Getting into the Durango with the running boards was, as usual, exasperating when the car was dirty. Your outfit either drags over the running boards or you had to climb onto the step, dock your head, twist your body, and somehow look both graceful and decent in the process. Once inside the seats just never got comfortable. The bottom pad was too short for me, and I am only 5'4," and the steering wheel does not telescope making it difficult for me to get a good feel. Fortunately, there is a nice option that enables you to adjust the pedals. With gas prices at record levels I wasn't too eager to take this SUV on a long trip so maybe I would have grown to like the seats better over time. The cupholders are only average, which is sad for a newly designed truck. I think they needed more female input on this vehicle.
Visibility to the side and back was good without people in the third row of seats. However, the A pillars are very wide and they can hide a pedestrian or object quite easily. Visibility of this SUV by others was high and we had a lot of people ask about it. It was quite interesting to note that many owners of the previous model were not pleased and wanted a more aggressive look for the Durango. We only hope they test-drive it to see the wonderful improvement it is over the old Dodge. We were pleased with the Durango's looks as it is not nearly as assault styled as the pervious, leaner model.
The interior of the Durango is quite subtle and has some nice touches. I would not call it attractive. There are three rows of seats in the new Durango. The middle row of seats has good legroom, and the third row is just for kids. Our test vehicle came with the optional rear entertainment center, which was nice except for a major flaw; you can't control it from the front seat. Yep, the kids are in total control. If you can handle that type of delegation of authority you should not have any problem with this $1100 option.
Young working woman's view: At a time when gas prices are at record highs it is difficult to be impressed by a vehicle that gets 12 mpg. However, if a big SUV is what you need, this is a nice riding one. There are three models, the ST, SLT and top-of-the-line Limited. All of them come with good standard features such as power windows, locks and mirrors; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD stereo; and cruise control. If you move up to the SLT you get a power driver seat, rear air conditioning, interior decorating items, fog lamps and the valuable third-row seat. The top of the line SLT provides leather seats, automatic climate control, an upgraded stereo and CD, auto-dimming mirrors, and memory systems for interior settings. There are also adjustable pedals, alloy wheels, and a remote security system. Prices range from just under $29,000 US to nearly $40,000.
Although I am not fond of SUVs, this one is among the best. It has a comfortable ride on the highway, although over some rougher roads it does have a problem acting dainty with its 5100 plus pounds fighting the physics of action reaction. I encourage you to test drive this vehicle on rougher roads if you intend to use it anywhere except highways. The ride is quite different as the pavement becomes irregular.