Used 2013 Dodge Durango

With gas prices holding steady for the near term, the full-size SUV has begun its resurgence with consumers, and the 2013 Dodge Durango is leading the pack. Not quite as large as a Chevy Suburban, the leaner Durango is no less capable, offering a choice of a V6 or HEMI V8 engine, 2- or 4-wheel drive and four well-equipped trims. The Durango’s small size doesn’t ask consumers to sacrifice interior room, comfort or the ability to tow over 6,000 pounds. In V6 form, the Durango offers a strong alternative to vehicles such as the GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer. But when equipped with the available 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the Durango can out-tow and out-muscle any V6, with a tow rating of 7,400 pounds and a whopping 360 horsepower.

Despite the 2013 Dodge Durango’s mass, the 290-horsepower Pentastar V6 never fails to accelerate briskly or deliver up ample passing power when asked. We can certainly see instances where the HEMI V8 is preferable to the V6, such as when towing heavy loads, but for those only interested in hauling items that fit inside the Durango’s cabin, we think the V6 is the way to go. As for its road manners, the 2013 Dodge Durango SUV has a slightly heavy steering feel, but the turn-in response is excellent and the Durango tracks straight and true on the highway. The Durango’s suspension tuning is a bit stiff, a complaint heard especially often from those testing the R/T trim, but overall the ride is still compliant and fairly comfortable. As a result of added insulation and heavy-gauge steel used throughout the cabin, wind and tire noise are kept at a minimum.

If you’re looking for luxury car-like quality and craftsmanship, look no further than the 2013 Durango’s interior. Dodge has outdone itself (and everyone else in the field) with an interior that emphasizes comfort, visual elegance and supreme quiet. Crew and Citadel trims offer such features as heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seating and standard leather seating. The Durango’s 28 possible configurations allow for any combination of people and cargo, from the roomy spot behind the second-row seat to the full-length flat floor created by the flush-folding front passenger seat.

With the exception of the new Ford Explorer, we think the Dodge Durango for 2013 is one of the freshest faces in the 7-passenger SUV segment. The Durango’s sport wagon-like appearance is only an illusion, however, as it retains its impressive ground clearance and tall roofline. Of course, the R/T trim does sacrifice some ride height and its more aggressive 20-inch rims and lowered ground effects clearly limit its off-road ability. Then again, the R/T trim is meant to excel on paved roads and, with the potent HEMI V8 under the hood, acceleration is also best in class. Other clever features found on Dodge’s 2013 Durango SUV include an available flexible roof rack that incorporates folding crossbars that can be stowed in the side rails when not in use.

R/T TRIM
About the closest you’ll get to an SRT version of the 2013 Durango, the R/T’s lowered sport suspension, recalibrated shocks and springs and aggressive 20-inch tires make this one playful full-sized SUV. Oh, did we forget to mention it’s got a HEMI?

BLIND-SPOT MONITORING
Big SUVs have lots of side glass for good outward vision, but that doesn’t always help when trying to change lanes with a car full of boisterous kids. Thankfully, the 2013 Dodge Durango’s Blind-spot Monitoring system will alert when something other than air is occupying the space you’re attempting to fill.

The entry-level SXT trim features 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, heated power side mirrors, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, 12-volt outlet and removable LED flashlight in the cargo area, tilt/telescopic steering column and an AM/FM/CD radio with WMA/MP3 support, Sirius Satellite Radio and auxiliary input jack. At the opposite end of the Durango spectrum, the Citadel adds 20-inch wheels, a power rear liftgate, HID headlamps, Nappa leather and suede seats, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, Rear Cross Path Detection system, power heated and tilt/telescopic steering wheel, keyless Enter-N-Go, heated second-row seating and Garmin navigation.

Options vary by trim and include a Garmin-equipped navigation radio with 30 GB hard drive and Sirius Travel Link, ParkView rearview camera, ParkSense rear park assist, side Blind-spot Monitoring, Smartbeam auto-dimming high beams, UConnect phone (Bluetooth), skid plates, Alpine premium audio, Bluetooth streaming audio, heated second-row seats, power rear liftgate, rain-sensing wipers and a heated steering wheel. Option packages include the Trailer Tow Group IV that adds a 220-amp alternator, heavy-duty engine oil cooler, Class IV hitch receiver, 4- and 7-pin wiring harness and rear load-leveling shocks. The Rallye Appearance Group adds 20-inch polished wheels, black bezel headlights and body-colored trim and grille.

The 2013 Dodge Durango’s standard engine on all but the R/T trim is Chrysler’s award-winning Pentastar V6. Without question, one of the best V6 engines ever produced by the company, this engine has more than enough power to satisfy most SUV drivers. Equipped with dual-overhead cams and variable-valve timing, the 3.6-liter Pentastar is capable of achieving maximum performance without sacrificing fuel economy. The Durango’s optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 features a fuel-saver mode that deactivates four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required. When power is needed, however, the Durango’s HEMI has it in spades, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of tow-ready torque. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) V8 model includes a low-speed transfer case with a neutral position setting.

3.6-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg

5.7-liter HEMI V8
360 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 13/20 mpg (AWD)