Choices are limited when shopping for a seven-passenger vehicle. A minivan can take care of the seating capacity, but factor in the need for cargo space, and towing capacity and suddenly you're shopping for a hulking SUV. The 2013 Durango meets these requirements in a sporty crossover SUV that drives like a much smaller vehicle.
The Durango starts at $29,495, but our all-wheel-drive test model arrived with the top-of-line Citadel trim package that topped out at just over $44,000.
A bold chrome grille immediately catches the eye, giving the Durango a bit of muscle car bravado. Chrome continues on the door handles, ground effects, mirrors and wheels to help give the Dodge, painted in a bright silver metallic clear coat, an aggressively styled exterior.
The Durango's beige leather and black trim interior is upscale, well-built and packed with features. Both driver and front passenger seats are eight-way power adjustable. There's plenty of head and foot room with the second-row captain-style chairs. Both front and second row seats were heated along with the steering wheel. My children instinctively went for the third-row seats, which were a bit cramped for adults.
Dodge does a good job of simplifying the Durango's media center. I felt at ease with a limited number of buttons and dials on the center console controlling the radio and navigation systems. However, I found the steering wheel controls a bit overwhelming at first. Soon, though, I was controlling just about everything while keeping my eyes on the road.
Our test model had an adequately powered 3.6-liter, V6 engine with a 290-horsepower output. The Durango handled well, cruising quietly along the Mass Pike and in the city. A relatively short wheelbase helped out when trying to park in tight downtown Boston garage spaces. I did find that the Durango's five-speed transmission was a bit lacking — an extra gear would help smooth out the SUV's acceleration.
Our test model's V6 engine offered reasonable fuel economy, at 15 miles per gallon combined city and highway, along with all-wheel-drive and light to moderate towing capacity. An optional 5.7-liter, V8 engine is available for those who need the extra power, but bear in mind that the AWD feature is only available with the V6.
The Durango holds its own in the limited crossover-SUV market.
While I enjoyed the Citadel's upscale trim package, I could easily settle for the Durango's entry- to mid-level trim packages.
The Durango adequately accommodated my family of five, but rear cargo space was limited once everyone was seated. Crossover SUVs from Ford and GM are also worth considering when looking at the Durango.
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