2014 Dodge Durango

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PRICE : For 2014 Dodge Durango $29,995

The 2014 Dodge Durango ranks 3 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Durango, as well as reliability and safety data.

Reviewers say that the 2014 Dodge Durango excels where many other family SUVs fall flat, with a comfortable ride, great performance and user-friendly tech features.

The Dodge Durango comes with a base V6 engine that reviewers say makes ample power and should be fine for most drivers. The Durango is one of the few SUVs in the class to offer an available V8, and reviewers love the additional power it provides. An eight-speed automatic transmission is new for 2014 and comes with either engine, and reviewers say it is both smooth and quick-shifting. With up to an EPA-estimated 18/25 mpg city/highway, the Durango's fuel economy is about average for the class. Test drivers say that the Durango handles fairly well and has a comfortable ride. Additionally, the Durango's steering is praised for its responsiveness, and the Durango is liked for its good maneuverability.

Reviewers say the Durango's cabin has an eye-catching design, and is constructed with high-quality materials. Some note that the seven-seat Durango has less cargo space than other three-row SUVs in the class, but they also say that it still provides a useful amount of space. Reviewers like the 2014 Durango’s comfortable front seats, but a few say that the second row could be a bit more spacious. The Durango's standard Uconnect infotainment system, which comes with a 5-inch touch-screen display, earns reviewer praise for being clear and easy to use. Additional standard features include tri-zone automatic climate control, a six-speaker stereo and Bluetooth. Major options include an upgraded Uconnect system with a larger, 8.4-inch touch screen, navigation, a nine-speaker Alpine stereo system and a rear-seat entertainment system. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, parking sensors and rear cross path detection.

EXTERIOR

The Dodge Design team went to work to create a new exterior that conveys how advanced the Durango is, while maintaining the muscular body and confident personality customers expect from Dodge.

The new face of Durango is still distinctly Dodge and features a new, slimmer "split crosshair" grille with mesh textures unique to each trim level. Combined with the redesigned projector-beam headlamps and a raised front bumper, the 2014 Dodge Durango has an even more sinister look than the previous model. Durango's sculpted hood and grille complete the unique to Dodge forward-leaning profile that continues through the deeply browed headlamps.

For a more monochromatic appearance, the Rallye and R/T are equipped with dark-tinted headlamp bezels, body-color front and rear lower fascias, wheel flares, grille and sill moldings, all unique to the these packages. The R/T's ride height has also been lowered by 20 mm, further enhancing its sporty appearance and driving dynamics.

The 2014 Dodge Durango now features projector beam headlamps, with LED daytime running lamps on Rallye, Limited, RT and Citadel. The LED lamps run horizontally along the bottom edge of the headlamp and form a unique "hockey-stick" shape. Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are standard on R/T and Citadel, turning the night into day. Auto-leveling technology adjusts headlight beam aim for slight changes in elevation.

The new front-end design features new projector fog lamps and fog lamp surrounds and matching crosshair grille texture. Combined with the taller front bumper, the new lower fascia gives the 2014 Dodge Durango a wider and more aggressive look.

In line with Dodge Charger, the side profile of the Durango maintains its powerful shape, accented by muscular fender arches and curves that flow back in through the doors, resembling the iconic shape of a coke bottle. The greenhouse of the new Durango blends seamlessly into the body, and a body-color rear spoiler significantly reduces drag while adding visual drama to the side profile.

The 2014 Dodge Durango receives all-new 18- and 20-inch aluminum wheel designs for every trim level, and feature finishes ranging from silver painted to polished aluminum to class-exclusive Hyper Black. In total, there are seven wheel designs and finishes to select from.

The rear of the Durango sees the addition of the dramatic LED racetrack tail lamp design inspired by the Dodge Charger and all-new Dart. Still immediately recognizable as a Durango, this latest evolution of the racetrack design features a new technology that blends the individual LEDs into one seamless looking ribbon of light. In total, there are 192 LEDs in the new tail lamp assembly that give Durango a presence on the street and make it instantly recognizable as a Dodge.

The rear fascia has been re-sculpted to fully integrate the trailer hitch. This gives Dodge Durango a cleaner, more premium look. Large 3.5-inch dual exhaust tips are standard on V-8-equipped vehicles, including the R/T, along with the Rallye; other V-6 powered Durango models have a 3-inch single tip.

INTERIOR

Modern and functional, the 2014 Dodge Durango's cabin has been designed with families in mind. Regardless of trim level, the design is attractive and features upscale materials.

With this latest update to the Durango, materials quality is now class-leading, and the cabin has an uncommonly elegant feel for this class. The available 8.4-inch touchscreen display is attractive and easy to use. The gauges look better, too, with crisp graphics and a useful trip computer display.

The front seats are roomy and comfortable, but the standard second-row bench has rather flat cushioning (which helps promote a flatter load floor when the seat is folded) and doesn't offer quite as much legroom as roomier rivals. The Durango's easily accessed third row, on the other hand, offers a surprising amount of leg- and headroom (even for 6-footers) and is indeed more spacious than the Ford Explorer's.

With the second- and third-row seats folded down, the Durango can carry up to 84.5 cubic feet of cargo. This is a respectable amount, but competing large crossover SUVs like the Chevy Traverse and Mazda CX-9 offer considerably more cargo space.

SPECIFICATION

►Year:2014
►Make:Dodge
►Model:Durango
►Transmission:Eight-speed automatic
►Horsepower @ RPM:360
►Torque @ RPM:390
►Length: 201.2 inches.
►Wheelbase: 119.8 inches.
►Curb weight: 4,987 pounds.
►0-60 time:7.5 sec. (Est.)
►Top Speed:130 mph (Est.)

FEATURES

Now offered in five trim levels, the Dodge Durango doesn't lack for functional standard features. It's extensively equipped in upper trim levels, and the Citadel model is a true luxury vehicle.

The base Dodge Durango SXT carries over with standard power windows, locks and mirrors; remote start; air conditioning; an AM/FM/CD player; 18-inch wheels, tilt/telescope steering wheel; and three-row seating. Bluetooth is now standard, and the audio system display is now a 5.0-inch touchscreen. The Rallye package builds on this base and adds 5 more horsepower; 20-inch aluminum wheels;  controls; and satellite radio. Options include a larger touchscreen with smartphone-app connectivity; second-row captain's chairs; heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Crew model is history; in its place, the Durango gets the upgraded Uconnect audio system; leather seating; a heated steering wheel; heated first- and second-row seats; power front seats; remote start; a rearview camera and rear parking sensors; and a 115-volt outlet in the cabin. The HEMI is an option here, as are second-row captain's chairs; a navigation system; a power sunroof; a power tailgate; and Alpine audio. A Blu-Ray DVD system is now an option on Limited models and above.

The R/T adds on a blended upholstery, a combination of suede and synthetic leather, and red interior trim. It also gets premium audio; remote start; 20-inch wheels; its own suspension tuning, and the HEMI V-8. Options include the navigation system; Blu-Ray; blind-spot monitors; and a towing package.

For about $42,000 base, the Durango Citadel edition gets standard Nappa leather seating with ventilated front seats; 20-inch wheels; a heated and power-telescoping steering wheel; the Uconnect navigation system; remote start; and a sunroof. 

► EQUIPMENTS : 

Standard Equipment :

The entry-level SXT trim features the Uconnect infotainment system with voice command, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, heated power side mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, three 12-volt outlets, tilt/telescopic steering column and an AM/FM/CD radio with WMA/MP3 support, Sirius Satellite Radio and auxiliary input jack. At the high end of the Durango spectrum, the Citadel adds 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, power sunroof, configurable instruments, 8.4-inch center-stack touch screen with 3D Navigation, HID headlights, Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, Rear Cross Path Detection system, heated power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and keyless Enter-N-Go.

Optional Equipment:

Options vary by trim level and include a new navigation radio system with 8.4-inch touch screen, voice activation and Sirius Travel Link; configurable instrumentation, power sunroof, ParkView rearview camera, ParkSense rear park assist, Blind-spot Monitoring, auto-dimming high beams, UConnect phone (Bluetooth), Alpine premium audio, Bluetooth streaming audio, heated 2nd-row seats, power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel and skidplates. Option packages include the Trailer Tow Group IV that adds a 220-amp alternator, heavy-duty engine oil cooler, Class IV hitch receiver and load-leveling rear shocks. The Rallye Appearance Group adds 20-inch polished wheels, black bezel headlights and body-colored trim.

PERFORMANCE

For the 2014 model year, the Dodge Durango stands by its choices of V-6 or V-8 power, both in good form. New to the mix is an eight-speed automatic transmission that pairs with either engine for better gas mileage and in some cases, a little bit of sporty flair in the form of shift paddles.

For those who need the passenger space but don't need to tow thousands of pounds regularly--most of us--the 3.6-liter V-6 is the better choice. With 290 horsepower (295 in the R/T) and 260 pound-feet of torque, it's quick enough and strong enough, and it's no longer boomy at midrange speeds as we've observed in the past. Now coupled to the eight-speed automatic--with a rotary shift control, a nice touch--the Durango six-cylinder gets up to 20 mpg combined, too--not great by any means, but a solid improvement.

That new transmission even comes with shift paddles in some versions, but the programming could use some work. Instead of the 30-second cycle into manual mode that's common on many paddle-shifted non-sports cars, the Durango persists in manual mode until you hold a paddle forward for three seconds--kludgy, in UI-speak, for drivers but better for towing.

Drivers who tow or regularly carry a full load of cargo and people should opt for the strong, snarly HEMI 5.7-liter V-8. It's terrific for stoplight launches and interstate cruising. But despite the presence of the same automatic, it's still pretty thirsty; if you're not in love with the sound of the engine or don't really need it for towing (rated at up to 7,400 pounds), you're going to feel the sting of fuel bills more often, since gas mileage can be as low as 14 mpg city.

With either the V-6 or the V-8, the Durango can be fitted with all-wheel drive; V-8s have real heavier-duty capability--i.e., a low range--to enable that big tow figure.

The Durango's independent suspension, hefty but precise steering feel, and big brakes mean it's never felt better to drive. Aside from some side-to-side head toss, the Durango has a very well-damped ride, even without the air suspension fitted to its Mercedes cousins (it's related, somewhat, to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and GL-Class). 
The steering is impressive, as is the Durango's maneuverability and handling at low speeds. It unwinds with real feedback, and even if you add the larger 20-inch wheels the front end doesn't lose its composure. Ride quality is on the firm side but nicely damped, although the Durango's 5,000-plus-pound heft is ever-present.

TRANSMISSION

►All-new class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission

The new 2014 Dodge Durango now features Chrysler Group's new eight-speed automatic transmission with rotary shifter and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard equipment on all models. This state-of-the-art transmission improves fuel economy up to 9 percent, along with enhanced performance and smoother shifts. All these attributes perfectly enhance Durango's fun-to-drive nature.

Fully electronic, the eight-speed automatic features on-the-fly shift map changing, with manual shifting capability using steering-wheel paddle controls. More than 40 individual shift maps for specific conditions optimize shift quality and shift points for fuel economy, performance and drivability. The intelligent software is attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving demand.

The transmission efficiency and wide ratio spread provide the best possible fuel economy by operating at a lower engine rpm in both city and highway environments. The addition of more gear ratios also helps reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting.

Gear changes are nearly imperceptible due to the evenly spaced gear steps between each gear ratio. Internally, the transmission has four gear sets and five shift elements (multi-disc clutches and brakes). Only two shift elements are open at any time. With fewer open shift elements, drag losses due to multiple parts rotating relative to one another are reduced, improving fuel efficiency.

COMFORT & QUALITY

With the Durango, Dodge has a vehicle that's sized slightly larger than some mid-size crossovers like the Ford Explorer, while it's significantly smaller than the big SUVs from Chevy, GMC, Ford, and Lincoln, among others. Unlike the latter trucks, it's not based at all on a pickup truck--in fact, it's a cousin to both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Mercedes GL-Class and M-Class.

What that means inside is plenty of crossover-style space to go with more manageable size. It starts in front, where the Durango has a very good driving position, with ample space in every direction and good adjustment range to the driver seat and steering wheel. The seats themselves are bolstered well enough on the backrests, but the leather seats we've been in more recently felt flatter and less supportive than prior versions--possibly because of the now-available seat ventilation.

In the second row, it's possible for three adults to sit comfortably. The Durango can be ordered with bucket seats in the second row instead of the usual second-row bench; so outfitted, it gets a low console containing a cupholder between the seats. Optionally, the console can be a larger one that has dual cupholders and a second USB port and a 12-volt outlet for charging phones and gaming devices.
It's less easy for full-size people to get into the third-row seats, which seem a little more difficult to access than in the GL, but not by much. The seats don't fold out of the way like those in a minivan, either--so if you're looking for more than the total of 84.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down, you're probably better off with the flat cargo floor of a Dodge Grand Caravan.

This year's thorough rework of the dash and controls pushes the Durango's interior a few more grades toward business class. It was good to begin with; now the shapes and textures are very rich-looking on most versions, though to get the pretty, bright 8.4-inch touchscreen, you'll have to upgrade the Durango's base audio system. The trims and materials are substantial to the touch, and the cabin is quiet and refined, with a tightly sealed feel that's still absent from some utility vehicles. 

TECHNOLOGY

Five-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, a customizable 7-inch TFT gauge display, forward collision warning with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop and the latest generation of Uconnect Access Via Mobile are just some of the 2014 Dodge Durango's available state-of-the-art features.

The forward collision warning system with crash mitigation alerts the driver if they're approaching a vehicle in front too quickly, and the new adaptive cruise control with stop will keep Durango at a driver-selected distance from the vehicle in front when cruise control is engaged and can even bring the SUV to a controlled stop.

Embedded cellular technology that leverages Chrysler Group's strategic partnership with Sprint allows the latest Uconnect Access system to work its magic. The advanced service-delivery platform affords the kind of stability that enables direct communication when it's needed most.

Uconnect Access connects vehicle occupants directly with police, fire department or ambulance service dispatcher with the push of the "9-1-1" button on the Durango's rearview mirror - no cell phone needed. The same logic works for roadside assistance. One push of the "ASSIST" button summons help directly from Chrysler Group's roadside assistance provider or the Vehicle Customer Care Center.

Further peace of mind comes from the available theft alarm notification, which alerts owners via SMS text message or e-mail whenever their Durango's security alarm is activated. For the greatest convenience and flexibility, up to five people can be notified.

In the 2014 Dodge Durango, customers can put away their smartphones, keep their hands on the steering wheel and still interact with their devices in the ways to which they are accustomed. Media apps from Pandora to iHeartradio to Slacker are all available via voice command - a function of Uconnect's powerful, Cloud-based voice recognition capability.

Additional convenience is achieved when Uconnect syncs a customer's existing app so their favorite artists and stations are available at the touch of the screen, or by the sound of their voice.

Uconnect Access also allows the driver to execute many of the normal functions, such as climate, audio and Bluetooth, all by voice. The Cloud also enables voice texting, a breakthrough feature of Uconnect Access. Again leveraging the Sprint network, paired, Bluetooth-equipped cell phones that use the Message Access Protocol (MAP) can:

►Receive a text message
►Announce receipt of the text
►Identify the sender
►Read the message aloud

To respond, drivers can simply dictate. The Cloud helps the system's voice-recognition system assemble the response and "read" it back for accuracy before sending. Verbatim. No memorizing pre-approved messages such as, "I'm on my way."

The same advanced voice-recognition protocol simplifies the often-problematic process of entering navigation-system destinations with both hands on the wheel. The system will accept continuous, single-sentence instructions, such as: "Navigate to Ross Boulevard, Dodge City, Kansas."

The Durango's navigation system also features new 3D maps with graphic representations of well-known landmarks and terrain, designed to make on-road travel even easier to navigate.

Durango also has the ability to be used as a Wi-Fi hot spot. A powerful Bing search engine can be used via voice command if the driver needs to find a destination. Uconnect navigation then calculates a route and stores the destination's telephone number for handsfree calling.

A new 5-inch touchscreen is now standard on SXT models and controls audio, climate, phone and other vehicle functions, such as turning on the heated seats or determining how long the headlamps stay on after the ignition has been turned off. The high-resolution screen is intuitive and easy to use, yet redundant controls for audio and climate can be found below the touchscreen for drivers who prefer the classic dial approach.

Standard on Limited, R/T and Citadel models (and available on SXT and Rallye) is the award-winning 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen that controls audio, climate, phone, vehicle functions, navigation (if equipped) and the new Uconnect Access system. This system provides large, easy-to-read graphics - including new 3D mapping - with intuitive, easy-to-use controls.

The most looked at area of the interior, the instrument cluster, also has a new premium high-tech appearance with the new dynamic gauge cluster. Standard on all models and featuring a customizable 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display, the cluster can be configured more than 100 ways for the ultimate driver-customized experience. Navigation, audio and fuel economy information and warning indicators can all be displayed in the 7-inch screen.

Mounted on the back of the front seats is an available all-new class-exclusive Blu-ray video rear entertainment system. This new system features two high-resolution 9-inch screens, one on each front seat back. Each screen offers four-times better resolution when compared with previous models and allow customers to watch their movies on Blu-ray or standard DVDs or play their high-definition media interface (HDMI) gaming systems via inputs for HDMI cables or RCAs for each screen integrated into the front seat backs. Wireless headphones are included as is a wireless remote.

ENGINE

On all but the R/T trim the 2014 Dodge Durango's standard engine is Chrysler's award-winning Pentastar V6. Unquestionably one of the best V6 engines ever from Chrysler, it 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 seamlessly deactivates four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required. When power is needed, however, the Hemi has it in spades, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of tow-ready torque. Both engines are mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, new for 2014, and AWD is available with either.

►3.6-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (RWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

►5.7-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 mpg (RWD), 14/22 mpg (AWD)

SAFETY

Antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every 2014 Dodge Durango. A rearview camera and parking sensors are optional on the SXT and standard on all other Durangos.

Models with Uconnect Access (included with the 8.4-inch touchscreen) have an emergency telematics system that connects you with 911 operators at the touch of a button and provides stolen vehicle tracking. Optional on the Limited, Citadel and R/T is a blind-spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alerts. Note that the available Technology Group available on R/T and Citadel models now includes a more advanced forward collision warning and mitigation system that automatically applies the brakes in potential collision situations.

In government tests, the Durango received five out of five stars for side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the Durango earned a "Good" rating for its performance in moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength crash tests.

FUEL ECONOMY

With its new eight-speed automatic, the Dodge Durango posts better fuel economy figures for the 2014 model year. They're better, but they're still in what we'd consider the low range.

The EPA says the Durango with Dodge's V-6 engine is good for 18 miles per gallon city, 25 miles per gallon highway--both up 2 mpg--and for 20 mpg combined in rear-drive form. Last year, adding all-wheel drive made no difference; this year, it drops all those numbers by 1 mpg.

Those figures aren't great, but they're competitive with some seven-passenger crossovers with much less off-road capability.

Opt into the HEMI-equipped Durango and fuel economy slides to 14/23 mpg, or 17 mpg combined, good for a 3-mpg highway improvement and 1 mpg combined. With all-wheel drive, it's pegged at 14/22 mpg or 16 mpg combined. That's better, but it still makes the HEMI Durango one of the biggest guzzlers on the market.

VIDEO ( 2014 DODGE DURANGO )

Video by : Motormouth Ca

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By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars

Posted by : Shahen Tharammal