2004 Dodge Durango Road Test

Both modern-day V8s deliver improved fuel efficiency compared with the previous Durango, by the way, and the HEMI Magnum

With its third row seat folded and middle row up, the result of the increased exterior dimensions is more cargo room than a Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition or Toyota Sequoia. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

offers a full 100-horsepower improvement over the 5.9-liter Magnum that it replaces, this while additionally achieving a 10-percent fuel economy improvement.

Apart from the awesome power of the HEMI engine, the biggest selling feature of the all-new Durango has to be its interior roominess, along with its superb towing and hauling capability. Addressing the former, it is larger than its predecessor by a length of seven inches, a width of two inches and a height of three inches. With its third row seat folded and middle row up, the result of the increased exterior dimensions is more cargo room than a Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition or Toyota Sequoia, and these are considered to be full-size SUVs.

The Durango is available with an optional 4x4 drivetrain setup, but a rear-drive, 4x2 system comes standard

The 2004 Durango delivers best-in-class cargo capacity, offering 67.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

at the bottom end. Both drivetrains are available in three trim levels, which include SLT, SLT Plus and a new Limited model. A unique two-tone leather interior is also available, though I always wonder about leather interiors in vehicles like this.

According to press notes, the 2004 Dodge Durango delivers best-in-class cargo capacity, offering 67.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. With the third- and second-row seats folded down, the Durango's flat load floor provides 101.0 cubic feet of space for gear, a 15-percent improvement over the previous-generation Durango.