
First Look:
2014 Dodge Durango
Never Neutral with 8 Forward Gears
In accordance with Chrysler's
newfound spirit of continuous improvement, the 3-year-old Dodge Durango gets a major spiffing-up for 2014. A mild exterior refresh and interior refinements plus a powertrain update conspire to keep the three-row crossover fresh for a few more years. There's also a minor shuffle in the trim choices, with Crew being replaced by Limited and the Rallye package becoming a stand-alone trim. The SXT, R/T, and Citadel remain.The main change made by Dodge to the 2014 Durango is the addition of Chrysler's new eight-speed automatic behind both engines (3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8), boosting efficiency by around 9 percent. Official numbers have yet to be released, but we're promised 25 mpg highway for the V-6, yielding a 600-mile range. A center console-mounted rotary transmission selector comes with the deal, as do steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The 3.6-liter V-6 makes 290 hp (295 hp on Rallye) and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 cranks out 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Best-in-class towing capacities of 6200 and 7400 pounds for the V-6 and V-8 are also promised. While rear drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available. The transfer case on all-wheel-drive V-8 models features a low range gear for improved off-roading capability and a neutral mode that allows the Durango to be flat-towed.


Around back, the Durango gets Dodge's "racetrack" rear lighting graphic (here composed of 162 LEDs, and 30 more operating the brake lamps) found on the Charger and Dart, and the trailer hitch is integrated into the new rear fascia. All V-8 models along with R/T and Rallye V-6 models get dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips, while other V-6 models get a single 3-inch outlet. Wheel choices expand to seven, including 18-inch and 20-inch sizes with unique styles for each trim as well as silver painted, polished aluminum, and Hyper Black finishes.In addition to the above, Rallye and R/T models get a monochromatic look with dark-tinted headlamps, body-colored fascias, wheel flares, grille, and sill moldings. The R/T also sits 20mm lower for a sporty appearance and improved handling.

Second-row captain's chairs are an option, with a choice of a tall or short center console. The standard 60/40 split second-row bench can handle passengers and long objects such as 10-foot-long 2x4s with the front passenger seat is folded. Dodge claims the Durango can fit a 6-foot couch and coffee table when the second-row and 50/50 third-row seats folded. Reclining and heated rear seats are also available. In all, there are up to 50 different seating configurations and as much as 85 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.With rumors of a Jeep Grand Wagoneer coming to replace the Dodge Durango as Chrysler's three-row offering, some may wonder why the automaker is updating the crossover after just three years. Regardless of the reasons, the 2014 Dodge Durango's new duds, safety equipment, eight-speed transmission, and renewed focus on improving fuel mileage make a compelling argument for the big Dodge to stay.