2012 Dodge Durango Review

Overview

Dodge has brought in a completely changed Durango that has car like unibody architecture with improved ride and handling dynamics for 2012. The 2012 Dodge Durango emerges with an all-new exterior styling, a new interior and a super powerful new base V-6 engine. Done in soft-touch materials, the cabin is luxurious and more refined. The 2012 Dodge Durango large crossover SUV is available in base Express, mid-level Crew and top-of-the-line Citadel trim levels.

Power and performance

The 2012 Dodge Durango comes in a choice of two engines: a 3.6-liter V6 engine that churns out 290 hp and a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that churns out 360 horsepower. Both engines feature variable valve timing (VVT). While the 3.6-litre engine gives an EPA certified fuel economy of 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway (RWD) and 16/22 mpg (AWD), the 5.7-liter engine delivers 14/20 mpg (City/Hwy). The 2012 Dodge Durango is available in a variety of power train combinations. You have the flexibility to choose between rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The full-time AWD system is only available with the V6 engine.

Body and styling

Thanks to the vertical crosshair grille, the 2012 Dodge Durango looks more stylish yet intimidating. Standard exterior features include 18-inch aluminum wheels, front fog lights, automatic halogen headlights and heated side mirrors. Optional features include SmartBeam automatic high-beam headlights, high-intensity-discharge headlights optional, power liftgate, power sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers and roof rack with storable cross rails. The interior of the Dodge Durango 2012 is rather understated, yet delightfully stylish. With three rows of seats standard, the Durango has the capability to seat seven people. Cargo space in the new Durango measures 17.2 cubic feet. Standard and optional interior features include tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, CD stereo with auxiliary input, touch-screen audio system with hard drive for storing music, Garmin-based in-dash navigation system, front- and second-row heated seats, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Safety Features

The 2012 Dodge Durango is supremely safe and the standard features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, stability system and trailer-sway control. Optional safety features include rear parking sensors, backup camera, blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-path detection, and adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning.