2004 Dodge Durango Road Test

Other new additions to the Durango, the first-generation which debuted back in 1998 by the way, include a hands-free

The '04 Durango boasts a new advanced airbag system that includes dual stage front airbags and an occupant-sensing system for the passenger-side front airbag. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

communications system with Bluetooth technology, a full-on DVD entertainment system and automatic temperature control. Also, a new nine-speaker, 384-watt sound system with ceramic metal speakers and a subwoofer that delivers booming sound for CDs and DVDs comes as an option.

Apart from all the upgraded bells and whistles, the '04 Durango boasts a new advanced airbag system that includes dual stage front airbags and an occupant-sensing system for the passenger-side front airbag. The new system can detect the presence of a child seat and if found will automatically deactivate the front-passenger airbag.

Other safety features include available side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seating, adjustable pedals and standard

The Durango sports the largest brakes in its class, the same ones found on full-size Dodge Ram trucks. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes. In addition, all seats in the Durango feature three-point shoulder belts, including a new center-mounted, three-point shoulder belt incorporated into the second-row seating area.

Back to the brakes, they're the largest in the Durango's class. Shared with the larger, full-size Dodge Ram trucks, they feature 13.1-inch (32.1-centimeter) front rotors and 13.8-inch (33.8-centimeter) rear rotors, increasing the total swept area by 30 percent. The SUV's standard 17-inch wheels help to improve stability at all speeds.