Used 2013 Dodge Durango SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

Durango has long had a reputation for being a reliable powerhouse on and off the road. It is available in a few different powertrain combinations, so finding one for your precise needs and wants is not too difficult. Choose a rear, four or all-wheel drive with either a six or eight-cylinder engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission, and although it does produce 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, acceleration speeds are a bit slow as this is a heavy vehicle. Fuel economy is poor as well at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the 5.7-liter V8 is good for 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, and can tow up to 7,400 pounds. Unfortunately, fuel-economy is even worse at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. It does not matter what environment you put Durango in; it feels confident and controlled. The cabin is quiet, the ride is smooth and the steering is surprisingly responsive for a vehicle of this size.

Technology

• Audio - A 10-speaker Alpine premium sound system is available, which includes a subwoofer, 506-watt amplifier, 12 channels, USB connection, iPod integration, auxiliary audio output and in-dash CD player.
• Rear Seat Entertainment - The Video Entertainment System will entertain rear seat passengers with movies and games. It includes a 9-inch viewing screen, remote control and two wireless infrared headphones.
• SiriusXM - All Durango models receive a 1-year free subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. Enjoy over 200 crystal clear channels of music, sports broadcasts and talk radio.
• Wi-Fi Hotspot - The available UConnect® Web by Mopar® allows you to turn your Durango into a mobile hotspot. This means you can access Wi-Fi as far as 150-feet away from your vehicle.

Safety

Durango is definitely a vehicle you can feel safe in. When tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it received top safety scores in side, front and roof-strength protection. Plus, it excels in braking, as it can stop from 60 mph in only 119 feet; an unheard of distance for a vehicle of this size. It offers a long list of standard and optional safety features, including:
• Cross-path warning system
• Blind spot warning system
• Trailer sway control
• Brake drying
• Self-leveling headlights
• Post-collision safety system
• Emergency braking preparation
• Engine immobilizer
• Stability control
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Whiplash head restraint protection
• Traction control
• Seatbelt pretensioners
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Rear door safety locks
• Emergency braking assist
• Child seat anchors

Appearance

No one can deny that Durango is one of the most easily distinguished vehicles on the road. Its muscular styling is aggressive, and it has the brawn under the hood to back it up. The chrome grille insert and 20-inch wheels on the Citadel almost make the upgraded trim worth it on their own.

Comfort

The cabin is modern yet functional and incredibly roomy. The front row seats are unbelievably comfortable, but the second row is lacking a little in cushion. The third row is accessed with ease and you will find more than enough legroom for even tall adults. The dash is thoughtfully designed with the driver in mind and the entire cabin features upscale materials. On the downside, the touchscreen interface that is available is not nearly as user-friendly as what you find on other models, even for those who consider themselves tech-savvy.

Cargo

Durango offers a considerable amount of cargo space. Behind the front seats, you can easily have 84.5 cubic feet of space. On the downside, with all rows in place, you only get 17.2 cubes, which won’t accommodate much more than groceries.