to 60 mph: 6.2 seconds

 Zero to 100 mph: 16.3 seconds

0 to 110 mph: 20.6 seconds

Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.6 seconds

Top speed, 30-50 mph: 3.0 seconds

Top speed, 50-70 mph: 4.1 seconds

Standing ¼ mile: 14.7 seconds @ 95 mph

Top speed (limited governor): 120 mph

Braking, 70 to 0 mph: 193 ft

Road, 300 feet skateboard dia: 0.78g

fuel economy:

City/Highway EPA driving: 14/22 mpg

C/D observed: 16 mpg

C/D Observed highway driving: 23 mpg

Observed C/D highway range: 560 mi

Price as tested: $48,480 (Base price: $45,490)