Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

2012 Dodge Durango Citadel Review

2012 Dodge Durango Citadel
Photo: Justin Pritchard
Get the best interest rate
Justin Pritchard
Durango Citadel a well-appointed brute
Generation three of Dodge’s biggest family hauler, the Durango, is a real treat. Not only does it look more sophisticated and upscale than ever, but it offers up more power, content and capability than Durango models before it. It’s an SUV that gets noticed and talked about by passers-by. It’s big, handsome and powerful from a glance, and like most American SUVs these days, represents one of the best values in the segment.

Great ride for seven
Best part? The new Durango rides the same platform as the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. It gives drivers a ride that’s not only quiet and refined, but also solid, robust and tough. It’s mainly because this platform was never designed for use in a family sedan, and then adapted to a 4x4. So, Durango doesn’t feel like a car-based crossover that’s going to rattle itself to bits when the going gets rough.

If you’re after something that feels solid, heavy-duty and truck-like on any surface, the Durango should satisfy.

There’s even an actual four-wheel-drive system that includes low range – meaning you can take your Durango through the mud or to the boat launch with no second thoughts. Flick the console-mounted knob into “LOW” to activate it. By default, the system runs in an automatic 4x4 mode for seamless traction on most any surface. No two-wheel-drive setting, though.

With space for seven occupants, you can bring the family along for the ride, too. The pop-up rear row of seats is best left for the smallest passengers. and all rear seats fold down to accommodate larger items if you visit Home Depot. There’s a cargo cover in back, to keep your gear away from prying eyes, too. Oh, and Dodge’s self-recharging LED flashlight is on board, too.

A loaded cabin
The tester’s largely black cabin was dressed up with chrome and fake wood trim for a refined and high-tech look. I liked the simple, focused and dark atmosphere – though several passengers said it looked dismal. One even said he felt like he was sitting in the Death Star.

Feature content isn’t dismal, though. The range-topping Durango Citadel had push-button engine start, a full driver computer, a heated steering wheel, heated and air conditioned power leather memory seats and a full-out infotainment system with navigation. There’s a USB hookup for your tunes, and power outlets all over the place. Heck, there’s even a household power outlet, heated rear seats, and a flip-down DVD player with hookups for your Xbox.

And with a full suite of automatic features, the Durango makes it easy to sit back and enjoy the ride. The xenon lights and high-beams are automatic. The cruise control automatically slows or accelerates the Durango in changing traffic conditions. (The same sensor that monitors this system can even alert you if you’re about to rear-end someone.)

Climate control is also automatic, and so are the wipers. “Set it and forget it” operation means drivers can easily sit back and enjoy the ride, even if Mother Nature is dumping all frigid wintertime hell outside.

Hemi power
Moving you and yours along is the latest version of Chrysler’s Hemi 5.7L V8 engine – tuned for 360 horsepower in this application. It moves the Durango along nicely, though it’s far from a head-snapper. The all-American powerplant is smooth and quiet, and should prove confident for towing.

My overall average mileage over the course of a cold, late-December week was 16.5 L/100 km with plenty of remote starting. That’s as expected. There’s a 290-hp V6 fitted as standard if you don’t need the big eight.

Gripes
Complaints? The navigation and infotainment display is very old-school and could use an update, headroom is surprisingly tight for taller drivers given the Durango’s size, and a lazy steering ratio means you’ll be working the wheel a lot to maneuver in tight spaces.

End of the day, the big draws here will be the styling, ride quality, available V8 engine, and a generous list of equipment to tackle anything you need your great big family SUV to tackle. Durango hits the mark for looks, comfort, capability and power output, and has no glaring faults.

Be sure to check out the Acura MDX, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, if you’re exploring the market.

Pricing from about $38,000.

Road Tests and Reviews

Consumers
2012 Dodge Durango
Review this Vehicle
Styling
Accessories
Space and Access
Comfort
Performance
Driving Dynamics
Safety
General Appreciation
Name
Email
Comment
Password
Forgot your password? Click here
Cancel

Review Highlights

    2012 Dodge Durango Citadel
    dodge durango 2012
    2012 Dodge Durango Citadel
    Review this Vehicle
    Styling
    Accessories
    Space and Access
    Comfort
    Performance
    Driving Dynamics
    Safety
    General Appreciation
    Name
    Email
    Comment
    Password
    Forgot your password? Click here
    Cancel
    Justin Pritchard
    Justin Pritchard
    Automotive expert
    None