Just the words “affordable mid-range SUV” are enough to catch the eye of drivers as diverse as soccer moms, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who buy their vehicles so they can truly enjoy driving. . In fact, despite its price and its ability to function as a family car, the 2011 Dodge Durango is the furthest thing from a simple Jane family ferry. It’s a powerhouse of an SUV, striking in design and formidable in power and handling.
After a two-year hiatus, the Durango has returned to the market with a bang. Building on the heritage of the venerable Jeep Cherokee, it boasts a powerful and reliable 24-valve DOHC 290-horsepower Pentastar V6 as its base engine, with a show-stopping Hemi V-8 serving as the hyper-powerful cornerstone of the Durango premium. R / T model. While the Durango’s bodywork is strong and therefore heavy, either power option is more than enough to provide reasonably fast acceleration and enough force to take advantage of the 6,200-pound towing capacity. of the V6 models and the 7,200 or 7,400 pound towing capacities of the Option V8 and V8 4WD, respectively.
In fact, the Durango is nothing but tough; yet it is a sleek driving machine with a style that stands out from its competitors in the midsize SUV market. Dodge’s penchant for sporty styling is very evident here, and its rounded, contoured features are a far cry from the boxy SUV designs that are the norm for this price and size class. Attention to design is also seen within the Durango, even the base model features a well-organized cabin, comfortable seating with ample room for seven passengers, and a folding front passenger seat that adds storage space when the Durango is placed inside. . service that transports anything from groceries bought at the corner grocery store to fishing gear and camping for a leisurely excursion to the coast or mountains three or four states from home.
The fact is, most SUVs in this class do quite the job for passengers, and Dodge takes that into account with a reliable suspension that performs just as well in the city as it does on the highway, as well as with attention to security features. including full airbags and antilock brakes. However, its weight distribution, steering system and unibody architecture allow for the maximum performance you can expect from a large, rugged vehicle.
Clearly, the Dodge Durango is the pick for mid-range SUV customers this year. From base model to V-8 luxury Citadel trim, the Durango’s four trim packages present real value for a car that features real performance and enjoyment, yet practical and functional. This is an SUV that goes far beyond the typical role of its peers as a household and family ferry carrier. It is a car for both the driver and passengers to enjoy, both on local roads and country lanes, as well as on the high-speed highway.