Dodge Durango 2009

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Summary

Dodge Durango looks tough but rides smoothly. Properly equipped, Durango is rated to tow up to 8,950 pounds. The Durango Hybrid model is a durable vehicle with strong towing capacity that gets decent fuel economy in commuter traffic.

Full Review 2009

Durango offers seating for five, seven or eight, depending on the model; for example, optional second-row bucket seats provide seven-passenger capacity on a three-row model. With all seats folded, there's more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space. This transmission includes a Tow/Haul feature we like that holds lower gears longer when towing to reduce gear searching.

Dodge says the Durango Hybrid gets a 25-percent fuel economy boost in combined city and highway driving, and a 40-percent boost in the city.
New for 2009, the available rear DVD entertainment system gains Sirius Backseat TV. Dodge's MyGIG hard-drive radio is now called UConnect GPS in the Durango and its hard-drive grows from 20 to 30 gigabytes.

2009 Options and Features

The 2009 Dodge Durango is offered in four models: SE, SLT, Limited, and Hybrid. The Hybrid is offered only with all-wheel drive. The 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 with four-speed automatic transmission comes standard on Durango SE ($27,630) and SLT ($30,765) models. The 303-hp 4.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic are optional ($1060) for those two-wheel-drive models but come standard on the four-wheel-drive SE and SLT models and on the Limited model. The 365-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and five-speed automatic are optional for SLT 2WD ($1855), SLT 4WD ($990), and Limited 2WD ($795) and Limited 4WD ($990). A two-speed transfer case for low-range gearing comes standard on 5.7-liter 4WD models.

Standard features for SE models include cloth upholstery; air conditioning; front bucket seats; 40/20/40 folding second-row seat; tilt steering wheel; cruise control; power windows, exterior mirrors, and door locks; remote keyless entry; four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; roof rails; fog lights; and P245/70R17 on-/off-road tires on steel wheels.

SLT models upgrade with stain-resistant seat fabric; leather-wrapped steering wheel; eight-way power driver's seat; reclining second-row seats; two-passenger third-row folding bench seat; six-disc CD changer; Sirius satellite radio; 115-volt outlet; security alarm; automatic headlights; electronic vehicle information center; and P265/60R18 on-/off-road tires on alloy wheels.

SLT Technology Group ($1985) includes rear obstacle detection, rearview camera, UConnect Phone wireless cell phone link, upgraded audio with MYGIG Multimedia System, power liftgate, remote engine starting, and a three-passenger 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat. A Leather Interior Group ($1880) adds leather first- and second-row seats, heated front seats, laminated front and rear door glass, power adjustable pedals, and running boards. Also offered are a sunroof ($850) and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1765) with Sirius Backseat TV.

Limited models are plush, with leather upholstery; automatic climate control; heated front seats; four-way power passenger seat; power-adjustable pedals; heated power mirrors; memory for the driver's seat, mirrors, radio, climate control and pedals; auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors; three-passenger third-row 60/40 split folding seat; Alpine eight-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; rear park assist; rearview camera; Chrysler's UConnect Phone wireless cell phone link; power liftgate; and P265/50R20 on-/off-road tires on chrome alloy wheels. Options for the Limited in addition to those of the lower models include heated second-row bucket seats ($950) and UConnect GPS hard-drive radio with navigation system ($640).

The Durango features a high beltline that suggests great mass. The short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a full-size SUV, contribute to Durango's forceful expression. SLT models come with 18-inch aluminum wheels, and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels come standard on Limited; 20-inch chrome-clad wheels are optional. All of these big rims are framed nicely by Durango's bold wheel arches. The Hybrid model does not have any exterior modifications, unlike the GM two-stage hybrid vehicles that tout their green powertrains.

Today's Durango is far more refined than those old Power Wagons, and the Durango offers better capability.

Features and Interior

The Dodge Durango feels spacious inside. Second-row bucket seats are available to replace the standard 40/20/40 bench. On Limited and Hybrid models, the third row is split 60/40 for additional convenience.

Cargo capacity is quite impressive, making the Durango a great hauler. Speaking of loading cargo, this task is aided by the liftgate, which opens easily and is power-operated on Limited and Hybrid models.

First Drive 2009

The 3.7-liter V6 lacks the power to adequately move this heavy vehicle, and it doesn't offer a fuel economy gain. The 4.7-liter V8 engine produces 303 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. With the 4.7-liter V8, the Durango can pull up to 6050 pounds. It is rated at 14/19 mpg with rear-wheel drive, using 87-octane regular, and 13/17 mpg with AWD.

Dodge recommends 89 octane fuel, though 87 octane is acceptable. With it, the Durango is rated to tow up to 8,950 pounds with the optional 3.92 rear axle.

Hybrid Technology

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid shares its two-mode hybrid system with the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and the new round of full-size SUV and pickup hybrids from General Motors. Dodge says the hybrid system boosts city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by more than 25 percent. Fuel economy is estimated at 19/20 mpg City/Highway.

In the Hybrid, the Hemi V8 also has the Multi Displacement System, and Dodge says the hybrid system allows the Aspen to idle part of the engine more often for better fuel economy.

 On the road, the hybrid system works well, but not seamlessly. The Hybrid powertrain may make the Durango slightly quicker than the standard Hemi version, but not by much. The Durango has good brakes. Cornering and handling are good for a big SUV, but the Durango is far less nimble than a car or crossover SUV. Ride quality is surprisingly good, thanks to plenty of wheel travel built into Durango's suspension. Driving a 5.7-liter Durango SLT around Detroit in January backed up our earlier impressions. In off-road driving, our Durango didn't hit bottom even when driving aggressively over rough terrain. We towed a 5,950-pound trailer for about 30 miles behind a Durango with the 5.7-liter Hemi and decided it's the best model if you need to tow.

Conclusions

The Dodge Durango is smooth and powerful with either of the two V8 engines, and the new Hybrid powertrain operates admirably, though with a few minor annoyances. Motor Week adds the Durango "delivers a solid, comfortable ride." This large midsize SUV rides well, handles well for its size and weight, and has excellent engineering touches and details. "It's tough enough to handle heavy duty and civilized enough for all-around use." says Car and Driver  If you need a large SUV for towing or managing rough terrain, the Durango is a fine choice.