Overview Full-sized, muscle-bound, three-row SUV is a dying breed of vehicle
Pros Powerful Hemi V8, roomy, loaded
Cons Big and heavy, gas pig
Value for money Fair
What would I change? If it wasn’t for the price disparity between gas and diesel pricing, I’d like to see a turbodiesel engine option
How I would spec it? Limited V6 ($44,995)
Except for those automakers that choose some sort of alphanumeric naming convention for their sport-utility vehicle lineups, almost all SUVs and crossovers have names that are tough, outdoorsy and/or geographic (Wrangler, Pathfinder, Yukon, Terrain, Explorer, Santa Fe, et al). In enough cases, especially with crossovers, which are generally car-based, the name is the only rugged aspect of the vehicle.
That said, there is nothing remotely wimpy about the Durango. The big Dodge is pure machismo from its name (think gunslinger from a ’50s western — “Get the sheriff! The Durango Kid just rode into town!”) to its muscular appearance to the Hemi V8 standard with the R/T trim level. Oh, maybe the topline Citadel, with its luxury touches, is better suited for polite company. However, considering those clever people in marketing refer to the seven-seater as “the Dodge Charger of the SUV segment,” it’s a pretty clear insinuation that good ol’ fashioned — and maybe just a tad unrefined — performance is what’s at play here. (This would depend on your frame of reference; the Charger name generating thoughts of the original ’60s muscle car, or the current one.)
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T has 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
Brian Harper, Driving
Certainly, the 5.7L Hemi has the moxie to motivate the R/T, producing a robust 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, more than sufficient to deal with the SUV’s 2,418-kilogram weight as well as provide a maximum tow rating of 7,400 pounds. And there’s that wonderful growl it makes when the gas pedal is tickled.
Also read: Our review of the 2015 Dodge Journey
Needless to say, though, fuel economy is not one of the rig’s strengths, despite the Hemi’s Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder-deactivation. This system alternates between four-cylinder mode, when less power is needed, and V8 mode when more power is required. It can only do so much, though — a swinish average of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres during a week with the tester had me thinking a turbodiesel six-cylinder would be a welcomed option. (Admittedly, this is a tough sell these days considering the current record low price for gasoline and the significantly higher price for diesel fuel. When the price of crude eventually climbs again, though…)
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T got a piggish as-tested fuel economy average of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Brian Harper, Driving
When the third-generation Durango was refreshed for the 2014 model year, its transmission was upgraded to an eight-speed automatic with rotary shifter, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an Eco mode. This move, Chrysler says, improved fuel economy up to 15% compared with the five-speed automatic it replaced, along with enhanced performance and smoother shifts.
Indeed, the transmission suits the V8’s torquey personality, shifting smoothly and efficiently between the gears. There was an occasional and slight driveline vibration under light throttle, possibly when the engine was switching over to four-cylinder mode from eight-cylinder.
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T has cylinder deactivation to help with fuel economy. It doesn’t actually help THAT much.
Brian Harper, Driving
Listed as standard on the R/T is performance steering and an independent sport suspension — isolated on front and rear cradles — and both complement the model’s intent. The R/T’s ride height is also lower by 20 mm than the other trims, an enhancement to its sportier appearance and offering a slight improvement in driving dynamics. Handling is firm and a bit slow — V8 Durangos make do with hydraulic power steering while V6 models get an electro-hydraulic unit — with a solid weight to the wheel. The ride is well damped, similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, not surprising, as the Durango is built on the same unibody platform. Naturally, the Dodge’s wheelbase is longer to allow the three rows of seats.
Seven-passenger seating is standard, though the R/T tester was fitted with the more comfortable second-row captain’s chairs (a $600 option) available on all models. No matter, both type of seats fold and tumble forward, allowing easier access for children to the back row. (There’s plenty of room up front for the big and tall, while the second row sill comfortably fit 6-footers.) A fold-flat front passenger seat is standard on models that aren’t equipped with the ventilated seat option, which improves the Durango’s utility by allowing customers to load and carry long objects. Once flat, the seat back panel also serves as a convenient utility table.
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T comes standard with three rows of seating.
Brian Harper, Driving
The third-row seat features a 50/50 split and is easily folded from the rear of the Dodge. With both the second- and third-row seats folded flat, there’s a cavernous 84.5 cubic feet of cargo room. One cool feature — a button in the touchscreen display remotely lowers the third-row headrests when the seats are not in use.
As a whole, the Durango’s cabin has the appropriate techy features and modern conveniences expected of a $50,000 SUV, though overt luxury touches are in short supply. The interior is uniformly black, a retro nod to Chrysler’s muscle car days when the R/T name (which stood for Road/Track) denoted a higher-performance model within the Charger and Coronet lineups. The leather seats are embroidered with a red stitch pattern, including the R/T logo on the front seats. The instrument panel features a centre stack that houses the standard five-inch Uconnect touchscreen or the optional 8.4-inch. Under the screen are redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. The bottom of the stack houses a media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and auxiliary jacks, as well as a storage bin.
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T is logical and roomy.
Brian Harper, Driving
The instrument cluster includes a standard full-colour seven-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) screen, which allows for drivers to customize more than 100 ways, says Chrysler, how information is presented.
Since Jeep ditched the three-row Commander after the 2010 model year, the Durango has shouldered that role without complaint. And Chrysler definitely sees a need for a bigger, V8-powered SUV that can haul. “There are many Canadian consumers who need the room and capability of a full-sized SUV to transport their children (or grandchildren), or who may need the increased towing capability or cargo capacity,” says Ed Broadbear, vice-president of marketing for Chrysler Canada.
2015 Dodge Durango R/T
Brian Harper, Driving
Here’s the thing, though. A rumour (unconfirmed, of course) has been circulating for a year or two that there won’t be a next-generation Durango; Chrysler or, more accurately Fiat Chrysler, will appoint Jeep as the sole provider of SUVs, with Dodge focusing on cars.
Whether there’s any truth to that rumour or not, I suppose it doesn’t matter which brand handles the large-and-in-charge duties. But those who are loyal to the Dodge brand and who like their rigs rugged and with a touch of muscle car to them should maybe think about picking one up while they can. Just in case.
2015 Dodge Durango R/T
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
2015 Dodge Durango R/T
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
2015 Dodge Durango R/T
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T has 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T got a piggish as-tested fuel economy average of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
2015 Dodge Durango R/T
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
2015 Dodge Durango R/T
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T has cylinder deactivation to help with fuel economy. It doesn't actually help THAT much.
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T comes standard with three rows of seating.
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
2015 Dodge Durango R/T
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T is logical and roomy.
PHOTO: Brian Harper, Driving
The Specs:
Type of vehicle Four-wheel-drive mid-sized SUV
Power 360 hp @ 5,150 rpm; 390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission Eight-speed manumatic
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P265/50R20
Price base/as tested $49,995/$58,885
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy L/100 km 17.3 city, 11.5 highway.
Standard features Leather seats with red accent stitching and red R/T logo, power front seats with lumbar adjust, heated front and second-row seats, Uconnect 5.0 with five-inch touchscreen, hands-free communication5, Bluetooth, USB port, SD card slot and auxiliary input jack, SiriusXM satellite radio, seven-inch customizable in-cluster display centre, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with microphone, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, cruise and audio control, third-row seats, air conditioning with automatic tri-zone temperature control, power locks and windows, 20-inch aluminum wheels, , power heated exterior mirrors, projector fog lamps, auto-dimming exterior driver’s side mirror, power liftgate, power tilt/telescoping steering column, full-size spare tire, remote keyless entry, rear park assist system, rear back-up camera, remote start system
Options: Technology Group ($1,450), includes advanced brake assist, forward collision warning plus adaptive cruise control with stop, blind spot and cross-path detection, rear DVD entertainment centre ($2,150), includes Blu-Ray compatible dual-screen video, rear-seat video system; trailer tow group IV ($795), includes seven- and four-pin wiring harness, Class IV receiver hitch; Premium Nappa Leather Group ($1,000), includes cargo net, Lux leather-trimmed bucket seats, red accent stitching group, ventilated front seats, floor console with leather armrest, leather-wrapped door panels, power eight-way driver memory eight-way passenger seats, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, cargo compartment cover, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, auto high-beam headlamp control; second-row fold/tumble captain chairs ($600); second-row console with armrest and storage ($250); third-row floor mat, full console illuminated rear cup holders, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet in console, USB charging port in console; power sunroof ($1,395); Uconnect 8.4 AM/FM/SXM/HD/BT audio system ($1,250), includes GPS navigation and 8.4-inch touchscreen