2004 Dodge Durango SLT Road Test

Much to Dodge's credit, the engineers mated the Magnum and HEMI V8s to automatic 5-speed transmissions. The extra cog,

The Durango spoils its occupants with what may be the smoothest SUV ride in its class. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

one more than most competitors' 4-speed auto-boxes, improves the engine's ability to operate at optimal torque producing revs, regardless of the vehicle's speed. The end result is improved performance and economy over rivals limited to a range of four gears. The Durango's autobox shifted smoothly and predictably. Downshifts for passing or hill climbing were executed with precision, whether the accelerator was human or computer managed. Climbing steep highway grades in the cruise control mode did not confuse the transmission's shift-logic. When a downshift was required it was undertaken without the hesitancy or indecisiveness that sometimes accompanies downshifts under the management of the cruise control system. There were occasions, however, when heavy de-acceleration from highway speeds would catch the transmission off-guard, and then some delay and gear bumping was experienced as the transmission reconfigured itself to match the change in velocity.

Regardless of velocity, the Durango spoils its occupants with what may be the smoothest SUV ride in its class. Coil springs at all four corners soak up road hostility like a dry sponge in a waterfall. Considering the rear coils are attached to a rigid axle, rather than a pair of independent arms, the Durango performed admirably over bumpy road surfaces. I didn't

Built with a body-on-frame design, the Durango is rigid and rock solid. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

experience rear-end hop that often plagues rigid axle vehicles as they encounter rough surfaces, especially during cornering maneuvers. The Durango's body-on-frame design results in a structure that is rigid and rock solid.

During the trip I took advantage of an opportunity to visit a friend's isolated mountain retreat. This short diversion from paved tarmac found us traversing hill and dale on long ago abandoned logging roads - the perfect environment to test the Durango's all-wheel drive and locking four-wheel drive systems. Midpoint on a gravelly ascent I stopped the Durango and nailed the gas pedal in the AWD setting. Without a lick of wheel-spin, the four wheels found traction and catapulted the 2,755 kg (4,750 lb) SUV forward with commanding thrust. I repeated this test, but with the Durango's four wheels locked-in.