A big frame needs a powerful engine, and the standard power plant is up to the task. A 4.7-liter V8 provides 230 hp and a formidable 393 Nm of torque. With that much power on tap, the Durango can be hustled along quickly. If you desire more power, Dodge will be happy to oblige with its trademark HEMI powerplant, a 5.7-liter monster that pumps out 350 hp and 509 Nm. Even that variant will be below the 3 million peso mark.
Driving a V8 these days means keeping one eye on the fuel gauge, and the 4.7-liter manages to eke out about 4.3 km / liter in city driving. Either engine mates to a five-speed automatic; that helps temper the fuel consumption.
A three-year / 100,000 km warranty should help inspire confidence and prop up the vehicle’s residual value.
It’s difficult to imagine a 5.1-meter long, 1.9-meter wide, 2.2-ton SUV as cuddly, but the Durango somehow manages to play the lovable bear card, and the feeling doesn’t diminish even after a long drive.
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| With a 4.7-liter engine, expect the fuel gauge to go down fairly quickly. Even with a 5-speed automatic, the Durango gets 4.26 km/L in our test. |
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| Goodyear GS-A tires offer good grip, but you can't correct the Durango's feeling of floatiness. |
