In the ongoing effort to pare down and spruce up its sport-utility offerings, DaimlerChrysler Canada has dropped the last two-wheel-drive versions of its four SUVs and upgraded all of them for the 2000 model year.
Gone are the front-drive iterations of the Dodge Durango, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which now join the Jeep TJ as all-wheel-drive vehicles only.
This model culling of the Durango means the mid-size SUV will be available as a pair of 4-door, 4x4 models, in Sport and SLT trims. But both trims will get a new engine, new Décor Groups and new exterior colors.
Standard across the Durango line for 2000 will be a 4.7-litre SOHC Magnum V8 that produces 235 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. And if that's not enough to propel Durango SLT, there's still the 5.9-litre V8 with its 245 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 335 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm.
Basic equipment on the Sport, which retails for $37,750, includes air conditioning, power windows, locks and outside mirrors, remote keyless entry, a cloth 40/20/40 front bench seat, and cruise control.
To that equipment, the R/T Sport Group adds a full-time 4WD transfer case, body-colored running boards, and P275/60R17 tires with 17-inch aluminum wheels.