Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 360 hp 5A)
SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Crew 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Crew 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
R/T 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 360 hp 5A)
Special Service 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 280 hp 5A)
Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 360 hp 5A)
Crew 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 360 hp 5A)
SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
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SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Express 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Crew 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Heat 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Crew 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Crew 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Crew 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 360 hp 5A)
Crew 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 390 hp 5A)
Overall Rating
The Dodge Durango is essentially the answer to some steady segment players such as the Ford Explore and the Toyota Highlander.
The Dodge Durango had a complete redesign in 2011, which improved the car in all aspects starting from handling and ride quality, to better interiors and engine output. The 2012 Durango returns with the same sleek styling, and upscale interiors and not a lot of changes otherwise. The car is powered by a 3.6L V-6 motor making close to 293 horsepower. There is even a HEMI V-8 motor available that makes 360 horsepower.
The Durango can tow up to 7,400 pounds when properly outfitted. The interiors are spacious, though some of the car's competitors offer better room. Overall the car is quite easy to maneuver and has a seating position that combines both performance and control. The car has the underpinnings of a perfect family mover and even comes with updated and luxurious interiors as you move up the trims. The 2012 Dodge Durango goes up against competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and the Ford Explorer.
From a convenience and features point of view, the Crew trim makes a whole lot of sense if the Durango is supposed to be a family car. Though for an occasionally used vehicle the SXT trim is quite sufficient and well specced.
SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Citadel 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 360 hp 5A)
Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 360 hp 5A)
R/T 4dr SUV AWD (5.7L 8cyl 5A)
SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Citadel 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
The Dodge Durango is essentially the answer to some steady segment players such as the Ford Explore and the Toyota Highlander.
The Dodge Durango had a complete redesign in 2011, which improved the car in all aspects starting from handling and ride quality, to better interiors and engine output. The 2012 Durango returns with the same sleek styling, and upscale interiors and not a lot of changes otherwise. The car is powered by a 3.6L V-6 motor making close to 293 horsepower. There is even a HEMI V-8 motor available that makes 360 horsepower.
The Durango can tow up to 7,400 pounds when properly outfitted. The interiors are spacious, though some of the car's competitors offer better room. Overall the car is quite easy to maneuver and has a seating position that combines both performance and control. The car has the underpinnings of a perfect family mover and even comes with updated and luxurious interiors as you move up the trims. The 2012 Dodge Durango goes up against competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and the Ford Explorer.
The 2012 Dodge Durango is offered in 4 trim levels, starting from the basic SXT trim, the mid-level Crew, a performance-oriented R/T trim, and finally the premium and luxurious Citadel. While most Durangos come with a refined and rather fuel-efficient 3.6L V-6 motor, the R/T trim offers a large HEMI V-8 engine. The SUV comes with a standard rear-wheel-drive, though an all-wheel-drive is optionally available on every trim.
Trim |
SXT |
Crew |
R/T |
Citadel |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (RWD) |
$28,995 |
$33,795 |
$35,795 |
$40,995 |
MSRP (AWD) |
$31,195 |
$35,995 |
$38,395 |
$43,195 |
Key Features |
18” alloy wheels |
Everything on the SXT + |
Everything on the Crew + |
Everything on the Crew + |
|
Automatic headlights |
Remote Ignition |
V-8 Engine |
Automatic Xenon headlamps |
|
Fog lamps |
Power Liftgate |
20-inch alloy wheels |
20-inch alloy wheels |
|
Heated mirrors |
Auto-dimming rearview mirror |
Sport-tuned suspension |
Chrome grille insert |
|
Cruise control |
Power front seats |
Xenon headlamps |
Automatic wipers |
|
Tri-zone climate control |
Driver seat memory |
Faux-suede upholstery |
Sunroof |
|
6-speaker audio with CD Player and Satellite Radio |
Rearview camera |
Driver power lumbar support |
Leather upholstery |
|
Bluetooth Connectivity |
Ventilated and heated front seats |
||
9-speaker audio system |
Heated rear seats |
|||
Touchscreen display |
Adaptive cruise control |
|||
Navigation system |
||||
Sirius Travel Link |
We Recommend
From a convenience and features point of view, the Crew trim makes a whole lot of sense if the Durango is supposed to be a family car. Though for an occasionally used vehicle the SXT trim is quite sufficient and well specced.
The 2012 Dodge Durango comes with a 3.6L V-6 motor as standard. The engine makes 290 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. There is an optional V-8 motor, which is available on all trims except the base SXT, and comes standard on the R/T. the V-8 makes 360 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque.
There is a 5-speed automatic gearbox with the V-6, and the V-8 comes with a 6-speed automatic. Every Durango comes with a rear-wheel-drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive.
Model |
Dodge Durango Crew RWD |
Chevrolet Traverse LT w/ 1LT |
Ford Explorer XLT |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$33,795 |
$32,760 |
$32,100 |
Engine |
3.6L V-6 |
3.6L V-6 |
3.5L V-6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
5-speed shiftable automatic |
6-speed shiftable automatic |
6-speed shiftable automatic |
Power |
290 hp @ 6400 rpm |
281 hp @ 6300 rpm |
290 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Torque |
260 ft-lbs. @ 4800 rpm |
266 ft-lbs. @ 3400 rpm |
255 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm |
0-60 mph (seconds) |
9.0 |
8.0 |
7.4 |
Quarter-mile (seconds) |
16.7 |
16.4 |
15.8 |
Top Speed (mph) |
151 |
132 |
151 |
The Dodge Durango is among the best-powered cars in the competition. Though the old 5-speed gearbox is quite slow and gets the car to 60 mph in 9-seconds, which is slower than most of the competition. Comparing price tags, the Dodge Durango slots in a bit higher than most of its competitors.
None of the engine options on the Durango are quite fuel-efficient. Though the V-6 is comparably better, and pretty decent if you compare most other 3-row vehicles. The V-6 motor with all-wheel-drive gives 16 mpg in cities, 23 mpg on highways, and 19 mpg combined. The larger V-8 is rated at 13 mpg in cities, 20 mpg on highways, and 15 mpg combined.
Model |
Dodge Durango Crew RWD |
Chevrolet Traverse LT w/ 1LT |
Ford Explorer XLT |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) (mpg) |
16 |
17 |
18 |
MPG (Highway) (mpg) |
23 |
24 |
25 |
MPG (Combined) (mpg) |
19 |
19 |
20 |
Fuel Capacity (gallon) |
24.6 |
22.0 |
18.6 |
Range (City/Hwy) |
394/566 |
374/528 |
335/465 |
The Dodge Durango has a large 24.6-gallon tank, much higher than any other competitor in the class. This gives the car a range of over 450 miles on a full tank. The Ford Explorer has the smallest tank of the lot, which gives it the least range of only about 400 miles.
The interior has been redesigned from 2011, which now has a more powerful, almost truck-like theme. The cabin has tightly fitted, and well-styled interior appointments. The R/T trim gets red upholstery with red stitching.
The car is now much more passenger-friendly and has moved away from its truck-based roots. The interiors are spacious and come standard with seating for seven passengers.
Model |
Dodge Durango Crew RWD |
Chevrolet Traverse LT w/ 1LT |
Ford Explorer XLT |
---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
7 |
8 |
7 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.9/58.5/40.3 |
40.4/62.0/41.3 |
40.6/61.3/40.5 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.8/58.3/38.6 |
39.4/61.3/36.8 |
40.5/61.0/39.8 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
17.2 |
24.4 |
21.0 |
The Dodge Durango offers decent legroom in the rear seats though the third row isn't as well outfitted. The SUV allows for just 17.2 cubic feet of storage space which is below average in the class. The Ford Explorer offers the best legroom in the competition. Some standout interior features are:
The basic SXT Durango offers just an AM/FM/CD player, although satellite radio is standard. The Crew model adds Bluetooth and an upgraded 9-speaker sound system.
The Crew also has a touchscreen display, which includes a USB/iPod interface, music storage, and voice commands. The top-end Citadel trim offers a navigation system and Sirius Travel Link. some standout infotainment features are:
The redesign has made the 2012 Dodge Durango more sedated and sleek, instead of its rugged older variants. Though the car seems much more attractive in the segment and is sure to attract more buyers than the older Durango.
Chrysler has built the Durango based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s unibody platform. The car has shed its curves and bulges for the new model. The front crosshair grille adds to the high-hood, muscular character.
Model |
Dodge Durango Crew RWD |
Chevrolet Traverse LT w/ 1LT |
Ford Explorer XLT |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4838 |
4658 |
4557 |
Length (in.) |
199.8 |
205.0 |
197.1 |
Width (in.) |
75.8 |
78.4 |
78.9 |
Height (in.) |
70.9 |
72.8 |
70.4 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
8.1 |
7.2 |
7.6 |
Wheelbase (in.) |
119.8 |
118.9 |
112.6 |
The 2012 Dodge Durango is one of the longest wheelbases in the segment. It also offers the eBay ground clearance, although it does have a lacking height and a heavy curb weight. Compared to the modernized chassis on the Ford and the Chevrolet Traverse, the Durango is still a bit on the lacking side. Some standout exterior features include:
The new Dodge Durango shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Durango asl has received some great safety features for this year. The NHTSA has awarded the Durango with a 4 on 5 stars overall. The car gets 4-stars for frontal impact and 5-stars for side impact. The IIHS has also awarded the car a new roof-strength rating, which has made it the “Top Safety Pick” for 2011. Some standout safety features in the 2012 Dodge Durango are:
The redesigned Dodge Durango is much better and more powerful than its predecessor. For 2012 the SUV has managed to improve and is now much better designed and spacious. The Interiors of the 7-seater have great space, and the design and the material quality are both quite good. The SUV also offers a super-powered V-8 motor as an option for performance enthusiasts. Overall the Dodge Durango is a highly recommended car if fuel economy is something you can forgo.