2014 Dodge Durango RT RWD

Yet there are different motives for advocating this Durango beyond its belligerent, upgraded-for-2014 styling and voluminous inside, specifically its pugnacious Hemi V8, its simple-to-use and helpful technologies, its friendly ergonomics, and its agile rear wheel drive-based chassis. That last aspect was an important variable in the easy first-place finish in its last comparison of the Durango -evaluation appearance.

Really, in a section filled with minivans dressed up like offroaders, the three-row Dodge feels distinct. No, not like an offroader--although with bones shared but rather like the automobiles that are sporty we prefer to drive. An incredibly rigid construction suggests that the suspension can concentrate on corralling its high- providing satisfactory dynamics and riding mass as opposed to compensating for torsional flex, and body movements are really well controlled during hard cornering, even in all scenarios. That is authentic and spring tuning and the more competitive shock of the R/T version analyzed here furthers the cause.

The stiff suspension does affect ride quality somewhat, but damage is probably done by the R/T's 20-inch wheel-and-tire package; we have driven plenty on smaller-diameter rolling stock and the ride nicely. This is considered with the caveat, obviously, where the roads are kept to exactly the same standards that we analyzed our example in Michigan. The steering could be somewhat quicker at parking rates, although it is slow on facility, which makes for comfortable highway cruising. It correctly dispatches orders to the front tires, yet, so precisely where you point the Durango regardless of how vigorously you are driving it goes. When the front axle does not have any propulsion responsibilities, as on our rear wheel drive test vehicle, a smidgen of feel comes through the steering wheel.

Orange Electricity

Under the hood, the Hemi is the Hemi, which would be to say strong, brutish, and loud under boot that is complete. Each manufacturer uses a unique programming-- Chrysler's own examples are even built by it under permit--and Dodge's software right was got by it. Supplies are found by the transmission fast, even - ratio downshifts, and they are engaged by it flawlessly. That is true an extremely small criticism probably addressed with the acquaintance of ownership, although the selector knob takes a while to get used to, meaning you've got to be much more purposeful when making three-point turns.

Also new this year is the Eco mode which is mechanically participated with every startup of the Durango; throttle response slackens, requests the transmission to upshift earlier, and induces the V8's cylinder-displacement technology to kick in more frequently. Plus, you sort of need to locate equipment that is eighth as soon as possible in an enormous vehicle in this way. Really, we saw the onboard fuel economy index fall by as many instantly after disabling Eco mode. Our market that was observed hit on the EPA's combined-amount bull's-eye: 17 mpg.

Our Durango R/T that is sporty, like the remaining line, wears clean front- and rear end styling. Lightbulbs. A 60/40-split folding second-row seat is normal, but ours had two fold and tumble captain's chairs that reduced max capacity. In 2013, the inside sports a fresh steering wheel along with exceptionally useful and high res motorist -information display between the gauges.

Moderately Priced for the Section

Starting at a decent K--if you believe that's pricey, check out say or, Chevy Tahoe, Mercedes-Benz GL costs-- a light 85 was carried by ours'T evaluation vehicle in choices. Our Durango was nicely equipped to manage the day to day chores. Adding four-wheel drive to any version costs 00.

Of today's three-row competitors, the Durango stays at the front of the pack, delivering worth that is persuasive, category-leading dynamics, and a comfy and well turned-out inside.

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2014 Dodge Durango RT RWD

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